Why Xiaomi’s fingerprint doesn’t work: all the reasons and ways to repair it

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature that saves time and improves security. But what if the sensor suddenly stops recognizing your finger, does not respond to touch or does not turn on at all? The problem can occur as new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+), and older devices (Mi 11, POCO F3).

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why Xiaomi’s fingerprint doesn’t work, from software failures to physical sensor damage, how to diagnose a problem, what settings to check first, and when to contact a service center. If the scanner stopped working after the update MIUI or phone crashes – find step-by-step recovery instructions.

Don't rush to carry your phone for repair: 80% of the time, you can fix the malfunction yourself in 5-10 minutes.

1. Check basic settings: is the scanner on?

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the fingerprint unlock feature is activated in the settings. MIUI or reset to factory parameters it can be turned off automatically.

How to check:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Fingerprint.
• 🔍 If the option is turned off, the system will prompt you to enter PIN-code or pattern lock for activation.
• 🆕 If the scanner is turned on but not working, remove the old prints and add them again (more on this in the next section).

Also check if the "only" mode is activated. PIN" It blocks all alternative ways of unlocking, including fingerprint and facial recognition.

⚠️ Note: If the fingerprint menu does not include the option to add a new fingerprint, this may indicate a hardware sensor malfunction or firmware problems.

2.Reboot phone and reset fingerprints

If the scanner suddenly stopped working for no apparent reason (like after installing an app or a small bump), try restarting the phone, which helps in 30% of cases when the problem is associated with a temporary system failure.

If the reboot didn't help:

1. Remove all saved prints in Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint.
2. Reboot the phone again.
3. Add the fingerprint again, following the instructions on the screen, and when you scan, raise your finger and place it at different angles, which improves recognition.

On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) post-refresh MIUI 14+ A bug occurs in which the scanner forgets fingerprints, in which case it helps to add the same finger 2-3 times under different names (for example, "Indicative 1", "Indicative 2").

3. Sensor pollution: how to clean properly?

Xiaomi’s fingerprint sensor may not work due to dust, grease or moisture on its surface, especially for models with an optical scanner under the screen (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix 4), where the sensor is integrated into the display.

How to clean:

• 🧴 Use soft lilaless fabric (for example, for glasses) and an alcohol napkin (at least 70% alcohol).
• 🚫 Do not use abrasive materials, wet wipes or liquids containing acetone.
• 🔍 For ultrasonic sensors (Xiaomi Mi 11) easy wiping with dry cloth is enough - they are less sensitive to contamination.

If the phone had recently come into contact with water (even if it was raining or high humidity), the sensor could have become damp.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Place it in a dry place for 12 to 24 hours (e.g., in a silica gel bag).
3. Do not use a dryer or other heat source.

⚠️ Note: On models with a subscreen scanner (Xiaomi 14, 13 Pro), do not press hard on the sensor area during cleaning - this can damage the sensor. OLED-matrix.

4. Software glitches: updates, cache and safe mode

A common cause of a scanner that is not working is a software conflict, and this can happen after:

• 📲 Updates MIUI (especially beta).
• 🔄 Installation of third-party applications with administrator rights.
• 🗑️ Cleaning the cache of system applications.

Solutions:

1. Cleaning the cache and data of the biometric module:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Search for Google Play and BiometricService Services (could be called FingerprintService).
3. Clear the cache and data for both applications.
4. Reboot the phone.

Safe mode launch:

If the problem is caused by a third-party application, check the scanner in safe mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the option to turn off - a prompt will appear to go to safe mode.
3. If the scanner is working in safe mode, delete the recently installed applications one by one until you find the culprit.

3. Recoiling of the update MIUI:

If the scanner stopped working immediately after the update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version via Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select a Service Package.

5. Physical damage: impact, water, wear and tear

If the scanner stopped working after falling, getting moisture or prolonged use, the problem is probably hardware.

Cracking or detachment of the sensor:

On models with a physical button-scanner (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3) The sensor may crack on impact:

• 🔍 Visible damage on the power button.
• 🛠️ The scanner does not respond at all or works repeatedly.
• 🔋 The phone can spontaneously reboot when pressed.

Moisture intrusion:

Even if the phone hasn't sunk, high humidity or condensation can knock the sensor out.

• 💧 The appearance of fog under the sensor glass (on underscreen scanners).
• ⚡ Short circuits – the phone can warm up in the sensor area.
• 🔄 The scanner is unstable (it recognizes, then it does not).

Wear of the flexible plume:

On older models (Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 8), the contact of the plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard eventually fades, resulting in:

• 🔌 Periodic scanner shutdowns.
• 🛠️ Loss of sensitivity (must press harder).
• 🔋 Spontaneous reboots when using a print.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor is physically damaged (crack, dent, oxidation traces), do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - this can lead to damage to the motherboard.

6. Problems after firmware or reset

If the scanner stopped working after the update MIUI, If you reset it to factory settings or manual firmware, it's software:

Resetting of safety settings:

Sometimes it helps to reset only the security parameters without losing data:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Reset Security Settings (could be called Biometric Reset).
3. After restarting, add the print again.

2. Fastboot flashing:

If the scanner doesn’t work after a failed update, try flashing the phone with the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot (Switch off → Power + Vol−) mode.
4. Connect to your PC and swipe with the Clean All option.

3. Firmware integrity check:

If the scanner is still not working after firmware, check if the system files are damaged:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i fingerprint

If the command does not return the results, then the biometric module is absent in the system - a repeated firmware is required.

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Before you flash through Fastboot, be sure to back up your data in Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.Firmware with Clean All option will delete all user files!

7. When do you contact the service?

If none of these methods helped, most likely, the problem is hardware.

• 🔧 Sensor physically damaged (crack, dent, traces of oxidation).
• 💻 Phone does not recognize sensor in diagnostic menu (#4636## → Testing of equipment).
• 🔌 The scanner is unstable (recognises it, does not) after a fall.
• 💦 The phone was in contact with water and the sensor stopped working.
• 🔄 After the firmware scanner disappeared from the settings completely.

The cost of repair depends on the model and type of damage:

• Replacement of fingerprint sensor: 1,500–4,000 ₽.
• Repair/replacement of the plume: 1000–2,500 ₽.
• Oxidation cleansing: 800–1,500 ₽.

On models with a subscreen scanner (Xiaomi) 13/14) Repairs are more expensive because they require disassembly of the screen, and in some cases it is cheaper to replace the entire display module.

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If the scanner stopped working after falling or getting moisture, self-repairing can make the problem worse, and 90 percent of these cases require professional diagnosis.

8. Alternative ways of unlocking

While you are solving the scanner problem, use alternative unlock methods:

• 🔐 PIN-A code or pattern lock is the most reliable option.
• 👤 Facial recognition (works on most Xiaomi models with front camera).
• 🔑 Smart Lock – Automatic unlock in trusted places (configured in Settings) → Passwords and security → Smart Lock).
• 📱 Smartwatch or fitness bracelet (such as Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch) – if unlock through your device is enabled.

In the models with MIUI 14+ You can set up automatic Bluetooth unlock when connected to a trusted device (e.g., a car or headphones).

If you use facial recognition, note that it is less secure than a fingerprint. Security settings can enable the option to Require PIN when restarting to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi