Why the fingerprint was missing in Xiaomi settings – all the reasons and ways to return the scanner

Did you open Settings → Passwords & Security → Fingerprints on your Xiaomi to add a new fingerprint or change an existing one, but instead of saving data, you saw a blank screen? Or worse, did the system stop responding to touching the scanner at all? This problem is found on devices from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and its causes can be hidden in software failures and hardware malfunctions.

Unlike errors in facial recognition or PIN-In some cases, the disappearance of fingerprints is often associated with the operation of the biometric module, the chip responsible for processing the sensor data. MIUI, Others have physical damage to the scanner's contacts. We've analyzed hundreds of cases on forums. 4PDA and Mi Community to gather all possible solutions, from basic checks to deep diagnostics.

1. Software glitches: why MIUI 'forgets' fingerprints

In 60% of cases, the problem is temporary and operating system-related. MIUI (especially versions 13-14) is known for security module bugs that occur after:

• 🔄 Firmware updates – new versions of the software may reset biometric settings due to conflicts with previous data.
• 🔋 Battery discharge up to 0% – when the power is completely turned off, some modules (including the scanner) can be temporarily deactivated.
• 🛠️ Cleaning the cache through Settings → Storage – sometimes affected system biometric files.
• 🔒 Changes in changes PIN-code – if you change your pattern lock or password, the system may require you to re-register your fingerprints.

The first thing you need to do is to restart the device, and in 30 percent of cases, it restores the scanner.

1. Version MIUI In Settings → If it's a beta (marked by the letter V in the build number), rolling back to stable firmware could solve the problem.
2. Availability of updates in Settings → System update: Sometimes patches for biometric modules are released separately from major updates.

Critical information: If the prints disappeared after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.5–14.0.8, the problem may be due to a bug in the com.miui.biometric module.

2.Reset security settings: how to return fingerprints without losing data

If the scanner is physically working (literated when touched) but the fingerprints are not displayed in the settings, try resetting the security settings.This method does not affect user data, but deletes all biometric keys, PIN-codes.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Reset Security Settings (may be called Remove all credentials on some models).
3. Confirm the action by entering the current PIN-code-key.
4. Reset the device.

Make sure you remember. PIN-code

Save backups of passwords from applications (such as banking)

Disconnect your device from Mi Account if you are syncing

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)

-->

After you restart, try adding the fingerprint again. If the scanner doesn't respond, move on to the next step.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 and older security reset can block access to Mi Account for 72 hours.If you use sync, make sure to remember the username and password from your Xiaomi account.

3. Hardware malfunctions: when the scanner is to blame

If software methods fail, the problem may lie in physical damage to the scanner or its contacts.

• 🔦 The scanner is not illuminated when touched.
• 📱 There is no fingerprint icon on the lock screen.
• 🔌 The device does not respond to touching the sensor (no vibration or sound signal).
• 💧 Traces of oxidation or moisture under the back cover (relevant for models with a subscreen scanner, for example, Xiaomi) 12T Pro).

Frequent causes:

For diagnosis:

1. Try adding a new fingerprint. If the system gives an error "failed to register the fingerprint", the problem is precisely hardware.
2. Connect the device to your PC and check logs via adb logcat | grep -i fingerprint. FingerprintHal: Error errors will confirm the module malfunction.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an ultrasonic scanner (such as the Xiaomi Mix 4), an attempt to disassemble the sensor will lead to irreversible damage.

4 Conflicts with Mi Account and Google Services

Rarely, there are cases where missing fingerprints is linked to synchronizing accounts.

• 🔄 After changing the password in Mi Account, the system may require re-authorization of biometrics.
• 🔑 If the device has enabled the “Unlock Through Google Smart Lock” feature, it can block the scanner under certain conditions (for example, in trusted places).
• 📱 On some firmware (especially custom) the conflict is caused by the services of Google Play Services, responsible for authentication.

What to do:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and perform the exit / login again.
2. Disable Smart Lock in Settings → Security → Smart Lock.
3. Clear the cache and data of Google Play Services in Settings → Apps → App Management.

5.Recovery through Safe Mode and rollback of firmware

If the prints are missing after installing an update or third-party software, try booting into Safe Mode, which will disable all third-source applications and let you check if any of them conflict with the scanner.

How to start Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the “Switch off” option – a prompt will appear to go to safe mode.
3. Confirm and wait for the reboot.

In Safe Mode, check:

• 🔍 Is the fingerprint scanner working.
• 📱 Are saved prints displayed in settings.
• 🔄 Can I add a new print.

If it's safe, the problem is in one of the apps installed.

• 🔐 Password Managers (LastPass, 1Password).
• 🛡️ Antiviruses (Avast, Kaspersky).
• 📱 Launchers (Nova Launcher, Hyperion).
• 🔧 Apps for tuning (Greenify, Battery Guru).

If Safe Mode didn’t help, consider rolling back firmware.This is true for devices where the problem appeared after the MIUI update. Use the official Mi Flash Tool or Custom Recovery (TWRP) tool if you have a bootloader unlocked.

💡

Firmware rollback is a last resort. Before the procedure, be sure to back up through adb backup or Mi Cloud, as all data will be erased.

6. When there is only a service center left

If none of these methods worked, it's probably a hardware problem, and you should go to the service center if you have:

• 🔧 The scanner does not respond to touch at all (no backlight, vibrations).
• 💥 The device fell or came into contact with moisture.
• 📱 Artifacts appear on the screen when trying to scan (for example, on Xiaomi with the help of a computer). AMOLED-screen).
• 🔋 The problem occurred after replacing the screen or battery.

The cost of repair depends on the model:

Before the service visit:

1. Make a backup copy of the data (if the device is still turned on).
2. Disable your Mi Account and Google Account if you plan to leave your phone for repairs.
3. Check if the service center has access to original Xiaomi parts (especially important for models with a subscreen scanner).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services often install non-original scanners that may not support all functions (for example, unlock animations on the Internet). MIUI Require a warranty for parts for at least 6 months.

FAQ: Frequent questions about missing fingerprints on Xiaomi