The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a handy feature that allows you to quickly unlock your smartphone without entering a password. However, many users experience an unexpected awakening of the screen when accidentally touching the sensor - for example, when the phone is in your pocket or on the table, this not only drains the battery, but can lead to false positives (camera activation, calls or opening applications).
In this article, we’ll discuss how to completely disable screen wake-up from your fingerprint on Redmi 9 while still allowing fingerprint unlocking, and look at alternative security settings to help avoid accidental activations, and explain why this feature may not work properly on some MIUI firmware.
Why does the screen wake up from a fingerprint?
Fingerprint Wake-up is enabled by default on most Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9. It is designed to accelerate unlocking: instead of pressing the power button, simply attach your finger to the scanner.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the screen is turned on in a pocket or bag, activating sensors and background processes.
- 📱 False positives – random touches of the sensor can open recent applications or activate the voice assistant.
- 🔒 Security risks – if the phone is down, an attacker may see notifications or partially unlock the device.
On Redmi 9, the fingerprint scanner is located on the back, which increases the likelihood of accidental touches.In addition, some users note that after the MIUI update, the function begins to work unstable - the screen wakes up even without direct contact with the sensor.
Method 1: Turning off wake-up through security settings
The easiest way to remove the screen wake is to turn off the corresponding option in the fingerprint menu.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Passwords and Security section.
- Select a fingerprint.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
- Find the option Wake up screen with fingerprint (or Wake up screen with fingerprint in English firmware) and turn off the slider.
After that, the screen will stop turning on when you touch the scanner, but the fingerprint unlock will remain working. Note that some versions of MIUI (especially global ones) may not have this item, so move on to the next method.
Make sure your phone is over 20% charged.
Remember. PIN-code
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Make a backup copy of important data-->
Method 2: Using Developer Mode (for power users)
If standard settings don't allow you to turn off the awakening, you can use the developer mode, which requires caution, since incorrect actions can disrupt the system.
Algorithm of action:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times in a row on MIUI Version until you become a developer!
Settings
Additional → For Developers
USB debugging
adb
adb shell settings put global fp_wake_and_unlock 0Note:
adb
Platform Tools
Once you've done the command, restart your phone. You'll have your screen awakened from your fingerprint turned off, but you'll still have the unlock function. If that seems complicated, you'll have to go to alternative methods.
💡
Before using ADB, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally to help restore the system in the event of a crash.
Method 3: Remove fingerprints and add them
Sometimes the scanner malfunctions due to damaged fingerprint data, and then the complete deletion and re-registration will help:
- Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
- Remove all saved prints (entry required) PIN-code).
- Reboot the phone.
- Add the prints again by following the instructions on the screen.
- After registering, check if the wake-up option is still available. If so, turn it off (see Method 1).
This technique also helps if the scanner is less able to recognize fingerprints or reacts to them with a delay, and after re-registration, the sensor begins to work more stable.
Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps
If none of the above methods worked, consider the following options:
| Problem. | Decision | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The awakening option is not in the settings | Update MIUI to the latest version | Through Settings → Update of the system |
| Awakening occurs even after disconnection | Reset the security settings | Settings → Passwords and Security → Resetting Security Settings |
| Scanner responds to accidental touch | Use a case with high sides | Protects the sensor from unintentional pressing |
| The function is unstable after the update | Reverse to the previous version of MIUI | Requires unlocking the loader |
If the problem is due to a hardware failure (e.g., the sensor responds to vibration or moisture), contact Xiaomi Service Center.
What if the phone doesn’t respond to fingerprints after turning off the wake-up?
How to Check if the Awakening Is Really Shut Down
To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, perform a simple test:
- Turn off the phone screen (click the power button).
- Put your finger on the fingerprint scanner without pressing the power button.
- If the screen is not turned on, the awakening is successfully disabled.
- Now unlock your phone, press the power button first, then put your finger on the scanner, and if you unlock it, it works right.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI Android 10 or older based, some teams ADB This may not work due to changes in security policy, in which case it is recommended to use the official settings or contact Xiaomi in support.
Also avoid installing third-party applications to manage the fingerprint scanner – they often contain malicious code or conflict with system services.