How to turn on your fingerprint Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Modern smartphones require strong protection of personal data, and Xiaomi Redmi 4X is no exception to this rule: built-in power button back scanner provides quick access to the device, but to get started it must be activated in the MIUI system. Many users face difficulties in initial calibration or do not know where exactly the necessary switches in the menu are hiding.

The process of tuning the biometrics takes only a few minutes, but requires careful attention to details such as the cleanness of the sensor surface and the correct sequence of actions. The fingerprint sensor on this model is highly accurate, but it is sensitive to contamination and moisture. If you just purchased the device or reset the settings to factory, you will need to re-register your fingerprints to unlock the screen and authorize applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of activation, look at the hidden functions of the scanner and answer frequent questions that arise from owners of Redmi 4X. You will learn how to increase the sensitivity of the sensor and what to do if it stopped responding to touch.

Preparing a smartphone for setting up biometrics

Before you go directly to fingerprint registration, you need to make sure that the device has a strong digital password or pattern lock. Android security requires a backup unlock method in case the sensor can not read the finger (for example, if the skin is damaged or severe contamination).

It’s also worth checking the relevance of the MIUI firmware version. Developers regularly release updates that may contain patches for the security modules and scanner drivers. Go to the settings and check for updates to rule out software errors that may have been fixed in newer versions of the OS.

It is important to prepare the finger itself to be used to unlock. The skin should be dry and clean. If you use a protective glass, make sure that it does not overlap the scanner area and does not have cracks in the reading area. Thick glass can reduce the sensitivity of the sensor, which will lead to frequent recognition errors.

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Wipe the back panel and scanner with a dry soft cloth before setting up to remove fatty traces that can distort the reading pattern of papillary lines.

Step-by-step instructions for activating the scanner

The MIUI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the version, but the main path to setup remains the same for all Xiaomi devices.The first thing you need to do is get to the main system settings menu.Look for the gear icon on your desktop or in the notification curtain and click on it.

Next, you'll find the lock and protect section. In the settings menu, scroll down to the optional settings, or immediately look for the password and security section. This is where all the device access control tools are concentrated. Click on this to open the submenu.

In the list that opens, select the option "Manage fingerprints" or "Unlock fingerprints"; the system will prompt you to enter a previously set password or graphical key to verify your identity; after successful authorization, you will see a switch that you need to activate.

Once the function is enabled, the system will suggest adding a first print. Press Add a fingerprint and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to repeatedly put your finger on the scanner, changing the angle of inclination slightly, so that the sensor counts different parts of the picture.

Fingerprint recording and sensor calibration

The scanning process requires patience and precision. When the palm image appears on the screen, apply your right index finger to the circular scanner under the switch button. Don't press your finger too hard, light enough, but confident enough. The scanner will vibrate when you read the area successfully.

After the first finger is fully read, the system will suggest adding another fingerprint or repeating the procedure to improve accuracy. It is recommended to register the thumbs of both hands, as they are most often convenient to unlock the phone in the supine position or holding it with one hand.

To improve recognition, you can use the feature of adding the same finger a second time under a different name (for example, "Finger 1" and "Finger 1 copy"), which allows you to count those areas that may have been missed on the first registration, especially if you often carry the phone in your pocket and your finger may be slightly wet.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to register a fingerprint if your finger has cuts, calluses or is heavily contaminated with paint, which will cause the sensor to malfunction in the future.

Once the scan is done, the system will run a test run, and you'll be asked to unlock the screen several times to make sure it's working correctly, and if it's less than 80 percent successful, you'd better remove the print and register it again, paying more attention to the edges of the finger pad.

Advanced Settings and Security Features

After successful registration, Xiaomi Redmi 4X offers not only the use of the fingerprint to log in, but also the ability to activate additional biometric use cases in the fingerprint management menu, making the scanner a powerful device management tool.

One of the most useful features is app authorization, which means you can let fingerprint login on banking apps, messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, and password repositories, so you don't have to type in long passwords every time.

Guest mode is also available, and you can set the scanner so that when you unlock it with a certain (previously unregistered primary) finger, the phone will go into guest mode, hiding private photos and messages, which is convenient when you need to give the phone to someone to call.

Another interesting option is to control music or perform actions with prolonged pressing or swiping on the scanner. While the functionality on the Redmi 4X may be limited to basic MIUI capabilities, it will take only a minute to check these settings.

Solution: If the scanner is not working

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the scanner stops responding or is interrupted. Most often the problem is a software failure or contamination. The first thing you try to reboot the device is to reset the temporary errors of the drivers responsible for the operation of the biometric module.

If the reboot didn’t work, check if the gloves or similar sensitivity enhancement features are on, which may conflict with the sensor on this model, and it’s also worth removing all saved prints and registering again, carefully following the instructions for changing the angle of the finger.

In rare cases, the problem may be hardware, if the phone fell or was exposed to moisture, the scanner plume could move away, but before you carry the device for repair, try resetting to the factory settings, saving important data beforehand, this will eliminate the impact of third-party applications or conflicts in the system.

The effect of protective accessories on the operation of the sensor

The use of covers and glass is an important aspect of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X. Since the scanner is located at the back, many owners buy cases with a neckline under the finger.

However, if you use a case without a cutout (for example, a transparent bumper with a closed back), the thickness of the plastic can be critical. The Redmi 4X scanner is not ultrasonic and works on the principle of touch reading. A layer of plastic even 1 mm can make reading impossible or extremely unstable.

As for the safety glasses, they don't affect the rear scanner, unlike the screens with built-in sensors, but if you glue the film on the entire back surface, make sure that it has a cutout or is thinned in the button area, otherwise you have to remove the case every time you unlock, which is inconvenient.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap silicone cases stretch over time and can slide over to cover part of the scanner. Regularly check for a match of the neckline of the case with the button.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Proper registration of the fingerprint from different angles and regular cleaning of the sensor is the key to fast and error-free operation of the security system of your Xiaomi.