How to bypass fingerprint locking on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature that saves time and protects data. But what if the sensor suddenly stopped working and you forgot the backup PIN-Or did a child accidentally add his fingerprint to lock yours, or did the phone fall into the hands of a child who accidentally added his fingerprint to block yours.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of bypassing a fingerprint lock, from simple (entering a spare password) to complex (unlocking via ADB or Fastboot). Importantly, the methods differ for different versions of MIUI and Xiaomi models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F5 have different types of sensors).

Warning: some methods require a complete data reset (if you do not know the backup PIN).If there are important files on the phone, first try to restore access through the Mi Account - this is the only way to save information.

1. Entering a backup PIN-code

The most obvious, but often forgotten, way to set up a fingerprint is that MIUI requires the user to specify an alternative unlock method: PIN, pattern lock, or password, and if you remember that, it solves the problem in 10 seconds.

1. On the lock screen, tap the inscription Other ways of entering (or Forgot pattern? in English firmware).
2. Select a PIN or Password.
3. Enter the backup code.

If you don’t remember the backup code, try the standard combinations:

• 🔢 1234, 0000, 1111 - factory PIN Default (sometimes triggered after resetting).
• 📅 Dates of birth (your own or loved ones), year of release of the phone (for example, 2021 for Xiaomi) 11T).
• 📱 The Last 4 Figures IMEI (You can find it on the box or via *#06# on another phone).

⚠️ Note: After 5 failed attempts to enter PIN system MIUI It can lock your phone for 30 minutes or even require a reset!

2 Unblocking through Mi Account (if linked)

If you have a Xiaomi account authorized and sync enabled on your phone, you can restore access without losing data, which works even if you forget your backup PIN, but requires:

• 📧 Access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.
• 🌐 Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Enable the function Find the device in the settings (checked in Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter the username (email/phone) and password from the Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

Once you have successfully logged in, your phone will unlock and your fingerprints will reset, and you will need to reconfigure them in Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.

3. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to reset hard through the recovery mode, which will delete all the data on your phone, including photos, messages and apps, and only use it as a last resort!

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up for most models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5). 🔘 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down for older devices (Mi) A2, Redmi 5).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

The phone will reboot in factory condition, and the first time you turn on, you'll need:

• 📱 Complete the initial setup (language selection, Wi-Fi connection).
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if tied before reset).
• 🆔 Confirm the license MIUI (You may need to wait 72 hours for frequent resets).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter an old password to unlock the bootloader. If you do not know it, use the method with Fastboot (see next section).

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

If resetting via Recovery didn't help (for example, the phone asks for an old PIN after rebooting), try removing the fingerprint file via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer and ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠 Tools: Google’s Platform Tools or Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (or terminal) in the folder with the platform-tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
6. Delete Fingerprints (for MIUI 12–14): fastboot erase fingerprint fastboot erase config
7. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the fingerprints will be reset, but the data on the phone will be saved.In some cases, it may be necessary to re-assign the Mi Account.

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If the fastboot erase fingerprint doesn’t work, try an alternative method: fastboot flash persist persist.img (requires a file persist.img from your model’s stock firmware).

5. Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps by build number → For developers → USB debugging), you can delete fingerprint files through ADB without resetting.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. In the command line, enter: adb shell su rm /data/system/users/0/fpdata/* rm /data/system/users/0/settings_fingerprint.xml reboot

If permission denied is an error, then there is no root right, in which case only a reset via Recovery or Fastboot will help.

Hardware methods (if the sensor is broken)

If the fingerprint scanner is not physically working (no response to touch, shows an error "Fingerprint sensor is not responding"), the problem may be:

• 🔧 Sensor contamination - wipe it with an alcohol napkin.
• 💥 Train damage after falling (especially Xiaomi with a cutout under the screen, like in the Mi 11 Ultra).
• 🔋 Controller malfunction (requires replacement of motherboard).

For diagnosis:

1. Check the sensor in Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint → Sensor Test.
2. If the phone can’t see the prints at all, try calibrating the sensor through the engineering menu: ##6484###
3. If the calibration doesn't work, take it to the service center. Average cost of replacing the sensor is 1,500-4,000. ₽ (model).

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If the fingerprint sensor is broken and the phone is locked, the only way to unlock without losing data is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, box).

FAQ: Frequent questions