Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its excellent price-to-feature ratio, among its key features is a fingerprint scanner, which significantly speeds up unlocking and improves security. However, many users face problems when first setting up the sensor: the system does not recognize a finger, the scanner works once or not at all. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of turning on a fingerprint from preparing the device to solving typical errors.
It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the MIUI version (10 to 14) and regional firmware, and we've taken all the nuances into account and prepared a universal guide that will work even for custom builds. If you just bought a Redmi Note 7 or reset it to factory settings, this guide will help you avoid common errors and customize biometrics the first time.
Preparing the smartphone before setting up the fingerprint
Before adding a fingerprint, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is ready for the procedure. Skipping these steps often causes the scanner to malfunction or be completely ineffective in activating it.
First, check the MIUI version: the fingerprint scanner may not work on very outdated firmware (below MIUI 10.3). Update the system via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Also make sure there is no protective film or glass on the screen that covers the sensor - this is a common cause of malfunction.
- 📱 Update your firmware to the latest stable version (minimum — MIUI 10.3)
- 🔒 Remove the screen lock if it is installed (PIN, graphical key)
- 🧹 Clean the sensor from dirt and fat with a dry wipe
- 🔋 Battery charge must be at least 20% (at low charge, the system can block the settings)
⚠️ Note: If you use unofficial firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the fingerprint scanner may not work properly or at all. MIUI via Fastboot.
Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint
Now, the basic process, the manuals are suitable for all versions of MIUI, but the layout of some menu items may vary slightly.
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Screen Lock and Password (or Security in some versions).
- Select Fingerprint Addition. The system will request the current PIN-A password or code is a mandatory security step.
- Follow the on-screen tips: press your finger against the scanner (located on the back of the camera) and raise it when the vibration appears. Repeat the process 6-8 times, changing the angle of the finger application for better recognition.
- After a successful scan, assign a name (e.g., “Indicative Right”) to the fingerprint and save it.
⚠️ Warning: If you have a "Not Added a Print" error when setting up, try restarting your phone and repeating the process. Also check if the power saving mode is on, which can block the sensor from working.
☑️ Checklist before adding a print
Optimization of the scanner: tips and tricks
Even after a successful setup, the scanner may not work perfectly, either slowly recognizing a finger or requiring multiple attempts.
- 💧 Wet hands are the scanner's biggest enemy.
- 🔄 Add the same finger twice at different angles for reliability.
- 🛠️ Clean the sensor with an alcohol napkin (do not use abrasive materials!).
- 🔋 Turn off battery optimization for com.android.biometrics in application settings.
On the Redmi Note 7, the fingerprint scanner only works to unlock the screen and log in to some apps (like Mi Wallet) and does not support payment via Google Pay or other banking services due to hardware platform limitations.
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If the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting it: delete all the saved prints and add them again, often solving the problem without completely resetting the phone.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right setup, Redmi Note 7 users face typical problems, and we’ve collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The scanner doesn't respond to the touch. | Sensor contamination or plume damage | Clean the sensor; if it does not help, contact the service |
| Error "Can't add a fingerprint" | System failure or outdated firmware | Update MIUI or reset security settings |
| The scanner works once. | Weak contact of the sensor with the board | Restart your phone; if the problem persists, you need a diagnosis |
| The fingerprint is not recognized after the update | Resetting security settings | Remove old prints and add them again. |
If none of these methods worked, check the integrity of the scanner plume. On the Redmi Note 7, this is a common problem after falling or disassembling the phone. You can do the diagnostics yourself by running a hardware test through the engineering menu (#4636## → Hardware Testing).
How to check the sensor through the engineering menu?
Security: What you need to know about Xiaomi fingerprints
While the fingerprint scanner is convenient, it's not a complete protection, and here are the key points that many people forget:
- 🔐 The fingerprint is stored locally in a protected memory area and is not transferred to the Xiaomi cloud.
- 🚨 Anyone can unlock your phone if you are asleep and your finger touches the sensor (e.g. in a vehicle).
- 📱 When reset to factory settings, all prints are automatically deleted.
- 🔄 A maximum of 5 prints can be saved at the same time.
For maximum safety, we recommend combining the print with PIN-It's going to protect your data if someone tries to unlock your phone with your finger without knowing. MIUI Frequently fix biometric system vulnerabilities.
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A fingerprint is a convenience, not a complete password replacement. Always set a backup unlock method (PIN or pattern lock) in case the scanner crashes.
Alternative methods of unlocking on Redmi Note 7
If the fingerprint scanner has stopped working or you prefer other methods, the Redmi Note 7 supports several alternatives:
- 🔢 PIN-code: classic 4-digit code (recommended length - 6)+ symbolism).
- 🔄 pattern lock: convenient, but less secure (you can see the traces on the screen).
- 👁️ Facial recognition: works fast but not safe (unlocked from photo).
- 🔑 Smart Lock: Automatically unlock in trusted locations (home, work) or when connected to a trusted device (e.g. Mi Band).
To enable facial recognition, go to Settings → Screen Lock and Password → Face Recognition. Keep in mind that this method is less reliable than a print or PIN, as it can trigger a photo or video with your face. To activate Smart Lock, you will need to install the Google Smart Lock app (available in the Play Market).