Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They offer users a high level of protection of personal data through the introduction of biometric technologies. A fingerprint scanner is one of the most convenient and quickest ways to unlock a device that significantly exceeds the speed of entering a pattern lock or a graphical key. PIN-However, after buying a new gadget or updating the operating system MIUI HyperOS users often face the need to re-activate this feature.
The setup process can seem confusing due to constant changes in the menu structure and renaming items in different versions of firmware. In this article, we will detail how to turn on the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi, correctly scan your finger for maximum accuracy, and what to do if the sensor has stopped responding to touch. Biometric security requires careful initial calibration to avoid errors in daily use.
We're going to look at not only standard activation techniques, but also specific settings that improve sensor responsiveness or, conversely, increase the requirements for matching the skin pattern. Understanding how your smartphone's security system works will help avoid lockdowns and provide quick access to applications and payment systems. Let's move on to step-by-step instructions.
Preparing a smartphone for setting up biometrics
Before you go directly to the scan, you need to make sure that the device is ready to accept biometric data. The basic requirement for any unlock method, including a fingerprint, is to have a screen password installed, PIN-It's the foundation of Android security, which is a backup login method in case the scanner can't read your finger.
If you've just reset or bought a new phone, the system will prompt you to create a digital code when you first activate it. If the device is already in use but the password is not set, you'll need to go to the appropriate menu section. Without this step, you won't be able to turn on biometrics, because the operating system requires an alternative authentication method.
⚠️ Never use too simple combinations such as “1234” or “0000” as your primary password, as this reduces the overall level of protection for your Google account and personal files.
It is also recommended to check the cleanliness of the scanner surface. If your device sensor is built into the switch on or under the screen, greasy spots or moisture can significantly worsen the reading quality.
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Use only dry and clean microfiber to wipe the scanner area. Wet wipes can leave a film that will interfere with ultrasonic or optical sensors.
Search for the security section in the MIUI and HyperOS settings
Xiaomi’s shell interface changes periodically, and the location of important features can shift. In current versions of HyperOS and fresh MIUI builds, menu logic has become more intuitive, but the paths to settings can still differ depending on the regional version of the firmware. The main path to managing biometrics is usually in the main settings menu.
To find the right section, open the Settings app and scroll down. You're interested in a item that could be called Passwords and Security, Fingerprints, Face Data, and... or simply Security. In some cases, especially on global versions, this section is put in a separate menu Additional if you use the Classic Menu display mode.
- 📱 Go to the main menu Settings of your smartphone.
- 🔒 Find the Passwords and Security or Fingerprints section, Faces and....
- 👆 Select Unlock by fingerprint or Manage fingerprints.
- ✅ Enter the previously installed PIN-code or pattern lock to confirm administrator rights.
Once you enter your password, you will open a biometrics management interface, which is where all digital casts of your fingers are stored, and allows you to add multiple fingerprints, which is convenient for using different fingers of your right and left hand, and for family members if they have access to the device (although this is not recommended from a security perspective).
Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint
The process of adding a new fingerprint is a critical step in how fast and accurate you can unlock it, and it will prompt you to put your finger on the scanner repeatedly, changing the angle of inclination, and you should not ignore these requests, because the recognition algorithm builds a three-dimensional model of your finger, and the more angles you scan, the better.
Press Add a fingerprint and start putting the finger you plan to use most often. The sensor will vibrate or sound when you successfully read the area. It's important not to tear your finger off abruptly, but to change your position smoothly, following the instructions on the screen. If you have a scanner underscreen, put your finger clearly in the specified area, slightly pressing.
☑️ Proper fingerprint scanning
Once the progress bar reaches 100%, the system will prompt you to name a new fingerprint (e.g., "Right Big"), which is especially useful if you add multiple fingerprints or different people, and it is recommended to immediately check the work by locking the screen and trying to unlock the device with a newly added finger.
If the unlocking is instant, the procedure is successful, but if the phone requires a password, the digital cast is saved with errors or insufficient detail, in which case it is better to remove this fingerprint and write it back, paying more attention to the edges of the finger pad.
Advanced settings and improved accuracy
The fingerprint management menu hides additional parameters that allow you to fine-tune the behavior of the scanner. Many users are unaware of the existence of a fingerprint enhancement feature that allows you to train the system during operation. If you notice that the phone has become less able to recognize your finger in certain conditions (for example, when your hands are slightly wet), this feature will be extremely useful.
You can also set up short- or long-term clicks on the scanner, such as short-pressing can unlock the screen, long-pressing can open the off menu or launch a specific application, which turns the scanner button (if it's mechanical) into a powerful interface management tool.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Improving the print | Updating the sensor with new data | Use it for frequent errors |
| Sleeping mode unlocking | Instant reaction without screen activation | Insert for speed |
| Vibration on touch | Tactical response of the scanner | Set up according to preferences |
| Remote discharge | Deleting data after multiple errors | Energize for enhanced security |
| Improvement | Adds click variations to the base | Update periodically |
| Lock screen | Shows notifications before unlocking | Leave it on. |
The remote reset feature deserves special attention: If someone tries to pick up your fingerprint or code and makes several wrong attempts (usually 5-10), the phone can automatically lock or even erase data, a powerful security tool that is worth activating in the security settings.
What to do if your finger is slightly injured?
Features of subscreen and side scanners
The fingerprint-reading technologies in Xiaomi smartphones vary depending on the price segment of the model. Flagship devices are often equipped with ultrasonic scanners built into the screen, which work even with wet hands and do not require bright lighting of the touch zone. Budget and medium-sized models more often use optical scanners, which need a bright burst of light to work.
The side scanners integrated into the power button are considered to be among the most reliable and fast, mechanically protected by the housing and less likely to suffer from software glitches associated with the display drivers. But they have their own specifics: you need to get used to the force of pressing. Too little pressing does not activate the mechanical switch, and too much can lead to accidental clamped action.
⚠️ Note: On devices with optical subscreen scanners, do not use low light transmittance protective glass or thick hydrogel films, as they can block the sensor light signal.
If you have a model with a subscreen scanner, you can often find "Sensitize" in the screen settings. This should be activated if you use a protective glass, which increases the brightness of the backlight of the scanning area, which helps the optical sensor to better read the picture through the glass layer.
Solution: the scanner is not working or is glitching
When a scanner that has been running suddenly stops responding, it is not as common, but it can cause serious inconvenience. The most common cause is a software failure of Keymaster or driver conflict after a system update, in which case a simple device reboot helps, which restarts all background security processes.
If the reboot didn't work, try removing all the saved prints and adding them again. Sometimes the biometrics database gets damaged, and cleaning the scanner cache through re-registration solves the problem, and it's also worth checking if the "Gloves" mode or other specific accessibility settings that can affect the touchscreen and sensors are turned on.
- 🔄 Perform a full reboot of the smartphone.
- 🗑️ Remove old prints from the security menu and add new ones.
- 🧹 Wipe your screen and hands, eliminate moisture or fat.
- 🛠️ Check for system updates in the About Phone menu.
In rare cases, the problem can be hardware-based, especially if the phone has fallen or been exposed to moisture.If the scanner doesn't work even in safe mode and other diagnostic methods don't help, hardware repairs or a button plume replacement at the service center will likely be required.
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90% of scanner problems are solved by re-registering the fingerprint or cleaning the sensor surface, so don’t rush to carry the phone for repair.