Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is still actively used due to the powerful hardware and support for updates. However, many owners face problems when setting up the fingerprint scanner: the sensor does not respond, the system emits an error “failed to add a fingerprint.” In this article, we will analyze all the ways to activate and adjust biometric protection, including hidden MIUI functions and solving typical problems.
The fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is located on the back of the camera and works on the basis of the Goodix optical sensor. Unlike the flagship ultrasonic scanners, it requires the correct position of the finger and clean surface. If you first adjust biometrics or encountered an error after the MIUI update, follow our recommendations to avoid common errors.
Preparing the smartphone before setting up the fingerprint
Before adding a fingerprint, make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro is ready for the procedure.Missing these steps often leads to crashes or low recognition accuracy.
First, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. Old builds (below MIUI 12.5) may have had sensor bugs. Check the software's relevance in Settings → About Phone → System Update. If an update is available, install it and restart the device.
Second, clean the back panel and finger of fat, dust or moisture. The optical scanner is sensitive to contamination: even a thin layer of sebum can interfere with reading. Use a dry microfiber or a napkin with alcohol (not aggressive chemistry!).
- 📱 Minimum version MIUI: 12.0.3.0 or later (for stable scanner operation).
- 🔋 Battery charge: at least 20% (at low charge, the system can block the addition of fingerprints).
- 🧴 Prohibited substances: creams, lotions or antiseptics based on oils - they leave the film on the sensor.
⚠️ Warning: If you have recently dropped your phone or noticed cracks near the scanner, do not try to add a fingerprint. The damaged sensor may not work correctly or may fail altogether.
Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint
The process of adding a fingerprint to the Redmi Note 8 Pro takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm.
Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → If this is your first fingerprint, the system will request PIN-A code or pattern lock (you need to specify it in advance!) without a master password, you can't add biometrics - it's a security requirement. MIUI.
- Click on “Add fingerprint” and confirm the current PIN.
- Place your finger on the scanner (on the back of the camera), and the sensor should light up green, which is a signal to start scanning.
- Raise and lower your finger until the scale is 100% full. Don't push hard -- a light touch is enough.
- Keep a print and assign it a name (e.g., "Indicative Right").
After a successful addition, check the scanner: lock the screen (Power button) and try to unlock it with a fingerprint. If it does not work the first time, try again, slightly changing the angle of your finger.
Update MIUI last-minute|Clean the sensor and finger from contamination|Ask PIN-code|Charge your phone at least 20 times%-->
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even if you set up the fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note 8 Pro correctly, it can still be buggy, and let's look at the typical issues and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to add a print" | Dirty sensor or finger, scanner damage | Clean the surface, try again. If it doesn't work, reset the security settings (Settings → Passwords → Fingerprint Data Reset) |
| The scanner doesn't respond to the touch. | Disabled in settings, conflict with the case | Check if the feature is enabled in Settings → Passwords. Remove the case - it can block the sensor. |
| The fingerprint is only recognized with 3-5 attempts. | Poor lighting, partial scanning | Add the fingerprint again, holding your finger at different angles. Use bright lighting. |
| After the MIUI update, the scanner stopped working. | Failure of system files | Do a reset of security settings or restart your phone in Safe Mode. |
If none of these methods worked, try rolling back the MIUI update (if the problem occurred after the update) or resetting to factory settings. Before resetting, save important data!
⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware (e.g., custom) ROM) The fingerprint scanner may not work due to the lack of drivers, in which case, return to the official MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
What to do if the scanner is physically damaged?
Additional settings of the fingerprint scanner
MIUI offers several hidden features to fine-tune the biometrics, such as changing the recognition rate or turning off the vibration when unlocked.
To open advanced settings, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Fingerprints → Additional (on some firmware, the item may be called “Scanner Settings”).
- 🔄 Fast unlocking: speeds up recognition but reduces accuracy (helpful if scanner is slow).
- 🔕 Vibration on touch: disables tactile response (saves battery power).
- 📱 Unlocking in your pocket: allows you to use a print even when the phone is in a case (risk of accidental touching!).
- 🔒 Application Locking: Assigns a fingerprint to the role of a “master key” to access secure folders.
Also, in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can set up gestures with a fingerprint. For example, swipe down the scanner opens the notification bar, and double tap launches the camera. Activates in Settings → Additional Features → Gestures with a fingerprint.
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If the scanner does not work well in winter, warm your finger before use - the cold reduces blood flow, and the sensor reads the picture worse.
How to remove or reset your fingerprints
If you want to remove an old print or reset all biometrics (for example, before selling your phone), do so through the settings menu. PIN-The fingerprint cannot be removed as a measure of protection against unauthorized access.
To remove a separate print:
- Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints.
- Select the desired fingerprint from the list and click Delete.
- Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
For a complete reset of all biometric data (fingerprints and face):
- Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Reset fingerprint data.
- Enter. PIN-code and confirm reset.
- The phone will reboot and all fingerprints will be deleted.
⚠️ Note: After a fingerprint is reset, some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may require re-authorization.
Redmi Note 8 Pro scanner compared to other Xiaomi models
The fingerprint sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the first-generation optical scanners that are inferior to modern ultrasonic solutions (for example, in the Xiaomi 13 Pro).
| Model | Type of scanner | Recognition speed | Working with wet fingers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | Optical (Goodix) | ~0.8 sec. | No. |
| Poco X3 Pro | Optical (side-mounted) | ~0.6 sec. | Partially. |
| Xiaomi 12T | Optical (under the screen) | ~0.4 sec. | Yes. |
| Black Shark 5 | Ultrasonic. | ~0.3 sec. | Yes. |
If you’re planning to upgrade to a newer model, look for smartphones with scanners under the screen (like the Redmi K50 Pro or Xiaomi 13), which are not only faster, but also more reliable in different environments.
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The Redmi Note 8 Pro optical scanner requires cleanliness and the right angle of the finger, and it works consistently under these conditions, but is inferior to flagship solutions in speed and versatility.
Alternative methods of unlocking
If the fingerprint scanner still does not suit or fails, alternative unlocking methods are available in the Redmi Note 8 Pro:
- 🔢 PIN-Code/password: a reliable but less convenient method. 6 combinations are recommended.+ symbolism.
- 😊 Face Unlock: Face recognition (works even in the dark) MIUI 13+). Less safe than a print.
- 📍 Smart Lock: Automatically unlock in trusted locations (home, work) or when connected to trusted devices (e.g. smartwatches).
- 🔑 Hardware keys: unlocking through USB-key (e.g. YubiKey) – requires root rights.
To enable Face Unlock, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Face Recognition. The system will ask you to create a backup PIN (if it is not already there) and perform a face scan. For reliability, add 2-3 angles (with glasses, without glasses, in different lighting).
Smart Lock is configured in Settings → Passwords → Smart Lock. You can add here:
- 🏠 Trusted places: the phone is unlocked automatically GPS.
- 🎧 Trusted devices: unlock when connected to Bluetooth headphones or fitness bracelet.
- 👤 Voice recognition: experimental function (requires a good microphone).
⚠️ Face Unlock and Smart Lock are less secure than a print or a print. PIN. Do not use them to protect financial applications or corporate data.