Why Xiaomi’s fingerprint stopped working: a full analysis of the problem

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most convenient ways to unlock, but sometimes it suddenly stops working. You try to put your finger on it, but the screen doesn't respond, the system says, "I couldn't recognize the fingerprint," or doesn't offer this authorization method at all. What's the reason? Software failure, sensor damage, or user error?

This problem is found in all the models from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14, and in 80% of cases it can be fixed by yourself without resorting to a service center, but first you need to understand what went wrong: the fault of firmware, mechanical damage or security settings.

In this article, we will discuss the 7 main reasons for the disappearance of a fingerprint on Xiaomi, give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and recovery, and tell you when you can not do without repair. If your smartphone stopped recognizing fingerprints after updating, falling or resetting settings, here you will find a solution.

1. Software glitch: The fingerprint disappeared after the MIUI update

The most common reason is conflict after updates MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases security patches and new versions of the shell, but sometimes they contain errors affecting the operation of biometric sensors. MIUI 14 Many users of the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X4 Pro complained about the loss of fingerprints in the settings.

How to check if it is the fault of the software:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and remember the current build.
2. Check if the “Fingerprints” item is displayed in Settings → Passwords and security.
3. If there is no program, it is a 100% failure.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Update rollback: If the problem appears immediately after the update, try going back to the previous version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select the update package (you need an old firmware file).
• 📱 Resetting biometrics settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show all applications → Biometrics, clear cache and data.
• 🛠️ Manual Firmware Reinstallation: Download the full firmware package for your model from the official Xiaomi website and run through Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback can cause data loss if you don't back up in advance.On models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) For manual firmware, you will need to unlock Bootloader.

Mechanical damage: sensor does not respond to touch

If the smartphone fell, was subjected to pressure (for example, lying in the back pocket of jeans), or came into contact with moisture, physical damage to the sensor is likely. K50 Gaming where the sensor is integrated into the display.

Signs of hardware breakdown:

• 🔍 The print does not work under any conditions, even after resetting the settings.
• 💥 There are cracks or spots on the screen around the scanning area (for optical sensors).
• 🔋 Phone overheats in sensor area when scanning attempt.

How to diagnose:

1. If the system says "failed to save the print," the sensor is defective.
2. Bring the flashlight to the screen (for optical sensors): if microcracks are visible under the light, a glass + sensor replacement is required.
3. Check the response to other gestures: if the touch screen is working normally and the print is not, the problem is with the scanner.

⚠️ Note: On models with ultrasonic sensors (Xiaomi Mix 4), the damage may be invisible, but the scanner will be completely inoperable.

3. Conflict with security settings

Sometimes the fingerprint disappears from the settings menu after changing the security settings.

• You have deleted all graphical passwords or PIN-code.
• Activated guest mode or second space.
• Reset protection has been turned on to factory settings (on some firmware, this blocks biometrics).

How to get a print back:

1. Make sure that the phone is installed PIN-code or pattern lock (without it) MIUI Do not allow the addition of prints).
2. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Special Features and turn off Reset Protection.
3. If you use the second space, check the biometrics settings in both profiles.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) after resetting fingerprints are blocked until the first successful unlock. PIN-Try to enter it. PIN 3-5 times in a row – this can unlock access to the scanner.

Install PIN-code

Disable "Reset Protection" in the privacy settings

Check the settings of the second space

Reboot your phone after the changes

Try adding a fingerprint in safe mode-->

Sensor contamination: dust, fat or moisture

If the scanner has stopped recognizing fingerprints after visiting the beach, exercising or being in a humid environment, the problem may be contamination of the sensor.

• 🧴 cream or lotion fat.
• 🏖️ Sand or fine dust (falling under glass).
• 💦 Condensation after a sharp temperature drop.

How to clean the sensor:

1. For capacitive sensors (button): Rub the surface of the button with an alcohol napkin, then with a dry microfiber. Do not use abrasive materials!
2. For optical sensors (under the screen): Turn off the phone. Put a drop of distilled water on the scan area. Gently wipe the soft cloth around the circle. Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes.

ultraviolet

⚠️ Warning: Never use alcohol or household chemicals to clean optical sensors - this can damage the screen's protective coating. 12S Ultra and Redmi K50 Pro sensor is located under a layer of hot glue, which is destroyed by aggressive liquids.

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If the scanner stopped working after the beach, put the phone in a bag with silica gel (from the shoe box) for 2-3 hours - this will remove moisture from under the glass.

5. Conflict with applications or launchers

It is rare, but it happens that the fingerprint is lost due to third-party applications, especially:

• 🔒 Password Managers (Bitwarden, 1Password).
• 🛡️ Antiviruses with biometric protection function (Kaspersky, Avast).
• 🎨 Alternative launchers (Nova Launcher, Hyperion).
• 🤖 Rights-based annexes android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC.

How to find the culprit:

1. Boot in Safe Mode (press the power button → long press on "Stop" → "Safe Mode"). If the print is earned, third-party software is to blame.
2. Check the list of applications with access to biometrics: Settings → Apps → Permissions → Biometrics.
3. Remove suspicious programs or revoke their permissions.

If the problem occurs after installing a custom launcher, return the standard MIUI Launcher:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.android.launcher


adb shell pm enable com.miui.home

6. factory reset: prints not recovered

Once you've resetted it, all the biometrics are deleted, which is normal, but sometimes even after you've reregistered it, the fingerprint is not saved or recognized.

• 🔧 Incorrect setup sequence (you need to install first) PIN, print out).
• 📦 Damaged section /data/system, print-patterns.
• 🔄 Conflict with security settings restored from the backup.

Step-by-step instructions for recovery:

1. Set it simple. PIN-code (e.g. 1234) in Settings → Passwords and security → Lock screen.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Add the fingerprint again, following the instructions on the screen, and if you see a "failed to save" error, move to step 4.
4. Fastboot resets with full formatting: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase metadata fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with encryption FBE (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Reset via Fastboot without first removing PIN-The code may result in loss of access to internal memory (a complete flashing is required).

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If the print is not added after reset, first install PIN-code, then restart the phone. Only then try to record biometrics.

7. Hardware wear: sensor malfunctions

Fingerprint scanners have a limited resource:

• 🔢 Capacitive sensors hold up. ~50,000 to 100,000 scans.
• 📸 Optical sensors lose clarity after 3-5 years due to clouding of the lenses.
• 🔊 Ultrasonic sensors are sensitive to temperature changes and can degrade after 2-3 years of use.

Signs of wear and tear:

• 🐢 The scanner works, but only detects the fingerprint with 5-10 attempts.
• 🔄 Requires a strong press (for capacitive sensors) or perfect finger position (for optical sensors).
• 📉 The quality of the scan is gradually deteriorating (first wet fingers cease to be recognized, then dry fingers cease to be recognized).

What to do:

1. If the sensor is capacitive, try to take your phone apart and clean the contacts (experience required!). On the Redmi Note 8 Pro and similar models, this often helps.
2. For optical sensors, check the calibration through the engineering menu: ##6484## → Manual Test → Fingerprint Test
3. If the sensor is ultrasonic, its repair is impossible, only replacement.

The cost of replacing the sensor in service centers:

• Capacitive: 1,200–2,500 ₽.
• Optical: 3,500–7,000 ₽ (glass-change).
• Ultrasonic: 8,000-15,000 ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions about missing fingerprint on Xiaomi