Fingerprint settings on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide with expert tips

Why the fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note 8 Pro may not work the first time

The fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a key security feature, but it doesn’t always go smoothly, and many users are facing problems: the device doesn’t recognize the fingerprint, there are errors like “I couldn’t add a fingerprint,” or the scanner doesn’t respond to touch at all, both in software failures of the MIUI and in the physical features of the sensor.

In this article, we will take a step-by-step approach to adding a fingerprint, look at common errors and their solutions, and give recommendations for optimizing the scanner, and pay special attention to the nuances that the manufacturer does not keep in the official documentation, such as how to hold your finger correctly or why some fingerprints are not saved after rebooting the device.

If you’ve just purchased a Redmi Note 8 Pro or have trouble updating your firmware, this guide will help you set up biometric authentication without going to the service center. And for those who have tried to add a fingerprint but failed, there’s a section at the end of the article on alternative methods and hardware malfunction diagnosis.

Preparation of the device before adding a fingerprint

Before you start setting up, make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI at least 11 (on older firmware, the scanner may not work properly).
• 🔋 Battery charge above 20% – when the charge is low, the system blocks the addition of new fingerprints.
• 🧴 Clean sensor and finger – fat, moisture or dirt interfere with reading.
• 🔒 Absence PIN-code or pattern lock – without them it is impossible to add a print.

If you’ve recently updated your firmware, restart your device before setting up, which will clear the system cache and reduce the risk of crashes, and check if third-party apps are installed to lock the screen, which may conflict with the built-in scanner.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

Go to the Settings menu → Passwords and security → If the item is missing, your firmware does not support this function (relevant for custom builds:

1. Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock to verify identity.
2. Click "Add fingerprint" and select your finger (e.g., "Right hand index").
3. Press your finger tightly against the sensor (located on the back of the camera) until it vibrates or sounds.
4. Raise your finger and repeat the action, slightly shifting it to the sides so that the system fixes different parts of the fingerprint.
5. Wait for the scale to fill in 100%. If the process is 80-90% frozen, restart the add-on.

Tip: for better recognition, add the same finger twice at different angles, like the tip of the finger first, then the middle of the pillow, which will increase the chances of unlocking from the first touch.

Turn off the energy saving mode

Remove the case (if it closes the sensor)

Wipe the sensor with an alcohol napkin.

Wash and dry your hands

-->

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

If the scanner gives an error "Can't add a fingerprint", check the following points:

If the error repeats, try resetting your security settings (but this will delete all saved passwords and fingerprints!). To do this, go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset security settings.

Optimization of the scanner: expert advice

To make the print work from the first touch:

• 🔄 Add 2-3 variants of one finger (for example, dry and wet).
• 📱 Turn off Face Unlock – it may conflict with the scanner.
• ⚡ Activate the "Quick Unlock" mode in the fingerprint settings.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Scanner bugs fixed.

Importantly, if you use a case with metal inserts, it can shield the sensor signal. Try removing the case or replacing it with a plastic one.

💡

After adding a fingerprint, restart the device – this will help the system “fix” new data in the sensor memory.

Alternative methods of unlocking if the scanner is not working

If you cannot set up your print, use the following options:

• 🔢 PIN-A code or pattern lock is a reliable but less convenient way to use it.
• 👤 Facial recognition (only works in good lighting).
• 🔑 Smart Lock – Automatic unlocking in trusted places (setting in Settings) → Security → Smart Lock).

For owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro with root rights, there is an informal way to restore the scanner through file editing /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.fingerprint.xml. However, this is risky and can lead to a device blink.

💡

If the scanner stopped working after the phone fell, the plume or the sensor itself is likely damaged, and only replacing the part will help.

Diagnostics of hardware faults

If none of the methods worked, check the hardware:

1. Run the sensor test through the engineering menu (code ##6484##).
2. Light a flashlight on the sensor – if it doesn’t glow red, the LED may have burned.
3. Check if the plume is moving away (relevant after disassembling the phone).

If you suspect a breakdown, contact the service.The average cost of replacing the fingerprint sensor for the Redmi Note 8 Pro is 1,500-2,500 rubles (depending on the region).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use alcohol or acetone to clean the sensor - they can damage the protective coating.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a print

If your question isn’t covered in this article, check out Xiaomi’s official documentation or contact the 4PDA forum, which offers rare-case solutions.