The Xiaomi Redmi 5 fingerprint scanner is not just a convenient way to unlock, but also an additional layer of protection for your data. Although the model was released in 2018, its sensor remains reliable and fast when properly set up. Many users face problems: the fingerprint is not read, the sensor works once or at all, most often due to incorrect registration, sensor contamination or outdated firmware.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for adding, deleting, and optimizing fingerprints, as well as solving common errors. We will discuss how to register up to 5 fingerprints (maximum for Redmi 5), why the sensor may not work after a MIUI update, and what to do if the smartphone stopped recognizing your finger.
If you just bought a Xiaomi Redmi 5 If you've upgraded your firmware, don't be surprised that the old prints are gone, which is standard security measure, but even then they're easy to recover. 3-5 And for those of you who want maximum protection, we're going to show you how to combine a print with a print. PIN-code-key.
Preparing the smartphone before setting up the fingerprint
Before you register your print on Redmi 5, make sure your smartphone is ready for the procedure. A dirty sensor or wet fingers are the main causes of failure.
1. Clean the fingerprint sensor. Use soft, hairless fabric (for example, for glasses) and a little alcohol. Don't use abrasive materials - they will damage the sensor. The sensor on Redmi 5 is located on the back of the camera.
2 Make sure your finger is free of moisture or fat. Rub your finger with a dry wipe. If the skin is too dry, slightly moisturize it with cream, this will improve reading.
3. Check the MIUI version. Old firmware (below MIUI 10) may have sensor bugs. Update system in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
4. Install an alternative way to unlock. Redmi 5 must be configured PIN-code or pattern lock -- you can't add a print without it. Go to Settings. → Lockdown and protection → Set the screen lock.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your smartphone settings without first removing the fingerprints, the sensor may lock.In this case, you will need a full reset via Recovery.
Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint
The process of registering a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi 5 takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm.
1. Open Settings and go to Lock and Protect (or Additional → Fingerprint depending on the MIUI version).
2. Select Add Fingerprint. The system will request input PIN-A code or pattern lock is a mandatory security step.
3. Put your finger on the sensor. Don't press too hard, the sensor triggers a light touch. Follow the hints on the screen: raise and lower your finger so that the sensor can pick up different parts of the fingerprint.
Installed PIN-code
Sensor clean and dry.
Finger is not wet or dirty
Smartphone is not in energy saving mode-->
4 Repeat the procedure 3-5 times until the system reports successful registration. It is optimal to register the same finger twice at different angles - this will increase the accuracy of recognition.
5. Name the print (e.g., "Indicator right") and save. Redmi 5 can add up to 5 prints.
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If the sensor doesn't respond to the first finger, try registering the other one, and sometimes the sensor can read more pronounced prints (like the thumb) better.
How to Remove or Rename an Imprint
If you no longer need a fingerprint saved (for example, you added someone else's finger temporarily), it's easy to remove.
1. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Fingerprint.
2. Select the desired fingerprint from the list. The system will request again PIN-proof-code.
3. Click on the basket icon or select Delete. Confirm action.
To rename the fingerprint (for example, if you added a friend's finger and want to mark it), follow the same steps, but instead of deleting, choose Edit the name.
⚠️ Attention: Removing all fingerprints does not turn off the sensor. If the smartphone has stopped responding to touches after that, check the settings in For developers - hardware acceleration may have been disabled.
Problem Solving: The sensor is not working or reading well
If the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 5 stops working, don't panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved software. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:
- 🔄 Sensor doesn't respond at all: Restart your smartphone. If it doesn't work, check if the sensor is disabled in Settings. → Special facilities → System settings.
- 👆 No fingerprint recognized: Remove the old print and add it again. It's possible that the finger was wet or dirty when you registered.
- ⚡ Slow Reading: Turn off Power Saving Mode in Settings → It can limit the sensor.
- 📱 Error after update MIUI: Reset the sensor settings in Settings → Annexes → All applications → Settings (cog icon) → Warehouse → Clear the data.
If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), it will cost 1,500-2,500 rubles to replace it at the service center. But before visiting the workshop, try rolling the firmware back to a stable version of MIUI - sometimes bugs appear after updates.
What if the sensor stopped working after resetting?
Hidden settings: how to speed up the sensor
Few people know, but on the Xiaomi Redmi 5, you can optimize the scanner through hidden settings. These tricks will help if the sensor is slow or with delays.
1. Turn off animation. Go to Settings. → About the phone and 5 times click on "Version" MIUI", To activate the developer mode. Then to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, reduce the scale of animation to 0.5x. This will speed up the system’s response to unlocking.
2. Clear the sensor cache. In the same section for developers, find Clear fingerprint data (if there is no item, then your firmware does not support this function).
3. Set the unlock priority. In some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), you can choose which way to unlock will be the primary. PIN-code - change this to Settings → Lockdown.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor's out of action. | Disabled in settings | Check the settings → Special. capabilities |
| No prints are saved. | Lack of memory | Clean the cache in Settings → Storage |
| Slow reading | Energy saving regime | Turn off the Settings. → Battery |
| "Can't Add" error | Too wet finger | Wipe your finger and sensor and try again. |
Security: How to protect your data if your fingerprint is hacked
A fingerprint is a convenient, but not the most reliable way to protect yourself, and if someone gets access to your Redmi 5, they can unlock it while you're asleep or if you're unconscious.
- 🔒 Set up a two-level lock: In Settings → Blocking Enable the Option Require PIN So even after the reboot, you'll need to enter the code.
- 📱 Turn off Safe Mode unlock: In some firmware, the print works even in Safe Mode. → Additionally. → Security.
- 🔄 Regularly update your prints: Once in a while 3-6 Re-register your fingers for months – over time, the print pattern may change.
If you lose your smartphone, remove all fingerprints remotely via Find My Device (Google) or Mi Cloud, which will prevent access to data even if the phone is found by an attacker.
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Never register other people's fingerprints on your smartphone, even temporarily, and in the event of theft, this will give them full access to your data, including banking applications.