Facial unlock on Xiaomi: how to set up and use Face Unlock

Unlocking a Xiaomi smartphone in the face is not only convenient, but also safe when set up correctly. Face Unlock technology uses a front-facing camera to scan facial features and access the device instantly. However, not all Xiaomi models support this feature, and in some regions it can be disabled by default due to local restrictions.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for activating face unlock, a list of compatible devices, and problem solving, from camera errors to conflicts with other authentication methods. MIUI And the new firmware HyperOS, because the configuration algorithm is a little different, and if your Xiaomi doesn't recognize a face in the dark or reacts too slowly, you'll learn how to fix it.

Which Xiaomi models support face unlock?

Face Unlock is not available on all Xiaomi smartphones, but depends on three factors: the presence of an infrared camera (for working in the dark), the firmware version and regional firmware.

• 📱 Flagship models: Xiaomi 13/14 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 5 Pro-support 3D-facial scan with IR illumination, allowing unlocking even at night.
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro, Xiaomi 12T — use 2D-Recognition (requires good lighting).
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi 10A, POCO M5 — Most often deprived of function due to a weak front camera.
• ⚠️ Regional restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (CN-Face Unlock may not be available in global builds.

To find out exactly if your Xiaomi supports face unlock, check the specifications on the official website or try to find the Face Unlock item in the Settings menu. → Passwords and security. If you don't have one, the function is not available.

Preparing your smartphone before setting up Face Unlock

Before you activate the face unlock, follow a few mandatory steps, which will help to avoid errors and ensure the stable operation of the function:

1. Update the firmware. Outdated versions. MIUI (below 12.5) may not support Face Unlock or work with bugs. → The phone. → Updating the system.
2. Clean the front camera. Dirt or scratches on the lens can distort the scan. Wipe the camera with a soft cloth.
3. Make sure the lighting is good. 2D-Recognition (most models) requires bright light. In the dark, the function may not work.
4. Set up an alternative unlock method.Face Unlock doesn't always work the first time, so add PIN-code or fingerprint in settings → Passwords and security.

Update the firmware to the latest version|Clean the front camera of dirt|Check the lighting in the room|Add a backup. PIN-finger-print-->

If you use HyperOS, note that the path to security settings may be different, for example, on some devices, the Face Unlock item is hidden in Settings. → Lock screen → Additional settings.

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t recognize a face with glasses or a beard, try adding an alternate face image in the settings. After the initial setup, go back to the Face Unlock menu and select “Add Face Data.”

Step-by-step: how to enable unlocking on the face

The process of activating Face Unlock on Xiaomi takes no more than a minute, but requires exact following the instructions. MIUI 12-14 hyperos:

For MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings and go to Passwords and Security.
2. Select Face Unlock (if no option, your model does not support the feature).
3. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
4. Click Add Face Data and follow the hints on the screen: Keep your phone at eye level, turn your head slowly.
5. After a successful scan, enable the Unlock option when you turn on the screen (if available).

For HyperOS:

1. Go to Settings. → Lock screen → Face Unlock.
2. Confirm your identity with the help of PIN-code.
3. Click Start setting and place your face in the ovale on the screen.
4. After scanning, activate the Allow Unlock switch.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) available option Requires confirmation by eye – it improves security, but can slow unlock.

Configure additional settings Face Unlock

Once you activate the face unlock, you can optimize the face unlock for your needs, and here are the key parameters that you should adjust:

On IR-camera devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the Unlock in the Dark option is available, activate it if you want to use Face Unlock at night, but note that IR-lighting can drain the battery faster.

⚠️ Warning: If you use live wallpaper or animations on the lock screen, Face Unlock may run slower. → Lock screen → Style for Accelerating Recognition.

Solving Face Unlocking Problems

Even when you set up Face Unlock correctly, it can crash, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Xiaomi doesn't recognize a face

• 🔦 Weak lighting: 2D-The scanners (on most models) require bright light. Try holding your phone to a window or turning on the lamp.
• 👓 Changes in appearance: If you shaved off your beard, changed your hairstyle or put on glasses, add an alternative face in the settings.
• 📱 Dirty camera: Wipe the front camera with an alcohol napkin.

2 Face Unlock is slow to work

• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off power saving mode in Settings → Battery.
• 🧹 System Boot: Close background apps or restart your phone.
• 🔄 Reset Face Unlock Settings: Delete Saved Face Data and Configure Again.

3.The function disappeared after the update

If Face Unlock disappeared after the update MIUI Or HyperOS, try it:

1. Reset security settings in Settings → Passwords and security → Resetting settings.
2. Install a beta version of the firmware (if available for your model).
3. Contact Xiaomi with error logs (collected through Settings) → The phone. → Error report).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro), Face Unlock may conflict with Always-on Display.If the lock screen does not go out completely, turn off AOD In Settings → Lock screen → Always-on Display.

Comparing Face Unlock with other Unlocking Methods

Face unlocking isn't the only biometric method on Xiaomi, but let's compare it to the alternatives in key terms:

For maximum security, combine Face Unlock with a fingerprint, such as setting up facial unlock for daytime use and a fingerprint scanner for night or payments.

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Face Unlock is more convenient than fingerprinting in everyday scenarios (such as when your hands are busy or you are wearing gloves), but inferior in security. PIN print.

Face Unlock Security: Myths and Reality

Many users have questioned the reliability of face unlock, and for good reason. Let's see how safe this method is:

2D-Recognition (on most Xiaomi):

• 📸 Vulnerable to photos: some models can be fooled by high-quality photos of the owner.
• 🎭 Does not recognize the live look: there is no check that in front of the camera a person is alive.
• 🔄 Easy to reset: After 5 failed attempts, the phone requires a PIN-code.

3D-Recognition (on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra):

• 🔒 Uses an IR camera and a point projector to create 3D-face-size.
• 🚫 Do not cheat with a photograph or mask (in most cases).
• 💡 It works in the dark thanks to IR lighting.

To improve safety:

1. Turn off the option to unlock when the screen is off (if any).
2. Activate Required View Confirmation (available on HyperOS).
3. Set up two-factor authentication for critical applications (banks, instant messengers).

⚠️ Note: If you lost a phone with Face Unlock configured, an attacker can unlock it with your photo (on models without Face Unlock). 3D-Always install complex scanners. PIN-code as a backup method!

FAQ: Frequent questions about face unlock on Xiaomi