Xiaomi’s Fingerprint Bypass: Official and Alternative Unlocking Methods

Fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones – a convenient feature of biometric authorization, which eliminates the need to enter PIN-But what if the sensor stopped recognizing your finger after the update? MIUI, Or did you buy a used device where the previous owner did not delete his fingerprints? In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to bypass the lock with a fingerprint on Redmi, POCO Xiaomi and other models – from official methods to technical workarounds.

It's important to understand that bypassing biometric security is not hacking, it's restoring access to your own device. All of these methods work provided you know an alternative way to unlock (PIN, password, or Mi Account). If your smartphone is stolen or you don't own it, bypassing can violate the law. Also remember, incorrect actions can lead to a hard reset to factory settings and loss of all data.

1. Recovery through Mi Account

The easiest and safest way to unlock Xiaomi if the fingerprint scanner is not responsive is to use a tied Mi Account, which works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, if sync was previously enabled.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern? on English firmware).
• 🔹 Choose the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
• 🔹 Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
• 🔹 Confirm the entrance through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🔹 After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new PIN-code.

If the Forgot Password button is missing, try entering the wrong fingerprint 5 times in a row - after that, an alternative unlock request will appear. This method does not require a data reset and saves all files on the device.

⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, you can restore access through the official website account.xiaomi.com. Use the attached email or phone number. If you lose access to the account, you will need to contact support with evidence of ownership of the device (check, box).

2. Reset fingerprints via settings (if known PIN)

If the fingerprint scanner stopped working, but you remember PIN-A code or pattern lock, you can delete all the saved prints through the settings menu, which is suitable for devices where biometrics is used as an additional (not basic) method of unlocking.

Instructions:

1. Unlock your smartphone with the help of PIN-code-key.
2. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
3. Enter. PIN-code to confirm access to biometric settings.
4. Click on the saved print and select Remove.
5. Repeat the action for all registered fingerprints.
6. Restart the device and reset the scanner.

If the sensor still doesn’t work after the fingerprints are removed, the problem may be hardware damage (for example, after a fall or moisture) or firmware failure, in which case only repair or flashing will help.

3. Unlock through Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If you don’t remember either the PIN or the Mi Account data, the only official way to unlock Xiaomi is to perform a hard reset via Recovery Mode.This method removes all data from the device, including apps, photos and settings, but returns access to the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Hold the keyboard: 🔘 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔘 For POCO F1/F2/F3: Loudness down + Nutrition. 🔘 For the Redmi Note 8/9/10: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Once reset, the device will boot as new, you will need to go through the initial setup, including Mi Account binding and fingerprint resetting, and if the factory Mi Cloud Backup was enabled before the reset, some of the data (contacts, notes) can be restored after authorization.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K40/POCO X3 Pro) after reset via Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was previously associated with the device. This is a measure of protection against theft. If you do not remember the username / password, you can unlock the smartphone only through the official Xiaomi service with the provision of proof of purchase.

4. bypassing ADB (for advanced users)

If the device has USB debugging enabled and you have access to your computer, you can try removing fingerprint files via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for users who have previously activated the developer mode.

Conditions required:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).




3. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(Serial number of the device should be displayed)




4. execute commands to delete fingerprint files:




adb shell




su




rm /data/system/users/0/fpdata/*




rm /data/system/users/0/settings_fingerprint.xml




5. Reset the device:




reboot

After restarting, all the saved prints will be deleted, and you can configure the scanner again through the PIN-If the commands are not executed because of root rights, this method will not work.

5. Hardware repair or sensor replacement

If the fingerprint scanner is physically damaged (cracks on the glass, moisture, contact oxidation), software methods will not help, in which case you need to change the sensor or repair the plume, the cost of repair depends on the model:

Before repairing, check if the warranty is valid, in which case the replacement will perform the official Xiaomi service center for free. If the sensor is working, but the recognition is unstable, try:

• 🧼 Clean the sensor with alcohol (for optical scanners).
• 🔄 Re-register fingerprints in a dry and warm room.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

💡

If the scanner under the screen (ultrasonic) doesn't work well, try registering the fingerprint with the same hand you normally hold your phone, and the system remembers not only the finger pattern, but also the angle of touch.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to bypass fingerprint locks, users often make critical errors that can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device.

• 🚫 Use of informal firmware. Installation of custom ROM (For example, LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader will lead to activation of anti-Rollback protection and turning the smartphone into a “brick".
• 🚫 Interrupt the reset process: If you turn off the device during Wipe Data in Recovery, the partition may be damaged. /data, and the phone won't turn on.
• 🚫 Attempts to hack through “wonder programs” are common on the Internet fraudulent utilities like Mi Account Unlock Tool, which promise to delete the Xiaomi account for money, in practice they either do not work or contain viruses.
• 🚫 Ignoring backups, even if you plan to use "safe" methods (e.g., "safe" methods, ADB), Always backup your device via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. Xiaomi official partners have access to special unlock tools, such as Mi Flash Unlock, which is not available to ordinary users.

💡

None of these methods guarantee 100% success, and if the fingerprint scanner is blocked due to a hardware malfunction (e.g., a damaged plume), the software will not help, but repair is required.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions