The fingerprint scanner in Xiaomi smartphones has long ceased to be just an alternative PIN-Now, this technology allows you to protect individual applications, from instant messengers and banking services to gallery and notes, but not all users know how to properly configure this feature so that it works in a stable and uncomplicated way.
In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to activate protection through Settings. → Passwords and security, but also little-known nuances: why some apps don’t support biometrics, how to get around the limitations MIUI, What to do if the scanner suddenly stopped recognizing the fingerprint, and we will focus on the differences between models with optical (under the screen) and ultrasonic (in the power button) scanners, which is critical for Xiaomi owners. 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.
What apps can be protected with a fingerprint on Xiaomi
Technically, biometric locking only works with programs that support the Android BiometricPrompt API.
- ✅ Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) – necessarily support, as this is the requirement of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
- ✅ Social Networking (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) – Protection is available in the latest versions, but may require manual adjustment.
- ✅ Xiaomi system applications (Gallery, Notes, Records) – integrated at the level MIUI.
- ❌ Old or unoptimized programs (some games, third-party utilities) – may ignore the biometrics request.
Important: even if the application theoretically supports fingerprints, its behavior depends on the version of MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11, the scanner can be triggered with a delay, and in MIUI 15 on Xiaomi 14 Pro – instantly, this is due to the optimization of drivers for different chipsets (Snapdragon vs Mediatek).
Step-by-step protection settings through system settings
The most reliable way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are valid for all MIUI 12-15 devices, including POCO and Black Shark:
- Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy.
- Select Application Lock (in some firmware, the item may be called Application Protection).
- Enter your current pattern lock/PIN/password (this is a must, even if you use a print to unlock the screen!).
- In the list, tick the apps you want to protect, and next to each one, you'll have a fingerprint icon, and you'll tap it to turn on the biometrics.
- Save settings and check the work: Close the application (swipe up) and try to open it again – a scan window should appear.
Added all the necessary applications to the blocking list
Fingerprint is tied to each application separately
Testing conducted in Incognito mode (if any)
Checked work after restarting the device-->
⚠️ Warning: If the protection fails after setting up, make sure that:
- In Settings → Accounts and Synchronization → Mi Account included the option of Synchronization of security data.
- Fingerprint added to the system (Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint).
- The app is updated to the latest version (check out Google Play or App Store).
Problems and Solutions: Why Fingerprint Protection Doesn't Work
Even after setting it up correctly, users are faced with common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The scanner doesn't recognize the fingerprint. | Dirt on the sensor or skin damage | Wipe the scanner with an alcohol napkin, re-write the print |
| No biometric request appears | Conflict with third-party launchers (Nova, Apex) | Return to the standard MIUI launcher or upgrade it |
| The app closes after scanning | Error in app cache | Clear the cache to Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Storage |
| The print only works after entering the PIN. | Android Security Policy (for example, after a reboot) | This is normal behavior – you need to enter a password at least once. |
A special case is optical scanners under the screen (installed in Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60).
- ❄️ Low temperature (below) +5°C) - sensor loses sensitivity.
- 🌞 Bright sunlight – screen illumination interferes with reading.
- 🔋 Battery discharge (less than 15%) – the system limits the power consumption of the sensor.
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If the scanner under the screen does not work well, try to press your finger not perpendicularly, but at an angle of ~30 ° - this increases the contact area with the sensor.
Alternative ways to protect applications
If biometrics are not suitable for some reason, consider these options:
- PIN-code for individual applications: In the same application lock settings, you can set a unique numeric code for each service.
- Third-party utilities: Apps like AppLock or Norton App Lock offer advanced settings (such as time lock or geolocation), but they can conflict with MIUI and consume an extra battery.
- Hidden folders: You can use the Private Storage feature in the Files app for photos and documents (available on MIUI 13+).
⚠️ Warning: Third-party blocking programs often request device administrator or Special Access permissions, which can create a vulnerability for malware. On Xiaomi devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the use of such utilities can lead to a bootloader lock due to the trigger of the Qualcomm protection mechanism.
How to Remove or Reset Fingerprint Protection
If you decide to disable biometrics for apps, do so through:
- Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → Blocking applications.
- Uncheck the unneeded apps or turn off the fingerprint option for each.
If you forgot. PIN-lock-in:
- On devices with MIUI 14+, you can reset security settings via Mi Account (confirmation by SMS or email is required).
- On older versions (MIUI 12), you will have to do a full reset (Settings → About Phone → Reset), but this will delete all data!
What if the fingerprint scanner stopped working after the MIUI update?
Comparison of fingerprint scanners in different Xiaomi models
Scanning technology has a huge impact on the speed and reliability of protection, and the table below shows the key differences:
| Type of scanner | Xiaomi models | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic (in the power button) | Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 Lite | Working with wet hands, high speed | Smaller scan area, wear of button |
| Optical (under the screen) | Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K50, Black Shark 5 | Modern design, no mechanical parts | Sensitive to bright lights and scratches on the screen |
| Capacitive (on the back panel) | Redmi 9A, POCO M3 | Cheap to manufacture, reliable | Inconvenient location, slower than other types |
For maximum security, we recommend models with ultrasonic scanners – they are less susceptible to deception with photos or casts (unlike optical ones). However, if you care about unlock speed, the latest generation of optical sensors (like the Xiaomi 14) are almost as fast as they are.
Security: can you cheat the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi
Any biometric system has vulnerabilities, and research shows that:
- 🔍 Optical scanners (under the screen) can be fooled with a high-quality photo print on transparent film (probability) ~15% on older models, ~5% on new AI-enabled processing).
- 🦾 Ultrasonic scanners are more resistant to counterfeits, but vulnerable to 3D-prints (probability) ~3%).
- 💻 Capacitive scanners (on the back) are the most vulnerable: they can be fooled even by the wet finger of another person with a similar pattern (probability) ~20%).
To minimize the risks:
- Use the complex PIN-code (at least 8 characters) as a backup authentication method.
- Enable Mi Account Sign-in Notifications → Security – you will receive alerts about new devices in your account.
- Regularly update the firmware: MIUI 15 added the function Protection against fake prints (recognizes live tissue by pulsation).
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Even if an attacker cheats the fingerprint scanner, he will not be able to access the data without the Mi Account (when the “Search for Device” option is enabled).