MIUI Biometric on Xiaomi: what is it, why is it needed and how to remove it safely

If you have ever looked into the list of system applications on a Xiaomi smartphone, then you probably noticed a mysterious service. MIUI Biometric. It's a name that suggests biometric authentication -- fingerprints, facial recognition, iris -- but what is it really about? Why is it taking up memory, is it consuming resources, and most importantly, can it be removed without harming your phone?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what is hidden behind the term. MIUI Biometric, how it relates to the work of fingerprint scanner and other biometric sensors on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO. And we'll also tell you the risks of removing this component, and we'll give you step-by-step instructions for those who want to get rid of it.

What is it? MIUI Biometric and why you need it

MIUI Biometric is a system application that is responsible for processing and managing biometric data on Xiaomi smartphones:

• 🔐 Storage and encryption of fingerprint, facial data (to unlock the face) and other biometric markers.
• 🔄 Interoperability between hardware sensors (fingerprint scanner, front camera) and the operating system MIUI.
• 🛡️ Controlling access to biometric data for third-party applications (e.g., banking customers or payment systems).
• 🔄 Synchronize biometric settings between different phone functions (unlock, confirm payments, access to secure folders).

In fact, it's a kind of intermediary between your smartphone hardware and the software, and without it, the fingerprint scanner or Face Unlock function simply won't work properly. And it’s not just about unlocking the screen – many apps (such as Mi Pay, Google Pay or bank clients) use biometrics to confirm transactions, and without. MIUI Biometric will not be available for this function.

It’s important to understand that this is not a separate driver for a fingerprint scanner, but part of a more complex authentication system. MIUI. For example, on smartphones with a Qualcomm chip, a separate secure module is responsible for processing fingerprints. QSEE (Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment, but MIUI Biometric provides the interaction between this module and the user interface.

Does it consume? MIUI Biometric phone resources?

One of the most common questions is, does this service slow down your phone and it doesn't drain your battery? The answer depends on how you use biometrics:

• 📉 In the background (unless you use a fingerprint/face to unlock) consumption is minimal. 10-15 MBT memory.
• ⚡ When used actively (frequently unlocked, payments by fingerprint) – short-term consumption jumps CPU (before 5-7% on 1-2 seconds).
• 🔋 The effect on the battery is almost non-existent. Biometric sensors only consume energy when scanned.

For clarity, here are the test data on Xiaomi 12 Pro (with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip):

As you can see from the table, even with heavy biometrics, the impact on performance and battery is minimal, but there is a nuance: on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO X3 Pro) users complain of hanging ups while scanning a fingerprint that are allegedly related to work MIUI Biometric. Actually, the problem is more often in unoptimized scanner drivers or shell conflict. MIUI, Not in the service itself.

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If the fingerprint scanner is unstable, try clearing the app cache MIUI Biometric in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Show it all. → MIUI Biometric → This often helps without completely removing the cache.

Can I remove it? MIUI Biometric without consequences?

The short answer is: technically possible, but not recommended. A long answer requires explanation. MIUI Biometric is a system application that is deeply integrated into MIUI. Removing it will lead to the following problems:

• 🚫 Unlocking will not work on fingerprint and face.
• 💳 Payments on fingerprint in Google Pay, Mi Pay and banking applications will not work.
• 🔒 Access to secure folders (Second Space, App Lock) will disappear).
• ⚠️ Other security-related system services may fail.

Moreover, on some models (especially with MediaTek-processors) removal MIUI Biometric can cause a phone to reboot cyclically or the fingerprint scanner to fail completely even after flashing it over, because biometric data is stored in a protected memory area (TEE — Trusted Execution Environment and its processor (MIUI Biometric is a mandatory link in the chain.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 12+ and MIUI 13/14 removal MIUI Biometric may block the use of Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) due to a breach of security integrity, and can only be restored by a complete reset or flashing.

There's another aspect: even if you're not using biometrics, some applications (like Mi Home for managing smart devices) may request biometric authentication to confirm critical actions. MIUI Biometric will not be able to do this.

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Delete MIUI Biometric only makes sense if you never use a fingerprint/face to unlock, don’t use secure folders, and are prepared for possible disruptions. MIUI.

How to turn off MIUI Biometric (without removal)

If your goal is to just free up some memory or reduce background activity, you can turn off the service instead of completely deleting it. It's safer and reversible. Here's how to do it:

Remove all saved prints and faces in Settings → Passwords and security → Biometry|

Clear the app cache MIUI Biometric in Settings → Annexes|

Disable autostart for MIUI Biometric (if available)|

Disable permissions for the application (camera, microphone – if any)-->

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Find it on the list. MIUI Biometric (you can use the search engine).
4. Slip it and select Stop (if the button is active).
5. Then click Clear cache and Clear data (this will remove all stored biometric templates!).
6. Back to Settings → Passwords and security → Biometrics and make sure all fingerprints/faces are removed.

After that, the service MIUI Biometric will be idle, but it will remain in the system. If you need to use biometrics again, you just need to add a fingerprint or a face again, and the service is activated automatically.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom) disconnect MIUI Biometric can cause the error "Biometric service is not available" when you try to add a fingerprint, in which case only rebooting or resetting security settings will help. → Passwords and security → Resetting security settings).

How to remove completely MIUI Biometric (for experienced users)

If you decide to get rid of this service, there are two ways: ADB Both methods require caution and can cause the phone to fail!

Method 1: Removal via ADB (without root)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi devices on the MIUI 12/13/14. You'll need it:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Enter the command to delete: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.biometric
4. Reboot the phone.

If the team is executed without errors, MIUI Biometric will be removed for the current user (not systemically), which means that after resetting settings or updating the firmware service can appear again.

Method 2: Removal by root rights

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed Magisk or other root rights manager.

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/priv-app/Biometric or /system/app/Biometric
3. Delete the Biometric folder or rename it (e.g., in the Biometric_bak).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting root-righted system files can cause a device to blink (completely inoperable). TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

Alternatives: Can they be replaced? MIUI Biometric on a third-party solution?

Some users are asking, can we use alternative biometrics instead of a standard service? Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's extremely difficult.

• 🔐 Closed ecosystem: Biometric data is stored in a protected area of the processor (TEE), Only certified system applications have access to them.
• 🛡️ Security requirements: Google and Xiaomi block third-party apps trying to access fingerprint scanner unless signed with original key.
• 🔧 Lack of compatibility: Even if you install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher), it will not be able to replace the system biometric service.

The only more or less working option is firmware on the basis of AOSP (For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience, where biometrics are controlled by standard Android mechanisms:

• ⚠️ On many Xiaomi models, the fingerprint scanner does not work on custom firmware due to the lack of proprietary drivers.
• 🔄 Even if the scanner is working, its accuracy and speed may be worse than the original scanner. MIUI.

The only real way to “replace" MIUI Biometric is about using a phone without biometrics at all, switching to a phone. PIN-It's a code or a pattern lock, but it's a matter of convenience and security.

Frequent problems with MIUI Biometric and its solutions

Sometimes. MIUI Biometric is behaving incorrectly, with the fingerprint scanner not recognizing the finger, the face not being recognized, or the app constantly crashing:

If neither of these methods worked, it’s worth checking if the problem is hardware, like the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Redmi. K40 There have been cases where the fingerprint scanner has stopped working because of the detachment of the sensor plume, and only the service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions