Disabling fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways

Why you should turn off the fingerprint scanner on Redmi 9 and what you need to know before you do it

The Xiaomi Redmi 9’s fingerprint sensor is a convenient feature for quick unlocking, but users sometimes have to turn it off. The reasons can range from trivial problems (the scanner stopped recognizing fingerprints, reacts with delay) to privacy issues or preparing the phone for sale. Unlike flagship models, where biometrics can be deactivated in two clicks, on budget smartphones like Redmi 9, the process has nuances – especially when it comes to completely cleaning the sensor data.

Before you start, consider that disabling the scanner does not mean physically removing it, the sensor will remain in the system, but will no longer be used for authentication. It is also important to understand the difference between temporary deactivation (remove fingerprints from the list, but the sensor works) and a complete biometric reset (remove all stored templates, including backups), the latter option will be required if you transfer the phone to another person or suspect a data leak.

Another thing is the impact on security, and without a fingerprint, the phone will only unlock on the phone. PIN-If you use weak code (like 1234), you should first configure a reliable alternative, otherwise the risk of unauthorized access will increase.

Method 1: Disconnection through security settings

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the scanner through the standard menu, which is suitable if you want to temporarily remove fingerprints, but do not plan to reset the phone to the factory settings. MIUI 12-14 (inclusive).

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen).
• 🔒 Go to the Passwords and Security section (some firmware may call it Lock and Protection).
• 👆 Select the Fingerprint (or the Fingerprint Sensor).
• 🔄 Enter the current one. PIN-password/code for identification.
• 🗑️ Click on each saved print and select Delete (or swipe left if a gesture is supported).
• ✅ Confirm the action. After that, the sensor will no longer be used to unlock.

If the sensor is still activated after you delete your fingerprints (for example, when you press the power button), check the Gesture settings in the same security section. Sometimes the MIUI keeps the scanner tied to fast actions, such as a swipe to call the camera.

Make sure you remember. PIN-code

Backup important data (in case of failure)

Check the battery charge (at least 30%)

Turn off the phone. VPN corporate MDM-Systems (they can block changes)

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Method 2: Completely reset biometric data via Recovery

If standard fingerprint removal doesn’t work (e.g., the sensor freezes and doesn’t respond to settings), you’ll need to use Recovery mode, which is also useful if you’re transferring your phone to another user and want to guarantee that all biometric data, including hidden copies, will be erased.

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Note: Recovery removes all fingerprints, including those that may have been saved in system files, but it does not affect other data (photos, applications, etc.) unless you choose a full reset (Wipe Data).

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9 with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) and go to Wipe & Reset (or Data Cleanup).
4. Select Wipe Fingerprint Data (Clear Biometrics on some versions).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Restart your phone via Reboot.

Once you reboot, the sensor will be deactivated and all previously stored fingerprints erased. If the Wipe Fingerprint Data item is not on the menu, then your version of Recovery does not support partial cleanup, in which case only a full reset (Wipe Data), but it will delete all user data.

Stopped working properly

I'm making a phone for sale.

Confidentiality issues

Interfering with the use of the cover

Another option-->

Method 3: Deactivation via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail and the sensor continues to interfere (such as false positives), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to more deeply manage system settings.

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Attention: Incorrect use of ADB may result in data loss or soft-brick (the phone will turn on, but the system will be inoperable).Before you start, make sure that Redmi 9 has USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-Cable (original or certified).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

1. Execute the command to delete all biometric data:

adb shell pm clear com.android.biometrics.fingerprint

1. Reboot the phone:

adb reboot

After the reboot, the fingerprint sensor will be turned off and all the stored templates removed. If the command does not work, try an alternative:

adb shell cmd fingerprintd remove --id [USER_ID]

(where [USER_ID] — User ID, usually 0 primary account).

Problems after disconnecting the sensor and their solution

Even after a successful scanner shutdown, Redmi 9 users may face unexpected problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them.

If after disconnecting the sensor, the phone became slower to work or lags appeared, try to clear the cache of the system:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find BiometricService or FingerprintService, open and click Clear Cache.

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If the fingerprint sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three points → Select an update pack. Download the old firmware from the official Xiaomi website and install it manually.

How to physically disable the sensor (extreme case)

If the software didn't work and the sensor got in the way (e.g., because of a hardware malfunction), there's a physical shutdown, which is only suitable for advanced users, because it requires disassembling the phone and risks losing warranty. On Redmi 9, the fingerprint sensor is combined with the power button, so a complete shutdown will result in a loss of functionality of this button.

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Warning: Unconnecting the sensor plume without experience can damage the motherboard. If you are unsure of your skills, contact the service center.

If you decide to disassemble, follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Remove the back cover with a plastic shoulder blade (heat the hair dryer to 60°C to soften the glue).
3. Unscrew 10 screws on the metal plate (use the PH00 screwdriver).
4. Carefully disconnect the plume running from the power button to the motherboard (it is thin, do not pull the wires!).
5. Collect the phone in reverse order without plugging the plume back in.

After that, the sensor will stop working, but the power button will also become inactive, so to turn the phone on, you will have to connect the charger or use a command via ADB:

adb reboot

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Physically disabling the sensor is a non-reversible process, and if you plan to sell or give your phone away in the future, it is better to use software methods (recovery or ADB reset).

Alternatives to the fingerprint sensor on Redmi 9

When the scanner is turned off, the question is: how do you replace it? Redmi 9 has several alternative unlocking methods, each with pros and cons.

• 🔐 PIN-Code/password: Reliable, but requires input every time, it is recommended to use a combination of at least 6 characters.
• 🎨 pattern lock: Convenient for quick unlocking, but less secure (you can see the traces on the screen).
• 👤 Facial recognition: Available on Redmi 9, but runs slower than print and is not always reliable in the dark.
• 📱 Smart Lock: Automatically unlock in trusted locations (home, work) or when connected to a trusted device (e.g., smartwatch). → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.

For maximum safety, combine methods.

• Home - Smart Lock (unlocking over Wi-Fi).
• On the street - facial recognition + PIN-code (if the person is not recognized).
• For payments, only PIN-code or password (disable biometrics in payment applications).

If you use Google Pay or Mi Pay frequently, please note that after the fingerprint sensor is turned off, these services may require you to configure an alternative verification method. PIN-transaction-code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the fingerprint sensor