How to enable Face ID on Xiaomi Mi 8: full instruction with problem solving

Xiaomi Mi 8 became the first flagship of the company with support 3D-The face scanner that many people mistakenly call "Face" ID" — It's a bit like Apple's technology, and the Mi 8 actually uses Face Unlock, which works differently, but it's not as convenient. If you want to unlock your phone with a glance, this is the guide for you.

We’ll go into detail on how to activate facial recognition on the Mi 8 (including the MIUI 10–14 versions), what settings optimize the function, and why the system sometimes refuses to scan the face. We’ll also compare Xiaomi’s technology to Apple’s Face ID and give you security tips. If you’ve had problems with the setup, there’s a section on solutions to typical bugs at the end of this article.

How is Face Unlock on Xiaomi Mi 8 different from Apple Face ID?

Many users confuse these technologies, but they are fundamentally different. - Apple Face ID Uses an infrared projector with 30,000 points to create a 3D-The model of the face, which makes the system extremely reliable (error 1 in 1,000,000). 2D-A scanner with a front camera and IR backlight is faster, but less protected from cheating a photo or mask.

Key differences:

  • 🔹 Accuracy: Face ID It can recognize the face even in the dark and at an angle of up to 30.°, Mi 8 requires direct eye contact with the camera.
  • 🔹 Security: In iPhone, facial data is stored in Secure Enclave, on Xiaomi – in normal memory (the risk of leakage is higher).
  • 🔹 Speed: On the Mi 8, unlocking takes 0.2–0.4 seconds, which is faster than Apple’s (0.5–0.8 s).
  • 🔹 Hardware base: iPhone uses TrueDepth camera, Xiaomi – standard module with IR sensor.

Despite the differences, Face Unlock on the Mi 8 remains one of the most convenient features for everyday use.

📊 You’ve already tried Face Unlock on Xiaomi?
Yeah, I use it all the time.
I tried it, but I turned it off.
I haven't set it up yet.
I have a different model.

Preparing your smartphone before setting up Face Unlock

Before you turn on facial recognition, make sure your Xiaomi Mi 8 is ready for this:

  1. Update MIUI to the latest version. In older firmware (below MIUI 10.2), Face Unlock may not work smoothly. You can check it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
  2. Clean the front camera. Dust or scratches on the glass can interfere with the scan. Wipe the module with a soft cloth.
  3. Make sure the light is good. The first face scan requires uniform light (not bright sun or complete darkness).
  4. Take off your glasses or headgear, and accessories can distort facial features and lead to recognition errors.

If you wear glasses constantly, you can wear them after the first scan and add them as an alternative option in the settings (more on this below).

Updated MIUI to current version|

Cleaned the front camera of dirt |

Prepared uniform lighting |

I take off my glasses/caps (if I don’t wear them all the time)-->

Step-by-step: how to turn Face Unlock on Xiaomi Mi 8

Now, to the point, it takes less than a minute to turn on facial recognition.

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to Lock and Protect (or Lock Screen in newer versions of MIUI).
  3. Select Add Face fingerprint (or Face Unlock if there is no fingerprint item).
  4. Enter the current one. PIN-screen lock code or password (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
  5. Click Start and follow the instructions on the screen: 👤 Keep your phone at eye level (20-30cm from your face). 🔄 Turn your head slowly in a circle so that the camera captures all angles. ✅ After a successful scan, click Ready.

Unlocking when the screen is turned on

Important: If you have a pattern lock installed, the system may require you to add it first. PIN-Code is a security requirement MIUI.

After setting up, check the function:

  1. Lock the screen (power button or timeout).
  2. Hold the phone to your face – the screen should unlock automatically.
  3. If unlocking does not work, repeat the face scan in the settings.

To increase protection:

  1. Turn off the unlock option when you turn on the screen – so the phone will require confirmation by look.
  2. Add an additional PIN for sensitive applications (banks, instant messengers).
  3. Regularly update the face scan (every 3-6 months), especially if your appearance has changed.

⚠️ Note: Do not use Face Unlock as your only method of protection if your phone has critical data (passwords, financial information) on it. In the Mi 8, this feature is designed for convenience, not for high security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you turn on Face Unlock on the Mi 8 without PIN-code?
No, MIUI requires at least one alternative unlock method (PIN, password, or graphical key) to activate Face Unlock, a security requirement in case the face scanner fails.
Why does Face Unlock only work after you tap the screen?
You probably have the Unlock option turned off when you turn on the screen. Enable it in Settings → Lock → Face Unlock. Also check if the power saving mode is activated - it can block automatic unlock.
Can I transfer the face scan to another Xiaomi Mi 8?
No, Face Unlock data is tied to a particular device and doesn't carry over even when you back up, so you'll have to scan again on the new phone.
Face Unlock eats the battery? How much does it consume?
Facial recognition consumes minimal energy, about 1 to 3 percent of the charge per day when used actively, and the main expense goes to the front camera and the IR sensor, but they only activate for a fraction of a second when unlocked.
Does Face Unlock work on the Mi 8 with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)?
On most custom firmware, Face Unlock does not work, as it requires proprietary Xiaomi drivers for the IR sensor, except for MIUI-based firmware (such as MIUI EU), where the function is stored.