MIUI Biometric in Xiaomi: how biometrics, scanner types and security settings work

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably encountered the term MIUI Biometric -- but what exactly is behind that name? It's not just a marketing slogan, it's a whole system of biometric authentication integrated into firmware. MIUI. It is responsible for recognizing fingerprints, faces, iris and even voice in some models. Unlike standard Android solutions, Xiaomi has deeply customized biometrics, adding unique features like the ones that are unique to the user. AI Face Unlock 2.0 or In-Display Fingerprint 3.0.

But why is it important? Biometrics in MIUI Not only does it speed up unlocking, it affects payment security, access to private folders, and even some system applications. For example, in Xiaomi 14 Pro, the underscreen fingerprint scanner is 30% faster thanks to optimizations in the mobile app. MIUI 15.However, not all users know how to configure these features correctly or what to do if the biometrics suddenly stop working. In this article, we will discuss all types of biometric authentication in Xiaomi, their pros and cons, and give practical tips for configuring and troubleshooting.

What is it? MIUI Biometric and why you need it

MIUI Biometric is a set of technologies that allow users to be identified by unique biological characteristics. Unlike passwords or graphic keys, biometrics are not copyable (theoretically) and do not require memorization:

• 👆 Fingerprint scanner is a classic method available even in budget models like the Redmi Note 12.
• 👤 Facial recognition – uses a front-facing camera and AI to analyze facial features (e.g., facial recognition, AI Face Unlock in Xiaomi 13T Pro).
• 👁️ Iris scanner is a rare option, found in flagships like Xiaomi MIX Fold 3.
• 🎤 Voice authentication is an experimental feature in some regions, working through Mi. AI Assistant.

Main advantage MIUI Biometric is an integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, and for example, a fingerprint can be used not only to unlock, but also to unlock:

• 💳 Authorization of payments in Mi Pay or Google Pay.
• 🔒 Access to hidden albums in the gallery MIUI.
• 📱 Quick switching between user profiles (in multi-user models).
• 🔧 Confirm critical actions such as resetting settings or disabling Find Device.

But biometrics has a downside, like facial recognition. 2D (Without infrared scanner, it's vulnerable to photos or masks, and under-screen fingerprint scanners can work poorly with wet or dirty fingers.

Types of biometric authentication in Xiaomi: comparison and features

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support the same kinds of biometrics. For example, budget Redmis are usually limited to a fingerprint scanner on the back, while flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra offer the same kind of biometrics. 3D Face Unlock and the ultrasonic scanner under the display. Below is a comparison table:

Optical vs. ultrasonic scanners: the former are cheaper, but less accurate in bright light or with dirty fingers. Ultrasonic (like the Xiaomi 14 Pro) work even underwater, but cost more. 2D-The version is only for convenience, because it's easy to fool with a photograph. 3D-The scanner with infrared illumination (like the iPhone) is more reliable, but is found only in top models.

⚠️ Note: If you use facial recognition 2D For payments (e.g. Mi Pay), an attacker can unlock your phone with your photo!

How to set up biometrics in MIUI: step-by-step

Setup of biometrics in MIUI It takes 2-3 minutes, but there are nuances, such as adding a fingerprint to Xiaomi. 13T Pro, you have to first set a pattern lock or PIN, which is a security requirement for Android. Here's how to do it:

1. Adding a fingerprint

Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Add a fingerprint. The system will suggest:

1. Enter the current PIN/password (if not set, create it).
2. Place your finger on the scanner 6-8 times for a full scan.
3. Set the name of the fingerprint (for example, "Indicative right").

Finger clean and dry|The screen has no cracks over the scanner.|Power saving mode is disabled in the settings|The phone is not overheated (temperature below 40).°C)-->

Tip: Record the fingerprint of the finger you hold your phone most often, for example, if you're asking, add your index finger or your right thumb.

2. Facial recognition setting

For AI Face Unlock Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Facial recognition:

1. Point the camera over your face (range 20-50 cm).
2. Turn your head left-right for 3D-scanning (in models with an IR scanner).
3. Confirm the pattern's retention.

⚠️ Note: If you have a twin or a very similar person, MIUI You may be confused by your faces. 2D-In this case, it is better to use a fingerprint or 3D-scanner.

3. Additional settings

On the menu Passwords and security → You can set up biometrics:

• 🔄 Change the authentication order (e.g., face first, then print).
• 🚫 Disable biometrics for specific applications (e.g. banking).
• 🔒 Set up automatic lock after 48 hours without using biometrics (Android requirement).

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If the underscreen fingerprint scanner doesn't work well, try adding the same finger twice at different angles, which will increase the accuracy of the recognition.

Biometrics problems in Xiaomi: causes and solutions

Even in top-end models like the Xiaomi 14, biometrics can fail, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

1.The fingerprint scanner is down.

Possible causes:

• 🧴 Dirty scanner or finger – wipe the screen and hands with an alcohol wipe.
• 🔋 Power saving mode - turn it off in Settings → Battery.
• 📱 Damaged glass over the scanner - check for cracks.
• 🔄 Failure of the software – restart the phone or reset the scanner settings in Settings → Passwords and security → Delete fingerprints.

2. Facial recognition is not working

What to do:

• 💡 Poor lighting — 2D Face Unlock requires enough light. 3D-The scanner is not critical.
• 👓 Changed appearance (glasses, beard, hairstyle) – re-write the facial pattern.
• 📸 Camera is contaminated - wipe the front camera module with a soft cloth.
• 🔒 Disabled function in settings - check Settings → Lock screen → Facial recognition.

3.Biometrics missing after update MIUI

This is a common problem when switching to a new firmware version (for example, with a new version of the firmware). MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) Decision:

1. Remove all saved fingerprints/faces in the settings.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Add the biometrics again.
4. If it does not help, reset your settings through Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings (data not deleted).

Safety of biometrics in MIUI: myths and realities

Many users question the reliability of biometrics, and for good reason. For example, in 2022, researchers proved that optical scanners under the screen (like Xiaomi’s). 11T) You can fool a high-quality print with a high-quality photo, but Xiaomi is constantly improving security:

1. How reliable is the fingerprint scanner?

- Optical scanners (mostly) Redmi/Poco): Level of Security Class 2 (They are suitable for unlocking, but not for payments.

- Ultrasonic scanners (in Xiaomi) 13/14 series: Class 3 — You can use Mi Pay and banking applications.

2.Can facial recognition be fooled?

- 2D Face Unlock: Vulnerable to photos or videos from another phone's screen MIUI there is protection against this - the system requires blinking, but it can be turned off in the settings.

- 3D Face Unlock (with IR camera): more reliable, but still inferior to Face ID from Apple. MIX Fold 3 uses dual camera for depth scanning.

3. Where are the biometric data stored?

Unlike passwords, facial fingerprints and patterns are not sent to Xiaomi servers, but are stored in a Trusted Execution Environment on the device itself.

• 🔐 When resetting the phone to factory settings, the biometrics are removed irrevocably.
• 📱 If your phone is stolen, an attacker may try to use your fingerprint (for example, forcefully unlock your finger).

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Never use biometrics as the only method of protection for critical data (bank, cryptocurrency wallets). + print).

Hidden functions MIUI Biometrics that you didn’t know about

Biometry in MIUI It's more than just unlocking the screen. Here are some little-known chips:

1. Quick camera activation

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite) can set up a double-tap on the fingerprint scanner to start the camera, even on a locked screen:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures.
2. Turn on the camera option when you double press the sensor.

2. Hidden folders with biometric protection

In the gallery. MIUI There's a feature called Protected Albums that only open by a print or a face:

1. Open the gallery. → press three points → Protected albums.
2. Add files and set a biometric lock.

3. Application biometrics

Some apps (such as Mi Browser or Notes) support a separate biometric lock to set it up:

1. Open the app. → Settings → Confidentiality.
2. Enable fingerprint locking or face recognition.

4. Voice unlocking (experimental function)

In some regions (for example, China) MIUI Supports voice unlocking via Mi AI Assistant, to try:

1. Activate Mi. AI Assistant in settings.
2. Say the phrase "Hey Xiao." AI, unlock the phone (only available in Chinese).

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI Biometric