Xiaomi smartphones have long proven to offer a great balance between price and functionality, and the Redmi 8 is no exception. One of the key elements of personal data protection in today’s gadget is biometric authorization, which allows you to instantly access the system without entering a password. Owners of budget and mid-budget devices often have to initially configure all security features immediately after buying or resetting settings.
The process of activating the fingerprint scanner on Redmi 8 takes only a few minutes, but requires care to ensure high recognition accuracy. Biometric data is stored in a secure partition of the phone's memory, making it safe to use for authorization in banking applications and payment systems. Proper calibration of the sensor during the setup stage will save the user from problems with false failures in the future.
In this article, we will take a closer look at each step of activating the feature, look at the nuances of working with the MIUI shell, and pay attention to the possible difficulties that may arise in the process. Understanding the principles of the fingerprint scanner will help you to maximize the capabilities of your smartphone.
Scanner location and preparation for setting up
The first step before you start the software setup is to physically familiarize yourself with the device. In the Xiaomi Redmi 8, engineers placed a fingerprint reader on the back of the case, a position considered classic and ergonomic for many users, allowing you to unlock the phone with your right or left thumb without changing the grip of the device.
It is essential that the scanner surface and your finger be clean and dry before the procedure begins. Fat marks, dust or moisture can significantly reduce the reading quality and lead to errors during the initial scan. The optical sensor installed in this model is sensitive to contamination, so wipe the back panel with a soft cloth before starting work.
Also make sure that the battery is at least 20-30% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of recording biometric data.Although the setup process does not require much power, a sudden power outage can cause a software failure in the TrustZone security module.If you just turned on the phone after a long downtime, let it fully boot the system before going to the settings menu.
⚠️ Note: Do not use protective films or covers with protruding elements in the scanner area during settings, as they can shift the finger and distort the pattern of papillary lines.
📊 Where do you have your fingerprint scanner?
On the back panel.
In the switch (side)
Under the screen
I only use a password.
I don't have a scanner.
To start working with biometrics, you need to get into the appropriate system settings menu. The MIUI shell, on which the smartphone operating system is based, has a logical structure, but the path to the desired point can vary depending on the firmware version (Global, China, EEA).
In the list of options that opens, you need to find the section responsible for security and privacy, and most versions of the firmware for Redmi 8 it is called Passwords and Security or Lock and Protect. This is where all the device access control tools are concentrated, including the installation of a pattern lock, PIN-code and biometrics.
Once you log in to the security section, you will see Unlock by fingerprint. When you first click, the system will require you to confirm your device administrator rights by requesting a previously installed password or pattern lock, a mandatory security measure to prevent unauthorized persons from changing security settings.
Once you've successfully logged in, the fingerprint interface will open, and the system will tell you to click "Add fingerprint." At this point, the security algorithm will start recording your finger image. Take your time, execute all the commands that appear on the screen for the best result.
Scanning process and sensor calibration
The most important step is direct scanning. The screen of the Redmi 8 smartphone will illustrate the outline of the finger that you need to apply to the sensor on the back panel. The system will read the print in stages, filling in the virtual circle on the display, your task is to change the angle of the finger after each vibration signal or soundtrack.
You need to touch the sensor with different parts of your finger: the center, the edges, the top and bottom of the pad. The quality of recognition depends on how diverse the data obtained during the scanning process is. If you put your finger on only the same side, the phone may not recognize you when you change the angle of grip of the device in your hand.
The sequence of actions during the scan:
1. Put your finger on the sensor.
2. Wait for the vibration.
3. Take your finger away.
4. Change the angle of inclination slightly.
5. Repeat the cycle 10-15 times.
When you fill in the progress scale, the system might ask you to press the sensor in a certain way, or you might ask you to move your finger a little bit. Follow the visual cues on the screen. If the sensor stopped responding or progress stopped, maybe the finger was applied too weakly or, conversely, with excessive pressure.
What if the progress is 90% stuck?
If the fill indicator stays in one place for a long time, try to wipe the sensor with an alcohol napkin and let it dry. It is also worthwhile to slightly moisten your finger if the skin is very dry, since optical sensors are worse at reading dry skin. In extreme cases, remove the current print and start scanning again, changing the force of pressing.> Adding alternative fingerprints and controlling MIUI is the ability to add multiple fingerprints for one user. This is especially true if you want to be able to unlock your phone with different fingers or if you plan to share your phone with a trusted spouse (for example, a maximum number of prints). To add a second or subsequent fingerprint, you need to go back to the Passwords and Security menu and select the add option again. The system will suggest choosing which finger you are going to scan (big, index, etc.), which helps to avoid confusion. It is recommended to immediately call the fingerprints clear, for example, "Right big" or "Left index." Managing stored biometric data allows you to remove old or incorrectly working fingerprints. In the list of added fingers next to each of them, there is usually a basket icon or an delete button. Regular checking the relevance of stored data helps to maintain a high speed of unlock. Action Description Recommendation Addition Record new fingerprint Scan in good light Removal Erase of finger data Delete only unused Name Change of fingerprint name Use clear names Reset all Delete all biometrics Do before selling phone ⚠️ Note: When a fingerprint is removed, the data is permanently erased from the protected memory, the deleted biometric profile cannot be restored, and a rescan will be required. In addition to simply unlocking the screen, the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 8 can perform a number of other useful actions. The fingerprint settings menu often provides the option to unlock the device when the screen is off. This allows you not to press the power button to activate the display - just apply your finger to the sensor. Also worth paying attention to the privacy settings of applications. Many users do not know that logging into certain programs (gallery, messengers, banking applications) can be protected with a separate password or fingerprint. This feature is called Application Protection and is located in the same section of security settings. To activate advanced functions, you need to go to the menu Additional inside the fingerprint section. Here you can find switches to unlock in the "Pocket" mode (when the phone is in your pocket) or adjust the sensor response speed. Some versions of MIUI allow you to assign actions for long-term pressing on the scanner, for example, you need to start the cameras separately, or the user's to use the phoning of the application (Imotes in the user's). After setting up the scanner in the system, go to your bank's security settings and select the "Biometry" or "Fingerprint" login method. Problem solving and diagnostics Despite the reliability of the technology, users may encounter situations where the scanner stops responding or is not working correctly. One of the common reasons is a security software failure. In this case, a simple reboot of the device that restarts all system processes, including sensor drivers. If the phone has stopped recognizing a previously saved finger, try to remove the old print and write it back again, paying special attention to the edges of the pillows. Sometimes the cause of a software security failure, the sensor is too weak, which has a specially distorted window. If the scanner does not respond to touch at all (no vibration, no reaction on the screen), damage to the plume or the module itself is possible. For diagnostics, you can use an engineering menu or special applications for checking (iron), but for Redmi 8, it is often enough to reset the settings to factory ones if the problem is software-based. 💡If the scanner stopped working after falling or getting moisture, software methods may not help - you need to check the physical condition of the module in the service center. MIUI The biometrics settings can be reset for security purposes. This is normal system behavior, requiring re-authorization and possibly re-configuring the fingerprints. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can you unlock Xiaomi Redmi 8 with a wet finger? The optical scanners used in Redmi 8 don't work well with wet skin. Water distorts light reflected from papillary lines, leading to read errors. It's recommended to wipe your hands dry before use. Is it safe to keep a fingerprint on your phone? Yes, the fingerprint data is not stored as an image, but is converted into a digital hash code and stored in an isolated secure module (TEE). Even when you hack a system, you can't get the original image of your finger from that code. Why does the phone ask for a password after you reboot, rather than accepting a fingerprint? It's a standard Android security measure. After each complete reboot of the device, the first authorization should be carried out only with the primary password, PIN-This protects the data in the event that the device has been turned off by an attacker. How many fingerprints can you add to a single account? Redmi 8's MIUI system allows you to save up to 5 different fingerprints, which allows you to combine different fingers of one hand or add fingerprints of several trusted people.