Why Xiaomi’s fingerprint doesn’t work: 12 reasons and ways to fix it

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most convenient ways to unlock, but sometimes it suddenly stops working, users are faced with errors like “failed to read the fingerprint”, “the sensor does not respond” or a complete lack of response to touch. 80% of the time the problem is solved by software, but the remaining 20% are to blame for hardware malfunctions — from oxidation of contacts to physical damage to the module.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why Xiaomi’s fingerprint stopped working (including the Redmi Note models). 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13 And we'll give you step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions, and we'll focus on the hidden settings. MIUI, which are often reset after updates and block the sensor.

1. Software failures: when firmware or settings are to blame

In 60 percent of cases, the fingerprint scanner is rendered inoperable by software errors, which can be a consequence of:

• 📱 Updates MIUI — New firmware versions sometimes “break” the sensor driver (especially relevant for the sensor). MIUI 14 and HyperOS).
• 🔄 Resetting – After returning to factory settings, the scanner may require reconfiguration.
• 🛠️ Rooting or modification of the system - incorrect edits to the /system/vendor often lead to sensor failure.
• 🚫 Device Administrator Blocks – Some applications (e.g. Xiaomi Security) may restrict access to biometrics.

The first thing you need to do is to restart your smartphone. If that doesn't work, check:

1. Is the scanner running in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode)? If so, third-party software is to blame.
2. Is the sensor disabled in settings: Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint.
3. Have you installed updates for the Security app (via Google Play or App Store)?

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If the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three points → Select an update package. Download the old firmware from the official Xiaomi website.

2. Hardware malfunctions: when you need to carry in the service

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably hardware.

• 💧 Moisture intrusion – even if the phone hasn’t sunk, condensation or high humidity can oxidize the sensor contacts.
• 🔌 Disconnecting the plume is a common problem after falls or disassembly of the phone (relevant to the Redmi Note). 9/10 sub-screen).
• 🔥 Overheating or overburning of the chip - occurs when using unoriginal charges or after a long game.
• 📉 Sensor wear and tear – over time, the scanner’s sensitivity drops (especially on older models like the Mi 8 or Mi 9).

How to check for hardware malfunction:

1. Illuminate a flashlight on the scanner area – if foreign particles or oxidation are visible, the sensor needs to be cleaned.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check logs through adb logcat | grep -i fingerprint. If errors like FingerprintHal: Error reading sensor appear, the problem is in the hardware.
3. Try adding the fingerprint again – if the system gives an error Failed to save the fingerprint (code 5), this is a sign of hardware failure.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone falls or gets wet, don’t try to disassemble it yourself – on Xiaomi models with an ultrasonic scanner (for example, the Mi 11 Ultra), the sensor is integrated into the display, and sloppy actions can damage the screen.

3. the scanner does not respond after the update: what to do

MIUI updates often break the fingerprints due to driver conflicts. If the problem occurs after the update, follow this algorithm:

Clear the Security cache |Delete and re-add fingerprints |Return the update (if available) |Reset the biometrics settings |Safe Mode check-->

Detailed instructions:

1. Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find Security (or Mi Security). Click Storage → Clear cache.
2. Reset biometrics: Open Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint. Delete all saved fingerprints. Reboot your phone. Add the fingerprint again, following the system's prompts.
3. Update rollback: If the problem has occurred after the MIUI update, try going back to the previous version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select the Service Pack.

Updates MIUI|Installation of a new annex|Phone drop/hit|Moisture intrusion|By itself, for no apparent reason.-->

4. The scanner is working, but it doesn't recognize fingerprints: calibration and adjustment

Sometimes the sensor turns on, but it doesn't even recognize the fingerprints that you've registered, and this may be due to:

• 👆 Incorrect registration – the print is added at the wrong angle or with dirty fingers.
• 🧴 Sensor pollution – fat, sweat, or cream reduces sensitivity.
• 📱 Wearing protective glass - on old phones, microcracks interfere with scanning.
• ⚙️ Calibration failure – sensitivity may be lost after updates.

How to fix it:

1. Re-register the fingerprint: Remove the old fingerprint in Settings → Passwords and security. Rub your finger and sensor with an alcohol wipe. Add the fingerprint again, pressing your finger at different angles (the system will ask you to raise and lower your finger several times).
2. Sensor calibration (hidden function): Enter in the dialer: ##6484## Select "Fingerprint Test" → "Calibration" → follow the instructions. ⚠️ Attention: This code doesn't work on all models. POCO New Redmis may require permission for the engineering menu (activated via the ADB).

5. Problems with specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi phones have unique scanner bugs, and the table below shows common problems and solutions for popular models:

For models with an ultrasonic scanner (built into the screen) are also relevant:

• 📵 Protective film interference – thick or metallized films block the signal.
• 🔋 Low battery power – at levels below 10%, the scanner can be turned off to save energy.
• 🌡️ Overheating of the processor - at a temperature above 45°C sensor temporarily deactivated.

6.If nothing helps: radical methods

When the standard methods are exhausted, more serious measures remain:

1. Reset to factory settings: Before reset, be sure to save data (photos, contacts, messages). Instructions: Settings → About phone → Resetting → Erase all data OR (if the phone doesn't turn on): Press the power button + volume up → Recovery → Wipe Data
2. Fastboot flashing: If the reset didn't work, run your phone with clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Step-by-step instruction: Download the official firmware for your model. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode. + Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash. ⚠️ Warning: Continuous interruption of the firmware process can stain the phone. Use the original one. USB-cable and do not disconnect the PC from the network.
3. Sensor replacement: If the scanner is physically damaged, it can be replaced. Average cost of repair: 💰 Redmi Note — 1 500–2 500 ₽ 💰 POCO F — 2 000–3 000 ₽ 💰 Mi 11/12/13 — 3 500–5 000 ₽ (because of the integration with the screen)

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Before drastic measures (reset, firmware, disassembly), always check the scanner in safe mode. If it works there, the problem is in the software, not the hardware.

7.Prevention: How to avoid scanner problems in the future

To ensure that the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi works stably:

• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, bugs with biometrics are corrected.
• 🧼 Keep the sensor clean – wipe it with a soft cloth once a week.
• 🔋 Avoid deep discharge – this can knock down security settings.
• 🛡️ Do not install questionable applications – they may conflict with scanner drivers.
• 📦 Use high-quality cases - cheap accessories can put pressure on the sensor.

Also useful:

• 🔒 Set up a backup unlock method (PIN or pattern lock) in case of scanner failure.
• 📡 Turn off battery optimization for the “Security” app»:

FAQ: Frequent questions about the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi