Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They're equipped with advanced biometric security systems that make it much easier to access personal data, so instead of constantly entering passwords or graphic keys, it takes just one tap to unlock the device or confirm payment in the store. However, to start using this function, it is necessary to correctly register biometric data in the system. MIUI or hyperos.
The setup process takes only a couple of minutes, but requires attention to detail, since the quality of the scan directly affects the speed and reliability of unlocking in the future.Incorrectly added fingerprint can cause the phone to cease to recognize the owner, especially if the finger is wet or dirty. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to add a fingerprint to Xiaomi to make the system work flawlessly in all conditions.
Note that the location of the scanner may vary depending on the device model. In budget and medium-sized models, the sensor is often embedded in the on button on the side of the body, while flagship versions can use a subscreen optical scanner. Regardless of the type of sensor, the software adjustment algorithm remains almost identical for all current versions of the shell.
Device preparation and scanning requirements
Before you go directly to the procedure of adding a fingerprint, you need to make sure that the screen of the smartphone is clean and your hands are dry. Fat spots on the display or moisture on the fingers can significantly distort the image being read, which will lead to errors in the initial calibration. Biometric data is processed locally in a secure circuit of the processor, so the transfer of information to the cloud does not occur.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to adjust the print if your hands are too cold or sweaty, as the skin pattern may temporarily change and the phone will not be able to read the data correctly.
It is also important to check if the screen lock feature is enabled.The Android security system requires you to set up a backup protection method, such as PIN-This is necessary in case the scanner cannot recognize the owner, for example, after a device restarts or five failed attempts to unlock.
If you've used other smartphones before, make sure that old prints are removed from memory to avoid confusion. Cleaning up old data is especially important when you switch from another device or after resetting to factory settings. A clean database ensures that the new profile is the only priority for the system.
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Wipe the scanner area (on button or screen) with a dry soft cloth before each new print is added for maximum read accuracy.
Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint
To get started, you need to open the main settings menu of your device. Find the icon with the gear on the desktop or in the notification curtain and click on it. In the list of options that opens, you should find the section responsible for the security and privacy of user data.
Depending on the firmware version, the path to the menu may vary slightly. Usually, the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Go to the Settings menu and select Passwords and Security.
- 🔒 Click on the Unlock section by fingerprint or fingerprint.
- 🆔 Enter your current screen unlock password to confirm identity.
- 👆 Click Add fingerprint and follow the instructions on the screen.
Once the scanning process is started, the system will ask you to put your finger on the sensor. Don't press your finger too hard, with a light enough, confident touch. An optical scanner or capacitive sensor will read the pattern of papillary lines, so it's important to change the angle of your finger in the scanning process.
☑️ Setup checklist
The process of filling the indicator usually takes about 10-15 seconds, and you will see the progress scale fill up as you read different parts of the finger, and if the process is interrupted or slow, the system will ask you to try again, or better apply the center of the finger pad.
Proper scanning techniques for different angles
Many users make the mistake of putting their fingers on the scanner in just one position, the way they usually hold their phone in their hand. But in real life, we take a smartphone in different ways, whether lying on a desk, in a pocket or on the move, and in order to unlock it, you have to train the system to recognize different angles.
When the progress bar is about 60-70% full, the system may suggest adding another fingerprint of the same finger or continuing to scan the current one.
- 🔄 Put your finger on the top, then the bottom (closer to the nail).
- ↔️ Tilt your finger to the left and right so that the scanner counts the side faces.
- 📐 Change the force of pressing: from a light touch to a more confident press.
This technique allows you to create a more complete digital profile of your finger. If you add a fingerprint in just one position, when you try to unlock the phone with the other hand or from a different angle, the system may not recognize the owner. The machine learning algorithms in Snapdragon and MediaTek processors effectively use this additional data to improve accuracy.
⚠️ If you have temporary damage, calluses or cuts on your finger, it is better to wait for healing, since the scanner may perceive the changed pattern as someone else's fingerprint.
Once the scan is complete, the system will suggest calling the fingerprint, such as "Right Big" or "Left Index," which is convenient if you plan to add multiple fingers for different use cases, such as for one-hand unlocking.
Adding and managing multiple fingerprints
Xiaomi’s modern smartphones allow you to save up to 5 different fingerprints, which opens up a lot of possibilities for personalization of access, you can add fingerprints not only different fingers of one hand, but also fingers of the second hand, and also trust access to close relatives if necessary.
To add a second finger, go back to the fingerprint management menu and press the add button again. The process is identical to the first time. It is recommended to call the profiles by clear names so that you can quickly delete a specific profile if necessary without deleting the others.
It is common practice to add the same finger twice under different names, such as "Finger 1 - center" and "Finger 1 - edge" which can increase the speed of unlocking, as the system will look for a match in two profiles at once, which increases the likelihood of successful recognition if a failed grip.
| Type of print | Recommended use | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| thumb | Main unlocking | It is easy to hold your phone with one hand. |
| Index finger | Unlocking on the table | Quick access when the phone is lying down |
| Middle finger | Standby option | Increases the scanning area |
| Duplicate finger | Increased accuracy | Compensate for errors at different angles |
Managing saved profiles allows you to delete unwanted or change their names. If you hurt your finger or just want to change the security configuration, you can delete a specific fingerprint at any time without affecting the rest of the phone settings.
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Adding the same finger twice under different names greatly increases the likelihood of successful unlocking in stressful situations.
Using a fingerprint for payments and applications
Once successfully configured, biometrics becomes not only the key to the screen, but also the authorization tool for apps: Google Pay (now Google Wallet), Samsung Pay (on compatible devices), and Xiaomi’s banking apps support fingerprint sign-in, eliminating the need to remember complex passwords from each service.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the settings of a particular application or to the section Security -> Privacy, where you can enable the concealment of the content of notifications until the moment of unlocking, as well as configure access to certain applications through biometrics.
It is important to note that to work with NFC payments using a fingerprint, some banking applications require additional device binding. If the payment does not pass, check the settings of Google Pay and make sure that the method of unlocking the screen is set as reliable (PIN or password), and not "Swipe" or "Not".
Why can a bank require a password instead of a fingerprint?
You can also use the fingerprint to log into a secure Second Space folder or log in to a password manager, which creates an additional layer of protection for sensitive files and photos that are restricted even when the main screen is unlocked.
Solution: If the fingerprint is not recognized
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where previously working fingerprint is no longer recognized, this can be caused by contamination of the sensor, adhesion of a protective film on the screen (for underscreen scanners), or a change in the condition of the skin of the hands, first of all, you should thoroughly wipe the sensor and hands.
If the problem persists, try removing the old print and rewriting it, paying special attention to the edges of the finger pad, and it is also worth checking whether the "High Sensitivity" mode in the screen settings is enabled, which is sometimes necessary when using thick protective glasses.
- 🧼 Clean your finger from fat and moisture.
- 🗑️ Remove the old fingerprint profile and create a new one.
- 📱 Remove the thick protective glass if it interferes with the sensor.
- 🔄 Reboot the device to reset security services.
In rare cases, the problem may be a software failure of the MIUI system. Check for updates by the operating system in the About Phone menu. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that improve the operation of biometric recognition algorithms.
⚠️ Note: If the scanner has stopped responding fully (no vibration or backlighting), it is possible that the sensor plume is damaged or that it has moved away from the board after a fall - in this case, diagnostics at the service center is required.
For underscreen scanners, the quality of the sticker on the screen is critical. Cheap hydrogel or glass films can block the optical signal. Use original accessories or specially labeled as "Compatible with fingerprint sensor."