Why the fingerprint function on Xiaomi smartphones is missing and how to get it back

You're used to unlocking Xiaomi with a single touch, but suddenly the fingerprint scanner stopped responding? This problem occurs on models from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and the causes can lie in software failures and hardware malfunctions. In 80% of cases, the function can be restored without visiting the service center - just follow the diagnostic checklist.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from common mistakes after updating the MIUI to physical damage to the sensor. Particular attention will be paid to models with a subscreen scanner (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO F5 Pro), where problems often involve display settings, and you will learn how to distinguish a software failure from a hardware breakdown, which will save time and money on unnecessary repairs.

1. Programmatic reasons: when firmware or settings are to blame

In 65 percent of cases, a fingerprint goes missing because of MIUI failures or incorrect user settings. The first thing you need to check is if the sensor is manually disabled. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint. If the item is missing or inactive, the problem goes deeper.

A common cause is conflict after the update, such as MIUI 14 for the Redmi K50, where there was a bug that caused the scanner to stop working after installing the security patch on March 5, 2026, in which cases, a rollback to the previous version or a reset of security settings helps.

• 🔄 Firmware Update: Check for new versions in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI. Sometimes the correction is rolled out 1-2 weeks after mass complaints.
• 📱 Reset security settings: In the fingerprint menu, tap "Delete all fingerprints", then restart the phone and add the fingerprint again.
• 🔧 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Settings and clear the cache.

Critical error: If, after updating in the system logs (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → I badge in the circle → Update log) there is a Fingerprint service crashed, this indicates damage to the system file fingerprintd.

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

If software methods fail, the problem may be physical damage to the sensor or associated components, particularly vulnerable models with a subscreen scanner (Xiaomi 11T Pro, POCO X5 Pro), where the sensor is integrated into the display, signs of hardware failure:

• 💥 The scanner does not respond even after resetting the settings.
• 🔍 There is no hint on the lock screen "Touch the sensor".
• 🛠️ The phone fell or was exposed to moisture.
• 🔌 After replacing the display or battery (often the masters damage the sensor plume).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone falls into water or is subjected to a strong vibration (for example, in a backpack while cycling), do not try to disassemble it yourself. moisture could penetrate the sensor, and when power is turned on, this will lead to a short circuit in the chain. FPC_CONN.

To diagnose hardware problems, you can use the engineering menu:

##6484## (MIUI Hidden Menu) → Fingerprint Test

If the test shows a Hardware not found error (Error 404), the sensor is physically faulty or disabled at the motherboard level.

3. Conflicts with applications and services

Sometimes, the fingerprint scanner blocks third-party applications, especially those that request administrator rights or work with security, such as BankID, Google Smart Lock or LastPass, which can conflict with the system service com.android.fingerprint.

How to check:

Remove newly installed security apps

Turn off “Unlock Smart Lock” in Google Settings

Check Administrator Rights in Settings → Passwords and Security → Device Administrators

Launch your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restarting in Safe Mode")-->

Especially often, problems arise after installing custom launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion), which intercept the events of touching the screen, in which case the scanner can “hang” or trigger after a time, the solution is to disable optimization for the launcher in the battery settings.

Critical: If you use fingerprint cloning applications (like Fingerprint Cloner), they can permanently damage the sensor calibration, in which case only a full reset flashing will help.

4. Settings reset: when it really helps

If all previous methods have failed, the latest software method is hard reset, which deletes all data but returns the phone to factory status, often solving system services problems.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Turn off the phone.
3. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
4. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ After the reset, you may need to link to your Xiaomi account (if Find Device was enabled). Without a login and password, the phone will turn into a brick!

After discharge:

• 📱 Do not restore data from the backup immediately – first check the scanner.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version via About Phone → Update MIUI.
• 👆 Add the print again by following the instructions on the screen.

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Resetting helps in 90% of software failures, but will not fix physical sensor or plume breakdowns.

5. Features of underscreen scanners: why they break more often

Xiaomi’s subscreen sensor models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60) have unique problems: their scanners use optical or ultrasonic technology, which depends on the state of the display. If the screen has microcracks or is replaced with a non-original one, the sensor may not work.

Frequent causes:

• 🔦 Damage. OLED-Matrices: Even the cracks invisible to the eye scatter light, interfering with the scanner.
• 🔋 Poor screen replacement: Cheap displays don’t have a sensor cutout.
• ☀️ Overheating: Ultrasonic scanners (Qualcomm) 3D Sonic) switch off at temperatures above 50°C.
• 🎨 Dark wallpaper/themes: Optical sensors do not work well with AMOLED-dark-screen.

For diagnosis:

1. Try adding a print in bright light (optical sensors require a minimum of 300 lux).
2. Switch to the light theme in Settings → Screen → Dark Mode.
3. Check the temperature of the phone through the AIDA64 app (Sensors section).

6. Alternative methods of unlocking during repairs

While the scanner is not working, set up backup unlocking methods:

For models with MIUI 14+, the Bluetooth Unlock feature is available – the phone will unlock automatically when connected to trusted devices (such as Mi Band 8 or Xiaomi Buds 4 headphones). Configure this in Settings → Connected devices → Unlock Bluetooth.

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If you are outdoors in winter, add a fingerprint with gloves (thin fabrics) to the fingerprint add menu, select the option "Add a fingerprint with gloves" (available on MIUI 13+).

7.When to contact the service: checklist before the visit

If you've run out of software, it's time to get your phone repaired, but first check:

Make sure the problem is not with the protective film/glass (take and test)

Check the scanner in the engineering menu (##6484##)

Back up your data (even if your phone isn’t unlocked, use the Mi PC Suite)

Write down your phone's IMEI (on the box or via *#06#)

Check with the service whether they work with your model (some workshops do not take up the work). POCO or black shark)-->

The cost of repair depends on the model:

• 💰 Replacement of the side sensor (e.g. in Redmi Note 12): 1,500–2,500 ₽.
• 💰 Subscreen scanner repair (Xiaomi 13): 3,000–6,000 ₽ (Requires replacement of the display module).
• 💰 Piltering of the plume: 2,000-4,000 ₽ (if the contact problem).

⚠️ Note: Official Xiaomi service centers may refuse warranty repairs if the phone has autopsy marks or unoriginal parts. Before visiting, check the warranty status through the official website (enter the serial number from the box).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi