How to remove fingerprint unlock on Xiaomi: all ways

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient way to quickly unlock, but sometimes it starts to malfunction or just becomes unnecessary. PIN-code for greater security, or the sensor stopped recognizing fingers after the update MIUI. In some cases, the scanner refuses to disconnect via the standard menu, and the system gives an error: "Failure to remove the fingerprint failed to remove the scanner».

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to disable unlock by fingerprint on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From basic uninstallation through settings to Fastboot reset for "hangover" cases, you'll also learn why the system can block fingerprint removal and how to get around it without losing data. MIUI 12/13/14 relevant 2026 year.

When you may need to turn off your fingerprint

Even if the scanner is working properly, there are situations when it is better to deactivate it:

• 🔒 Switching to a more reliable method, such as a pattern lock or a long one PIN-code if you store sensitive data on your phone.
• 👆 The sensor stopped recognizing fingers after falling, getting moisture or updating the firmware.
• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone – deleting biometrics is mandatory to protect personal information.
• 🔄 Resetting – Before hard reset, it is recommended to clear all biometric data.
• 🛠️ Screen or back repair – wizards are often asked to turn off the scanner to avoid disassembly errors.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the scanner is built into the power button. If it starts to stick or fire arbitrarily, disabling the fingerprint can temporarily solve the problem before repair.

⚠️ Note: If you disable the fingerprint before selling, remember to also delete the face details (Settings) → Lock screen → Face unlocking: Biometric information is stored in a secure chip and is not automatically reset!

Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to remove fingerprints through the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, as long as the system does not give out errors.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Lock Screen (or Passwords and Security on older versions of MIUI).
3. Select a fingerprint (may be called a fingerprint sensor).
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
5. Click on the saved print and select Remove (or swipe left on some models).
6. Confirm the action.

If you have multiple fingerprints added, repeat the steps for each. Once the last scanner is removed, the scanner will automatically deactivate, and unlocking will only occur through an alternative method (PIN, pattern lock).

Remember. PIN-code

Connected the phone to charge (in case of failure)

Backup of important data

Closed all apps in the background-->

On some devices (such as the POCO F4 or Xiaomi 13 Lite), after removing the fingerprint, the system may suggest setting up face unlock.

Method 2: Resetting biometric data through Recovery and Reset

If standard deletion fails (e.g., the “Failure to delete fingerprint” error occurs), try resetting all biometric data via a dedicated menu.

• 👆 All the fingerprints saved
• 😊 Face unlock data (if configured)
• 🔑 Smart Lock settings (for example, unlocking over Bluetooth device)

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Activate the switch Allow OEM-unlocking (if any).
5. Return to Settings → System → Recovery and Reset.
6. Select Reset Biometrics (or Reset Security Settings).
7. Confirm the action by entering a password.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global for the European region, the item "Reset biometrics" may not be available. In this case, use Method 3 (via Fastboot).

Method 3: Disabling the scanner via Fastboot (for power users)

If the print cannot be removed through settings (for example, due to firmware failure or damage to the /data partition), the team will help via Fastboot.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and works on most Xiaomi models, except those that use HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download it on the official Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not - see spoiler below).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the Volume Down + Power buttons to enter Fastboot mode.




3. Connect the phone to the PC.




4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.




5. Enter the command:




fastboot erase fingerprint




6. After completion, enter:




fastboot reboot

The phone will reboot and all fingerprints will be deleted. If the command doesn't work, try the alternative:

fastboot erase config

On models with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), this command can reset the firmware region. Be prepared to reset the network!

Method 4: Remove fingerprints via Safe Mode (if the scanner is “hang”)

Sometimes the fingerprint scanner freezes after a failed update or physical damage, in which case the system may not respond to clicks in the biometrics menu, the solution is to log into Safe Mode, where all third-party processes are disabled, and repeat the deletion.

How to start Safe Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button until the Xiaomi logo appears.
3. Immediately after the vibration, press and hold the Volume button down until the desktop with the inscription “Safe mode” at the bottom of the screen loads.

In safe mode:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.
2. Remove all saved prints (if the menu is available).
3. Reboot your phone in the usual way.

If you can’t delete it in Safe Mode, it could be a file system corruption, in which case only a Fastboot reset or a complete flashing will help.

💡

If the scanner freezes again after leaving Safe Mode, check its operation in the engineering menu: dial in the phone application ##4636## and select Equipment Testing.

What to do if the fingerprint is not removed: common mistakes

Sometimes users encounter errors when trying to disable the scanner. Let's look at the most common problems and their solutions:

If neither method worked, it could be a hardware malfunction, such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Redmi K40, which has a problem with the scanner contacts oxidizing after moisture hits, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

How to completely disable the fingerprint scanner (to save charge)

Even if you have removed all the fingerprints, the sensor itself continues to consume energy in the background. On some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro or Xiaomi 12S), this can reduce battery life by 5-10%.

For devices on MIUI 13/14:

1. Activate Developer Mode (as in Method 2).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option to disable the fingerprint sensor (or Fingerprint hardware disable) and activate it.
4. Reboot the phone.

For HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14):

1. Install Fingerprint Quick Action from Google Play.
2. Open the application and grant ADB permissions (instructions will appear on the screen).
3. Select the Disable Fingerprint Sensor option.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the scanner completely may cause some features to fail, such as Mi Pay or App Lock (if they are linked to a fingerprint.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling the fingerprint on Xiaomi