You try to add a fingerprint to your Xiaomi Redmi, but the system stubbornly produces an error: “Couldn’t add a fingerprint,” “Sensor doesn’t respond,” or “Try again?” The problem is found on models from the Redmi Note 10 to the Redmi 13C, and its causes can be rooted in both software failures of MIUI and hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from the banal dirt on the sensor to the hidden developer settings that block the scanner.
It's important to understand that if you stop adding a fingerprint after a phone drop, firmware update, or settings reset, the diagnostic algorithm will be different. We've put together unique solutions for each case, including little-known tricks with ADB and hidden Xiaomi menus. Don't rush to bring your phone to the service - 80% of the time, you can solve the problem yourself in 10 minutes.
1.Prince sensor check: physical causes
The first thing to rule out is mechanical obstructions to the scanner. The fingerprint sensor on Redmi (especially on side-button models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) is sensitive to the slightest contamination. Even a thin layer of grease or dust can block the reading.
How to check:
- 🔍 Examine the sensor for scratches, cracks, or foreign particles. Use a magnifying glass and bright light.
- 🧼 Clean the surface with an alcohol napkin (at least 70% isopropyl alcohol!
- 👆 Try to register the fingerprint with the other finger – sometimes the problem lies in the damage to the skin (for example, after a burn or cut).
If the sensor is clean but there is no response, try rebooting the phone with the power button clamped for 10 seconds, which will reset the scanner driver's temporary errors. AMOLED-display (e.g., Redmi) K50) Check if the Always on Screen mode is activated – it may conflict with the sensor.
⚠️ Note: Do not use wet wipes with flavors or chlorine-based antiseptics to clean the sensor – they leave a film that degrades the sensitivity of the sensor.
2. Software glitches: MIUI and updates
Most often, the problem with adding a fingerprint occurs after a MIUI update or reset. Xiaomi firmware has bugs that make the biometrics service (com.android.biometrics) stop working properly. For example, MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11 had a massive bug with the error "failed to save the fingerprint" due to a conflict with Google Play Services.
How to fix it:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Update system. Even if there are no updates, forced update sometimes solves the problem.
- 📱 Clear the cache and data of the Settings app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show it all. → Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache/data
- 🔧 Reset your security settings (not to be confused with a full reset!): Settings → Passwords and security → Security settings → Resetting security settings
If the problem occurs after resetting to factory settings, check if the Developer Mode is turned on. Some options (such as USB Debugging or OEM Unlock) can block biometrics. Disable them in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (5 times tap) → Additional settings → Developer.
3. Conflict with other security functions
The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Redmi may not work if competing security features are activated.
- 🔐 Xiaomi face (facial recognition) – in some firmware it blocks fingerprint registration.
- 📱 Smart Lock (automatic unlocking in trusted locations) – may conflict with biometrics.
- 🛡️ Third-party antivirus (Avast, 360 Security) – they intercept access to the sensor.
How to check:
- Turn off facial recognition in Settings → Passwords and Security → Face recognition.
- Remove all trusted devices in Settings → Passwords & Security → Smart Lock.
- Run your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and try adding a fingerprint. If you can, it's third-party software.
On models with infrared facial scanners (such as the Redmi K60 Pro), conflict occurs more often, in which case only a full reset or a rollback to the old version of MIUI via Fastboot will help.
☑️ Preparation for resetting settings
4. Hidden settings and ADB-team
If standard methods don’t work, it’s time to dig deeper. Xiaomi Redmi has hidden settings that can block the fingerprint sensor, for example, some regional firmware has turned off biometrics support due to local laws (as is the case with Redmi for India).
How to turn on the sensor via ADB:
- Install Platform Tools on your PC.
- Connect your phone to your computer and execute the commands: adb shell settings put global fingerprint_disable 0
- Reboot the phone.
For models with an ultrasonic sensor (such as the Redmi Note 12 Turbo), an additional command may be required:
adb shell am force-stop com.android.biometrics.fingerprintIf the sensor is running after that, but the fingerprint is not added anyway, check the integrity of the file system through MIUI Diagnostics (hidden menu, called by the code ##4636# → “Equipment Testing” → “Fingerprint Sensor”).
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
5. Hardware malfunctions: when a workshop is needed
If none of the software methods worked, the problem is probably hardware.
- 🔌 The phone does not respond to touch sensor at all (no vibration, backlights).
- 💥 The problem appeared after a fall, moisture or repair.
- 🔧 V MIUI Diagnostics sensor is displayed as “Unidentified device” or “Error” 0x5».
The cost of repairing the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi Redmi (2026):
| Model | Type of sensor | Cost of replacement (₽) | Duration of repairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Capacitive (under screen) | 1 800–2 500 | 1-2 hours |
| Redmi K50 | Optical (in screen) | 3 000–4 200 | 2-3 hours |
| Redmi 12C | Sideways (in the button) | 1 500–2 000 | 30-60 minutes |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Ultrasonic. | 4 500–6 000 | 3-5 hours |
Before you carry your phone to the service, check the warranty — most Redmi models have a 12-month warranty, and if the phone is warranty, don’t open it yourself — it voids warranty obligations.
⚠️ Note: On models with an optical scanner in the screen (e.g. Redmi) K60) Replacing the sensor requires repainting the display, which increases the cost of repair by 30-50%.
6. Alternative methods of unlocking
If the fingerprint sensor never works, don't go unprotected. Here are 3 reliable alternatives:
- 🔑 Password./PIN-The code is the most reliable option. Use a combination of 8+ numeral.
- 👤 Facial recognition – works even in the dark on models with an IR camera (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).
- 📱 Smart Lock – unlocking on Bluetooth device (earphones, smart watches) or geolocation.
To enable two-factor authentication (e.g. fingerprint + PIN), go to: Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock → Additional settings → PIN Required when restarting.
On models with MIUI 14+, you can set up automatic application locking by fingerprint.
- Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
- Select apps (such as banking) and activate the “Unlock fingerprint” option.
- If the sensor is not working, use a backup PIN.
💡
If you use banking applications frequently, set up separate biometric authorizations (e.g., Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) to them, even if the system fingerprint sensor is disabled.
FAQ: Frequent questions about the fingerprint sensor on Redmi
Can I add a print if the screen is broken?
Why does the sensor work but not add a new fingerprint?
After running through TWRP, the sensor stopped working. What do we do?
The sensor works, but it only unlocks the phone with 2-3 attempts.
💡
If the fingerprint sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous version with Recovery, which solves the problem 60 percent of the time without losing data.