Why Xiaomi’s fingerprint scanner doesn’t work: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a convenient feature that saves time and improves security. But what if the sensor suddenly stops recognizing your finger? The problem can manifest itself in different ways: the device does not respond to touch, gives an error "failed to scan the fingerprint", or the scanner works repeatedly, most often due to software failures, sensor contamination or incorrect settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why a fingerprint doesn’t work on Xiaomi, from the trivial (sensor dirt) to the serious (hardware breakdown), how to diagnose a problem, what settings to check first, and when to contact a service center. And if you’ve tried to restart your phone and clean the sensor, but nothing has worked, here you’ll find alternative ways to unlock the screen.

For convenience, we have put together solutions in order from simple to complex. Start with the first section and consistently check each item, so you save time and avoid unnecessary actions. If your Xiaomi model is older than 2019, pay special attention to the section on sensor wear: over time, the sensitivity of the scanner decreases.

1.Dirt or damage to the fingerprint sensor

The most common cause of a scanner that is not working is sensor contamination, and dust, greasy fingerprints, moisture, or micro-scratch can block the fingerprint from being read, especially for models with an optical sensor under the screen (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K50), where the scanner is located directly under the glass.

To check out this version:

• 🔍 Check the sensor for visible contamination or scratches, hold the phone to the light at an angle, so you can see the defects better.
• 🧴 Clean the surface with soft lilac-free cloth (for example, for glasses), soaked in alcohol or a special wipe for machinery!
• 💧 If the phone has recently been in contact with water, let it dry completely (at least 2-3 hours.

If the sensor is physically damaged (cracks, chips), the fingerprint scanner will not work until the glass or module is replaced, in which case it remains only to use alternative unlock methods (PIN, pattern lock).

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to clean the sensor with sharp objects or aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline).This can damage the protective coating and permanently disable the scanner.

2.Incorrectly added fingerprint

Sometimes the problem is not the sensor, but the wrong fingerprint, and if you've added your finger in a hurry, at the wrong angle, or with dirty hands, the system may not recognize it, especially after you've updated your MIUI, when the old fingerprints are reset.

To overwrite the print:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints.
2. Delete all saved prints (click on each and select "Delete").
3. Add the fingerprint again, following the instructions on the screen. Importantly, apply your finger at different angles and different pressing forces so that the system remembers all the options.

If you add a fingerprint error "failed to scan", try:

• 🧼 Wash and dry your hands (wet or greasy fingers are poorly read).
• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📱 Use the other finger (sometimes the scanner will recognize the index finger or thumb better).

💡

If you have Xiaomi with a side scanner (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), when adding a fingerprint, keep your finger perpendicular to the power button – so the reading will be more accurate.

3. Software failures and MIUI errors

The fingerprint scanner may stop working after a system update, custom firmware installation, or application conflict, most often as follows:

• The sensor doesn't respond to the touch.
• The message appears "Frameprint scanner error".
• The fingerprint is only recognized after several attempts.

Methods of eliminating program failures:

1. Reboot your phone. It's trivial, but it works 30 percent of the time. Press the power button and select "Reboot."
2. Clean the system cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Show system → Biometrics. Click Clear cache.
3. Reset your biometrics settings. From the Settings → Passwords and security menu, find “Reset fingerprint/face settings” (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI).

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. To check the relevance of the firmware, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

4. Conflict with applications or services

Some applications (especially those that request administrator rights or access to biometrics) can block the scanner, most often the culprits are:

• 🔒 Antiviruses (Avast, Kaspersky, 360 Security).
• 🛡️ Password Managers (LastPass, 1Password).
• 📱 Nova Launcher (Apex Launcher).
• 🔄 Automation applications (MacroDroid, Tasker).

To identify the conflict:

1. Run your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) If the scanner is running, there is a problem in one of the installed applications.
2. Remove suspicious programs by checking the sensor after each deletion.
3. Turn off administrator rights for applications in Settings → Passwords and Security → Device administrators.

If the scanner doesn’t work even in safe mode, the reason lies deeper in the system or hardware.

5. Wear or damage to the sensor

Fingerprint scanners, especially ultrasonic (like the Xiaomi Mi 10T) and optical (in the Redmi K40), wear out over time. The average sensor life is 3-5 years when used actively. If your Xiaomi is older than 2018-2019, the probability is that the scanner has simply run out of life.

Signs of hardware malfunction:

• 🔴 The sensor does not respond to any fingerprints (even newly added ones).
• 🔄 The scanner works “once” or only when pressed hard.
• 💥 Artifacts (strips, flickering) appear on the screen when touching the sensor (relevant to optical scanners under the screen).

What to do:

• 🔧 You can go to the diagnostic service center, and it'll cost 1,500 to 4,000 to replace the sensor. ₽ model-wise.
• 📱 Use alternative methods of unlocking (PIN, pattern lock, face recognition).
• 🔄 If the phone is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void the warranty.

⚠️ Warning: If the scanner stopped working after the phone fell, the sensor plume could be damaged, and it could cost up to 5,000 dollars to repair. ₽ device-wise.

6. Resetting settings and extreme measures

If none of these things worked, you'll have to reset your phone to factory settings, which is a radical method, but it often solves software problems related to biometrics. Make sure you back up your data before resetting!

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Reset all settings" (not to be confused with "Reset network settings").
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

Set your phone as new (do not restore from backup)

Add a new fingerprint

Update MIUI to the latest version

Install applications one at a time, checking the scanner's operation-->

If the reset does not help, there are two options:

1. Fastboot phone (skills required)
2. Contact the service for the diagnostics of the hardware.

💡

Setting resets remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and messages. If the scanner doesn't work but the phone is unlocked, try transferring important files to your computer or to the cloud first.

7. Alternative ways to unlock if the scanner is not working

While you are looking for a solution, you can temporarily use other unlocking methods:

• 🔢 PIN-A code or password is a reliable but less convenient way to use it.
• 👤 Facial recognition (if supported by the model) is included in Settings → Passwords and security → Facial recognition.
• 📍 Smart Lock (unlock by location or connected devices) Configured in Settings → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.

If you forgot. PIN-code and scanner is not working, you will have to do a hard reset via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Hard reset deletes all data without recovery. Use it only as a last resort!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi