Xiaomi Fingerprint Doesn't Work? 5 Ways to Unlock + Causes of Failure

The fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most convenient ways to unlock, but sometimes it stops working: the device does not recognize the usual finger, gives an error “The fingerprint scanner does not respond” or even requires you to enter a pattern lock./PIN-code. 80% In cases, the problem is solved without resetting the settings, but it is important to correctly diagnose the cause - from banal contamination of the sensor to software failures after the update. MIUI.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all scenarios: when the print stopped working after a fall, update, change the screen or simply “forgot” the system. We will discuss official methods (via settings and Mi Account), hidden features (for example, resetting biometric data without losing files), and hardware solutions for physical sensor damage. We will also focus on the nuances for models with ultrasonic scanner (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) and optical sensors (Redmi Note 12 Pro).+, POCO F5).

If you're in a hurry, use the quick fix in the first section. For complicated cases (like a failed root access or firmware) read hard reset with data storage.

⚡ Quick unlock: 3 steps if the print suddenly stopped working

In 60 percent of cases, the problem is solved by basic actions that don't require resetting or repair.

1. Reboot your smartphone. Sounds trite, but after restarting the system, the fingerprint sensor resets the temporary errors. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the off menu appears, then select Reboot.
2. Clean the sensor. Fat marks, dust or moisture block the scan. Wipe the sensor with a soft, lilaless wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol (don't use wet wipes or acetone!). For models with a subscreen scanner (Xiaomi 12T Pro, Redmi K60), clean the entire bottom of the screen.
3. Re-register fingerprint. Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint, delete old prints and add a new one. When registering, press your finger at different angles (especially at the edges) to increase recognition accuracy.

If the sensor still doesn’t work after these actions, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: below 15%, some models turn off biometrics to save energy.
• 📱 Updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → System updates, in versions MIUI 14+ Scanner bugs are often patched.
• 🛠️ Physical damage: after a drop or replacement of the screen, the sensor plume could move away (relevant for Xiaomi) 11T Pro, POCO X4 GT).

🔍 Common fingerprint scanner errors and their causes

Xiaomi’s system can send out different error messages, each pointing to a specific problem:

Critical error: if after upgrading to MIUI 14/15 the scanner stopped working on models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processor (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 Gaming), the cause may be a bug in the Qualcomm driver.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message Device is locked. Enter the Mi Account password, this means that the smartphone is tied to the Xiaomi account and requires authorization. In this case, fingerprint unlock is not possible before entering account data.

📱 Software methods of unlocking (without data resetting)

If the sensor is physically fit but the fingerprint is not added or recognized, try these methods:

1.Resetting fingerprint settings

MIUI has a hidden feature to reset biometric data without deleting personal files:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option Reset fingerprint data (on some models – Clear biometric data).

2. Removal of the system cache

A cluttered cache can block the sensor.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Choose Deep Cleanup and confirm the action.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

3. Update/Return of the scanner driver

For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (most flagships Xiaomi):

• 📌 Download the latest version of the driver FPC Goodix (depending on the sensor) from the site MIUI Forum.
• 📌 Set it through ADB: adb push fpc_driver.apk /system/priv-app/ adb shell chmod 644 /system/priv-app/fpc_driver.apk

Make sure that PIN-code-memorized|Make a backup copy of the data|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Disable Two-Factor Authentication in Mi Account-->

🔄 Hard reset: when nothing helps

If the software methods don’t work, it’s a factory reset, which will delete all the data, but restore the sensor to work. Importantly, on models with Mi Account lock (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO 2020+), after reset, you will need to enter a login / password from the account associated with the device.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, go to Reboot → Reboot to System.

For models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix 4) may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with data encryption (on by default in the MIUI 12+) After the reset, the internal memory will be blocked. To avoid losing files, transfer them to a memory card or PC before resetting.

🔧 Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If none of the software methods worked, the problem is probably physical damage.

• 💥 Fall or impact: On models with glass back panel (Xiaomi 12, 13 Lite), the sensor can crack or move away from the board.
• 🔧 Poor repair: after replacing the screen or battery, the master often damages the sensor plume (relevant to the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).
• 🌡️ Overheating or moisture: getting liquid under the sensor or overheating the processor (for example, during games) can cause the scanner to fail.

How to diagnose a hardware breakdown:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check logs via ADB: adb logcat | grep -i fingerprint If there are errors in the logs such as FingerprintHal: Error opening device, this confirms the malfunction of the equipment.
2. Try adding a fingerprint to Safe Mode (keep power when you turn on, select Safe Mode). If the sensor doesn't work, there's a problem with the hardware.

The cost of repairing the fingerprint sensor in service centers:

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If the sensor stops working after the screen is replaced, check if the wizard has damaged the flexible plume that goes from the motherboard to the scanner. 70% of the time the problem is solved by reconnecting the plume (free if you contact the same service).

🔐 Unlock the bootloader to restore the scanner

On some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 2, Redmi K60 Pro) the fingerprint sensor can lock after a failed firmware or root access, which requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing through the Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC and install ADB/Fastboot tools.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down when turned on).
4. Fastboot oem unlock fastboot flash all fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data, including photos and apps. 13T, Redmi Note 12 Turbo requires a binding to Mi Account and wait 72 hours after the request to unlock.

🛡️ How to Prevent Fingerprint Problems in the Future

To ensure that the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi works consistently, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Clean the sensor regularly with a dry wipe made of microfiber. For underscreen sensors, use special wipes for glasses.
• 🔄 Register. 2-3 Fingerprinting from different angles increases accuracy.
• 📵 Avoid magnetic cases – they can interfere with the sensor (especially on models with magnetic charging like Xiaomi Mix 4).
• 🔋 Do not discharge the battery to 0% - at a critical charge level, energy-intensive functions, including biometrics, are turned off.
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI time 1-2 In new versions, scanner bugs are often fixed (for example, in the MIUI 14.0.5 Fixed the problem with the sensor on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).

If you drop your smartphone frequently, consider models with an ultrasonic scanner (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) – they are less sensitive to physical damage than optical sensors.

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In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) the subscreen sensor may work worse at low temperatures (below) +5°In this case, temporarily use the face unlock or PIN-code.

❓ Frequent questions about unlocking your fingerprint on Xiaomi