How to set up a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi Note: from unlock to hidden features

The fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is not just a way to unlock the screen, but a full-fledged security and convenience tool. Many users limit themselves to the basic configuration of the scanner, without even knowing that it can be used to protect individual applications, hide notifications or activate incognito mode in the scanner. MIUI. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard procedure for adding a fingerprint, but also little-known chips that will make your Redmi Note even safer.

It is important to understand that the location of the sensor depends on the model: in the Redmi Note 10/11 It is built into the power button, and in earlier versions (for example, Redmi Note). 8 Pro is placed on the back, and it affects the speed of the response and some settings, and it's also worth considering that once the phone is reset to the factory settings, all the fingerprints that you have saved are automatically deleted, and you have to add them back.

If you just bought a smartphone or have never used biometric authorization, our step-by-step instructions will help avoid typical errors. For example, many forget that the scanner must be preinstalled. PIN-If you have a code, a pattern lock, or a password, you don't have to add a fingerprint, and Redmi Note 12 owners often have a problem when the sensor doesn't respond because of the protective film on the power button.

Preparing a smartphone for setting up a fingerprint

Before you start adding a fingerprint, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note is ready for this procedure.

• 🔒 Is there a basic way to unlock? The fingerprint scanner cannot be the only way to authenticate. PIN, Password or pattern lock at each reboot or after 72 hours of unblocking.
• 📱 Is the firmware updated? Old versions. MIUI (below 12.5) some scanner features may not be available, such as unlocking applications. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧴 Are your hands clean and your sensor? Fat marks, moisture, or dirt on your finger or scanner lead to reading errors. Wipe the power button (or back panel) with a dry wipe.
• 🔋 Is the battery charged? The process of adding a fingerprint requires several touches — if the phone runs out during setup, the data may not be stored correctly.

Pay special attention to safety films. On many Redmi Notes (especially newer ones), the power button is closed with factory film, which can block the sensor from working. If the scanner does not respond to touch, gently tuck the film into the area of the button, which often solves the problem without contacting the service.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a magnetic lock case (like a book), make sure it doesn't cover the sensor area. - Some Redmi Note models 9/10 magnetic field can interfere with the correct reading of the fingerprint.

It is also worth noting that the Redmi Note AMOLED-screens (for example, Note 11 Pro)+) The scanner can be faster because of the optimized power consumption of the display. IPS-Matrices (like Note 8) sometimes have delays when unlocked in bright sunlight.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

Now, let's get to the process itself. The instructions are suitable for all Redmi Note models with a fingerprint sensor (including the Note 12 Pro).+, Note 11S Follow the steps carefully, skipping even one item can lead to an error.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section (in some firmwares it may be called Lock and Protection).
3. Select the Fingerprint Sensor option, and if it’s not listed, your model doesn’t support this feature (e.g., the Redmi Note 7 as standard).
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, password or pattern lock to verify identity.
5. Press Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen. The system will ask you to touch the sensor several times (usually 8-12 touches).
6. Once added successfully, assign a name (e.g., “Right-hand Indicator”) to help manage multiple prints.

When scanning, try to touch the sensor with the same part of your finger, so the accuracy of recognition will be higher. If the system produces an error "Failure to recognize the fingerprint", try:

• 👆 Change the angle of touch (for example, press the button a little more strongly).
• 🧼 Wipe your finger and sensor with an alcohol wipe.
• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the procedure.

On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, the Enhanced Recognition feature is available, which allows you to add up to 5 fingerprints of one finger at different angles. This is useful if you often pick up your phone with an uncomfortable hand. To activate it, after adding the main fingerprint, click Improve Accuracy and repeat the scan.

Installed PIN/password|Sensor clean and dry.|Battery charged more than that. 20%|Updated firmware MIUI|Removed protective film from the power button-->

Set up unlocking the screen and applications

Once you add a fingerprint, you need to tie it to specific actions. By default, the scanner is only used to unlock the screen, but in the end, it's not a good idea. MIUI There are additional options:

To block applications, go to Settings → Passwords and security → Application lock. Here you can select programs that will require a fingerprint when you open. Please note that some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be blocked.

On the Redmi Note 11 Pro and later, there's a useful feature called "Unlock in your pocket," which lets you unlock your phone automatically when you pull it out of your pocket without waiting for the sensor to touch it, so you can turn it on.

1. Go to Settings. → Display. → Automatic unlocking.
2. Activate the Unlock option when extracted.
3. Select fingerprint as the authorization method.

⚠️ Note: If you use the Smart Lock feature (unlock in trusted places), a fingerprint may not be requested on your home Wi-Fi network.This reduces security - disable unnecessary trusted devices in Settings → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.

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To speed up unlocking, add the same finger twice at different angles, such as "Right-hand pointer" and "Right-hand pointer (side-touch)".

Problem Solving: The sensor is not working or does not recognize the fingerprint

Even the new Xiaomi Redmi Note phones sometimes have scanner malfunctions, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.The sensor is not responding to touch

• 🔌 Check physical condition: Make sure the power button doesn't fall or get damaged.The Redmi Note 9 and Note 10 often break the sensor plume after falls.
• 🛠️ Reboot your phone: Hold the power button 10 seconds before vibration, then turn the device on again.
• 📲 Reset sensor settings: Remove all fingerprints in Settings → Passwords and security → Sensor fingerprints and add them again.

2. The fingerprint is not recognized the first time.

• 👆 Add your finger at different angles: In the fingerprint settings, click Improve Accuracy and repeat the scan.
• 🧴 Use the other finger: Some users note that the thumb is read worse than the index finger.
• 🔋 Check the energy saving mode: In Settings → Battery → Power saving mode disable restrictions for System settings.

3.After the update MIUI sensor stopped working

This is a typical issue for the Redmi Note 8 Pro and Note 9 Pro after upgrading to the MIUI 13+. Decision:

1. Delete all fingerprints in the settings.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line with the version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and disable the debugging option USB (Yeah, it's weird, but it helps!).
4. Reboot your phone and add the print again.

If none of these things work, check if the sensor at the system level is turned off.

Enter the dialer: ##6484##


Select the Fingerprint Test and follow the instructions.

If the test shows an error, there is probably a problem in the hardware - contact the service center.

Hidden Features of the Fingerprint Sensor on the Redmi Note

Few people know, but the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi Note can be used not only to unlock.

1. Quickly open applications

Starting with MIUI 12, you can assign a fingerprint to run a particular application. For example, a double touch of the sensor can open a camera or a flashlight:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures.
2. Select the fingerprint sensor.
3. Set an action (e.g., double touching) → Camera).

2. Hiding notifications on a locked screen

If you turn on incognito, the content of the notifications will be hidden until you unlock the phone with your fingerprint, which is useful for protecting sensitive information.

Settings → Notifications → Incognito mode

3. Unlocking hidden folders in the gallery

V MIUI There's a built-in feature of hidden albums that are protected by a print:

1. Open the gallery. → Albums.
2. Swipe down and click on the Castle icon.
3. Select the photos you want to hide and confirm with a fingerprint.

Access to hidden files will only be possible after scanning your finger.

Automatic lighting of the flashlight

Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You can set a long press on the sensor to turn on the flashlight, which is convenient when one hand is occupied:

Settings → Additionally. → Power button → Long press. → Lantern

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On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ The fingerprint sensor supports unlock animation, so when you scan successfully, you get a pulse-like wave on the screen "MIUI 14 Dynamic".

How to protect your data if your phone is stolen

A fingerprint is a convenient, but not the most reliable way to protect yourself, and attackers can force your Redmi Note to be unlocked if you're asleep or unconscious, to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Set up a hard one. PIN-Code: Use a combination of 8+ It's a number and letter character that you'll need to unlock after you restart.
• ⏱️ Set up automatic lock: In Settings → Display. → Sleep and lock screen select the minimum time (e.g. 15 seconds).
• 📍 Activate Find Device: This will allow you to remotely block or erase data from your phone. → Xiaomi account → Find Device.
• 🚫 Disable Smart Lock: Auto-Unlocking in Trusted Places (like Home) Reduces Security.

If you are forced to unlock your phone with a fingerprint, you can try deliberately incorrectly touching the sensor 5 times in a row, after which the system temporarily locks the scanner and requires input. PIN-This will give you time to report theft or activate Find Device mode.

On the Redmi Note with MIUI 13+ There's a Safe Mode feature that turns off biometric authorization in an emergency:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Safe regime.
2. Activate the option to Disable Biometrics in Safe Mode.
3. Now, if you quickly press the power button 5 times, the phone will go to safe mode, where the print will not work.

⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer your Redmi Note to another person, be sure to delete all prints in the settings. Even after resetting to factory settings, some biometric data can be stored in the sensor memory (especially on models before the Redmi Note 9).

Comparison of fingerprint sensors on different models of Redmi Note

The fingerprint scanning technology is evolving, and different types of sensors are used across generations of the Redmi Note.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro and later uses an optical sensor under the screen that scans the print through the display. It looks futuristically, but has its own nuances:

• 🌞 In bright sun, it may not work the first time.
• 📱 Requires special protective glasses (normal films block the scanner).
• 💧 Does not work with wet or dirty fingers.

If you choose between models, note: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It's equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that's more reliable than the optical sensor, and it can detect fingerprints even through slight skin lesions (like scratches) and it can work at low temperatures.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a print on Redmi Note