Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 fingerprint scanner: how to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its balance of price and functionality. Among the key features of the model is the built-in fingerprint scanner, which significantly speeds up unlocking the device and improves security. However, many users face difficulties when first setting up the sensor: the menu is not located, the fingerprint is not saved, the scanner does not respond to touch.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to enable the fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note. 4 (including versions MIUI 8/9/10/11), We'll explain why the sensor might not work, and we'll give you practical tips for optimizing the sensor. MIUI, which allows for faster recognition of fingerprints 30-40% — This information is not available in official Xiaomi documentation.

Does your Redmi Note 4 support a fingerprint scanner?

Before you try to set up the sensor, make sure that your Redmi Note 4 model has one at all.

• 📱 Redmi Note 4 (Qualcomm) – with Snapdragon 625 processor and fingerprint scanner on the back.
• 📱 Redmi Note 4X (MediaTek – with Helio chipset X20, Also with the scanner (the most common version).
• 📱 Redmi Note 4 (India Special Edition) – identical to Qualcomm, but with different software.

The only modification without the scanner is the Redmi Note 4 MTK for some Asian markets (which is extremely rare).

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click 7 times on the kernel version bar to activate Developer Mode.
3. Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and find the item Model of the device.

If the model name has a mido (like the Redmi Note 4 mido), you have a version with a Snapdragon and a scanner. If the nikel is a MediaTek variant that also supports the sensor.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the fingerprint scanner

The activation process takes no more than 3-5 minutes, but requires attention to detail.

1. Open the security settings Go to the settings → Lockdown and protection → Fingerprints. If you don't have a point, you'll need to set it up first. PIN-code or pattern lock (mandatory condition for the scanner to work!).
2. Add the first print Press Add the fingerprint, then enter the current one. PIN-Follow the hints on the screen: put your finger on the sensor at different angles until the scale is 100%.
3. Set up actions for the fingerprint After saving the fingerprint, the system will suggest choosing what to use it for: 🔓 Unlocking the screen (main function). 🛡️ Confirmation of payments (for MIUI Wallet or Google Pay). 🔐 Hidden folders (access to protected files).

Check the sensor's operation.

Lock the screen (power button) and try to unlock it with the touch of your finger. If the scanner doesn't work the first time, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

⚠️ Note: If you added a fingerprint, but the scanner stopped working after the update MIUI — Reset the sensor settings. To do this, delete all the saved prints (Settings) → Fingerprints. → Delete the data) and add it again.

Optimization of the scanner: hidden settings MIUI

By default, the scanner on the Redmi Note 4 is correct, but it can be made even faster and more reliable.

1. Increase recognition speed Activate Developer Mode (as described above), then go to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable Windows Animation = 0.5x. This will reduce the delay when unlocked by 0.3-0.5 seconds.
2. Turn off vibration when triggered In the same settings for developers, find the Vibration when you touch it and deactivate it. This will eliminate false alarms of the sensor.
3. Use Smart Lock in Settings → Lock and Protection → Smart Lock Add trusted devices (such as smartwatches or Bluetooth headphones) to bypass the scanner in safe environments (such as at home).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The scanner stopped working completely, and the fingerprint tab was lost in the settings, which is a sign of a firmware failure. Restore the system through Fastboot (instructions in the section "Recover the scanner after a failure").

Recovery of the scanner after a firmware failure

In rare cases (usually after unofficial firmware or interrupted updates), the fingerprint scanner may disappear completely from the system, due to damage to the persist files or sensor drivers.

1. Make a backup of your data Use Mi Cloud or TWRP (if installed).
2. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website, then execute the commands: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip fastboot reboot
3. If the scanner still does not work after firmware, type in Fastboot: fastboot erase persist fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase persist team will reset all sensor calibrations (including the gyroscope and accelerometer) and after the reboot, you will have to reconfigure the screen autorotation and gestures.

💡

If the scanner stopped working after installing custom firmware (like LineageOS), check the compatibility of the kernel. AOSP-Firmware does not support proprietary Xiaomi drivers for fingerprint sensor.

Alternative ways to unlock

If the fingerprint scanner is permanently out of order, but the phone needs to continue to be used, configure alternative unlock methods:

• 🔢 PIN-code is reliable, but requires input every time.
• 🔄 pattern lock – convenient, but less secure.
• 👁️ Facial recognition (available on the MIUI 10+) — Slower than the scanner, but without contact.
• 📍 Smart Lock – Automatic unlocking in trusted places (home, work).

To activate facial recognition:

1. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Face Recognition.
2. Create a face pattern by following the prompts (slowly rotate your head).
3. Enable the option of Improved Recognition for working in the dark.

💡 Tip: Combine facial recognition with smart locking. For example, set up automatic unlock when connecting to your home Wi-Fi, and use it in public places PIN-code.

Redmi Note 4 scanner compared to other Xiaomi models

The fingerprint sensor in the Redmi Note 4 belongs to the first generation of Xiaomi scanners, which are inferior to modern solutions in speed and accuracy.

As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 4 is faster than even the more budget-friendly models, but it has the advantage of reliability: capacitive sensors are less likely to fail than optical or ultrasonic sensors.

If you’re planning an upgrade, look for models with in-screen scanners (like the Redmi K50 or POCO F4). They’re not only faster, but also support gestures (like swiping down to open the notification curtain).

FAQ: Frequent questions about fingerprint scanner