Xiaomi Fingerprint Recovery: 5 Ways to Work (2026)

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most convenient ways to unlock, but sometimes it stops working. Users experience errors like “Not Adding a Print”, “Scanner Responds” or complete disregard for touch. The reasons can vary from software failures after a MIUI update to physical damage to the module. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of fingerprint recovery, from basic settings to deep repairs.

It's important to understand that not all problems are software-solved, for example, if the scanner stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, it's likely that you'll need a module replacement, but 80 percent of the time it's the software -- and you can do without a service center. We've tested the methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T and POCO F5, but the instructions are universal for most devices on MIUI 14/15.

1.Reboot the phone and check basic settings

Start with the simplest thing, reboot, which is often ignored, but it helps in 30 percent of cases where the scanner is bugged by a temporary system failure.

• 🔄 Updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → System Update: Outdated firmware may conflict with scanner drivers.
• 🧹 Cache cleaning: in Settings → Annexes → App management find “Biometric data” and clear the cache.
• 🔒 Unlock settings: make sure the print is enabled in Settings → Password and security → Fingerprint.

If the scanner doesn't respond at all, check if the power saving mode is activated (it can turn off the sensors). It's also worth removing the protective film or case - sometimes they block the sensor. On models with an ultrasonic scanner (for example, the Xiaomi Mix 4), the problem may be in the dirt under the glass - gently wipe the scanner area with an alcohol napkin.

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If the scanner works again, try adding the same finger twice at different angles, which increases the chances of successful recognition.

2.Resetting biometric data without losing files

If the reboot didn't work, the next step is to reset your fingerprint settings without deleting your personal data, which works when the scanner detects a finger but produces an error of "failed to recognize" or "data corrupted."

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-code.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Delete all fingerprints."
4. Reboot your phone and add the print again.

After reset, try registering your finger in different positions, such as the tip first, then the side. On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X5), it helps to register one finger under two different profiles (for example, as an index and a middle one).

3. Run in Safe Mode for Conflict Diagnostics

Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party application is to blame, such as some banking programs or launchers that may block access to biometric data.

To get into Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the “Switch off” option (or “Reboot” on some models).
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode.

In Safe Mode, check the scanner. If it's running, it's a problem in one of the installed applications. Take turns removing newly installed programs, starting with antiviruses, optimizers and launchers.

• 🛡️ Antiviruses: Avast, Dr.Web, 360 Security.
• 🎨 Launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher.
• 🔐 Password managers: 1Password, Bitwarden (sometimes blocked by biometrics).

4. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the scanner doesn't work even in Safe Mode, you'll have to do a full reset, and this method removes all the data from the phone, so first you have to:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔐 Make sure you remember your Mi Account – you will need authorization after the reset.
• 📝 Write it down. IMEI (You can find the settings → The phone. → General information).

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
3. After restarting, set your phone up as new and check the scanner.

⚠️ Note: On models with encrypted storage (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after reset, you may need to enter the old password to decrypt the data. If you forget it, the data will be lost forever.

5. Flashing through Fastboot (for advanced)

If the reset didn't work, the problem could be corrupted system files, in which case flashing through Fastboot will help, a technique that requires a PC and command line knowledge, but restores the scanner even after major failures.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format) and click "Flash".
4. Wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware or disconnect the cable, which can lead to a phone breeze (completely inoperable). If the scanner still does not work after the firmware is installed, the problem is likely hardware.

Download the correct version of MIUI for your model |

Install ADB and Fastboot | drivers

Charge your phone at least 50% |

Backup of important data |

Disable antivirus on PC (can block Mi Flash Tool)-->

6. Hardware repair: when nothing helps

If all the software methods are exhausted and the scanner is still down, the problem is physical.

• 💥 Train damage is a common problem after falls (especially on the Redmi Note). 9/10).
• 🌊 Corrosion of contacts after moisture.
• 🔍 Sensor failure – typical of older models (Mi 8, Mi 9).
• 🔋 Power problems with the module (for example, after a failed battery replacement).

The cost of repair depends on the model:

• 📱 Replacement of the scanner with Redmi Note – 1,500–2,500 ₽.
• 📱 Replacing the scanner with Xiaomi 12/13 — 3 000–5 000 ₽ (because of the ultrasound module).
• 📱 Repair of the plume - 1,000–2,000 ₽.

Check the warranty before you go to the service, because most Xiaomi models only have a fingerprint scanner covered by a warranty in case of factory defects, not mechanical damage. If the phone is warranty, don't open it yourself, it will cancel it.

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Before repairing, make sure that the problem is in the scanner, not the firmware. SIM-map and in Safe Mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fingerprint recovery on Xiaomi