Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer many ways to protect personal data, among which biometric scanning is the leading one. However, users often face situations when this feature becomes uncomfortable or even annoying, for example, the scanner may make mistakes when moisture hits your finger, or you simply prefer to use a strong pattern lock or a complex password.
The process of deactivating biometrics on devices with MIUI shells and the new HyperOS is quite simple, but has its own nuances depending on the version of the operating system. In this guide, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you completely remove saved prints and stop using the sensor to unlock the screen or authorize applications.
It's worth noting that disabling one security method automatically activates the backup method you set up when you first set up the device -- usually a PIN or a graphical password -- without which you won't be able to log in, so make sure you remember your access data.
Why you should turn off biometrics on your smartphone
The decision to abandon the fingerprint scanner may be for a variety of reasons, both comfort and security. Some users believe that storing biometric data, even in encrypted form inside a secure TEE module, carries potential risks. While it is extremely difficult to hack a modern sensor, the theoretical possibility of biometric leakage exists.
Another common cause is technical failure, where the sensor can malfunction at low temperatures when the skin of the fingers becomes dry, or vice versa, when the humidity is high, and in such cases, persistent recognition errors only cause irritation and cause unnecessary time to try to unlock the device.
It is also important to consider the physical condition of the scanner itself, because if the screen is equipped with a poor-quality protective film or glass, the sensor built into the display may stop responding to touch, in which case it makes sense to temporarily turn off the function so that the phone does not lock with the wrong inputs.
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If the scanner stopped working after the system update, try to clear the Security and Settings app cache first before turning the feature off completely.
Preparing for changes in security settings
Before you make any changes to your security configuration, you need to make sure you have access to your basic credentials. Biometrics is a critical change that requires you to verify the identity of the device owner. The system needs to know that the user of the smartphone is the one who is doing the action, not the other person.
Make sure you remember your PIN, password, or graphical key, and that's the only way you can log in after you delete your fingerprints, and if you forget your password and you turn off your biometrics, it's going to be extremely difficult to access the data, often requiring a complete reset before the factory settings.
- 🔑 Remember or write down the current screen unlock password so you don’t lose access.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 20-30%, So that it does not turn off during the setup process.
- 📱 Make sure you are in a safe place where the screen cannot be used by outsiders.
In some corporate profiles or when using certain applications for remote mobile device management (MDM), security policies may require biometrics, in which case the menu item may be hidden or blocked by the administrator.
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Step-by-step instructions for MIUI and HyperOS
The security interface of Xiaomi shells is changing, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for passwords and biometrics. In newer versions of HyperOS, this section is often placed in a separate passwords and security menu, whereas in older MIUIs it could be inside the "Additional Settings".
Open the Settings app on the home screen or in the notification curtain. Scroll down to the Passwords and Security section (in some versions Additional → Privacy).
⚠️ Note: After logging into the fingerprint menu, the system will ask you to enter your current password or PIN.
Once you have successfully logged in, you will see a list of all the saved fingerprints (Fingerprint 1, Fingerprint 2, etc.) and each will have an option to delete. Click on the desired print and select Delete or Delete fingerprint. Confirm action in the pop-up window.
What if there's no "Delete" item?
Once the last print is removed, the biometric unlock function will be completely deactivated.The phone will only ask for a digital or graphical password each time the screen is turned on.
Managing fingerprints for applications and payments
It’s important to understand the difference between unlocking a screen and using a fingerprint to log in to apps. Even if you delete the fingerprint to log in, some apps may still request biometrics to confirm payments or log in to banking services if they use their own key stores.
To disable biometrics completely, you need to check your application settings. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy → Special Permits → Use of fingerprint (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
| Type of use | Where to turn off | Effects of disconnection |
|---|---|---|
| Screen unlocking | Settings → Passwords and security | Password/drawing only |
| Payment (Mi Pay, Google Pay) | Settings within the bank application | You need to enter a password card or PIN |
| Entrance to applications | Settings of a specific application | Login and password |
| Encrypted folder | Settings → Passwords → Second Space | Access to hidden files by password only |
For banking applications like Sberbank Online or Tinkoff, the biometrics settings are inside the app itself: Open a bank client, go to your profile or security settings, and turn off Face ID or fingerprint sign-in, which will improve security in the event that your phone is taken over in an unlocked state.
Sensor problems and their solution
Sometimes users want to turn off the fingerprint not for security reasons, but because the sensor is not working correctly. If the scanner on the side button or under the screen reacts with a delay or does not respond at all, the problem may not be in the software, but in pollution or mechanical damage.
Try to thoroughly wipe the scanner area with a soft cloth without pile. Fat spots, sweat or residues of a protective film can significantly impair the reading quality. If you use a case, make sure that it does not block access to the sensor and does not press on it.
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If the scanner still works with errors after cleaning and restarting the smartphone, it makes sense to temporarily disable it and use the password until you contact the service center.
In the event that the sensor stopped working after a smartphone drop or moisture hit, the software shutdown of the function is a temporary solution. For underscreen scanners, a common cause of failure is peeling off the screen or using thick protective glass that disrupts optical or ultrasonic contact.
- 🧼 Wash your screen and finger with an alcohol wipe (carefully).
- 🔄 Reboot the device to reset sensor drivers.
- 📉 Reduce sensor sensitivity in settings if this option is available.
Alternative methods of data protection
If you don't have biometrics, you have to provide a reliable alternative, and the easiest way is to use a complex 6-digit PIN, and combinations like "123456" or "000000" don't provide any protection, and they can be picked up in seconds.
A pattern consisting of connecting 5-6 points in a complex sequence is easier to remember than a set of numbers, and it is more difficult to peek at it, since the movements of the finger are not always obvious to the observer from the outside.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use simple geometric shapes (letters, corners) for a pattern lock. Fat marks on the screen can reveal your pattern to outsiders.
For maximum protection, it is recommended to use an alphanumeric password, which is a combination of letters and numbers that is required to enter when you boot a device. Although it is inconvenient to enter it every time, it is the master key for all encrypted data on your Xiaomi.