How to unlock Xiaomi phone if your fingerprint doesn’t work: all the ways

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient way to unlock, but sometimes it fails. The sensor may stop recognizing your finger after a fall, system update, or due to contamination. In some cases, the problem lies in a software failure, and sometimes a physical defect in the module. If your Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or another Xiaomi model refuses to unlock in the usual way, don’t panic - there are several working solutions.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from basic actions (reboot, clean the sensor) to radical measures (reset via Fastboot or Recovery). Particular attention will be paid to situations where the phone is locked completely and backup login methods (PIN, pattern lock) are unknown. All instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, including budget and flagship models.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t recognize fingerprints: the main reasons

Before you try to unlock your phone, it's important to understand why the scanner stopped working.

• 🧼 Sensor contamination – fat, dust or moisture interferes with the fingerprint reading, especially for devices with a side scanner (for example, Redmi 10).
• 🔄 Software failure - after update MIUI or resetting the settings, the fingerprint data may be damaged.
• 💥 Physical damage – a hit, fall, or hit by a liquid often disables the sensor.
• 🔋 Charge savings – in ultra-low consumption mode, some functions are turned off, including biometrics.
• 🔒 Blocking after several failed attempts – the system can temporarily disable the scanner for security.

If the sensor doesn't work after the firmware update, it's probably software, in which case it helps to re-register fingerprints or reset biometrics, but if the scanner stopped responding after a phone drop or contact with water, you'll likely need repairs.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with an ultrasonic sensor (such as the Mi 11 Ultra), screen contamination in the scanner area can completely block its operation.

Method 1: Rebooting and cleaning the sensor is the first step

Start with the simplest thing, rebooting your phone, which helps in 30 percent of cases where the failure is temporary.

1. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Select Reboot (or Restart in English firmware).
3. After turning on, check the scanner.

If the reboot didn’t help, clean the sensor of contaminants:

• For side scanners (on the power button), use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• For on-screen sensors, wipe the scanning area with a soft cloth without pile.
• Avoid abrasive materials – they can scratch the sensor.

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In the models with AMOLED-The fingerprint sensor is hidden under the display to find it, turn the screen backlight to maximum brightness — usually the scanner is located in the bottom third of the panel.

Method 2: Re-registration of fingerprints in settings

If the sensor is physically healthy, but the phone doesn't recognize your finger, try removing it and re-introducing the fingerprint.

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
3. Delete all saved prints by clicking on the basket or Delete.
4. Register your finger again by following the instructions on the screen.

When registering, take into account the following nuances:

• 👆 Keep your finger perpendicular to the sensor without tilting.
• 🔄 Raise and lower your finger smoothly, without jerking.
• 🖐️ Register the same finger 2-3 times at different angles for reliability.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4) After the fingerprints are reset, it takes a reboot to make the changes take effect, and without it, the scanner can continue to ignore the new data.

Make sure your hands are dry and clean.

Check the absence of film/glass on the sensor

Know the backup. PIN-code

Have access to a stable light source (for screen scanners)-->

Method 3: Unlocking through PIN-code

If the fingerprint scanner is not working, but you remember the backup PIN-- code or pattern lock, use them to unlock:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Screen lock.
2. Select the Lock Type and temporarily disable the biometrics.
3. Install another unlock method (like PIN only) and reboot your phone.

If you forget the backup code, try the standard combinations for Xiaomi:

• 1234, 0000, 1111 – often used by default.
• 8888 or 9999 – sometimes installed in service centers.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) after 5 failed PIN attempts, the system may require a connection to Mi Account to unlock. If the account is not tied or you do not remember the login data, this method will not work.

Method 4: Unblocking with Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If you've previously tied a device to a Mi Account, you can unlock your phone through it, and this method works even when the screen is locked, but requires:

• 📧 Access to an email or phone number linked to an account.
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 Password knowledge from Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? or Forgot Password.
2. Choose Unblock with Mi Account.
3. Enter your login (email/phone) and password.
4. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email.

If there is no unlock option on the screen through the account, then:

• 🚫 The account is not tied to the device.
• 📵 No Internet connection.
• 🔄 The phone is disabled synchronization with Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, unlocking through Mi Account can only work when connected to Wi-Fi. Mobile Internet is not enough to confirm identity.

Method 5: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (will delete all data)

If no other methods have worked, you will have to reset your settings completely through Recovery Mode, which will delete all data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps.

• 🔋 Battery charge over 50%.
• 📱 You have a backup of important data (if your phone has ever unlocked before).
• 🔌 Cable USB at hand (some models require a PC connection).

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 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. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

After reset, the phone will turn on in "as new" state.

• 📱 Complete the initial setup (selecting language, connecting to Wi-Fi).
• 🔑 Install a new one PIN-code.
• 👆 Re-register fingerprints.

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Recovery is the only way to unlock Xiaomi if all passwords are forgotten and Mi Account is not tied, but this method does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (requires unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool).

Method 6: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or resetting through it does not help, you can try unlocking your phone via Fastboot.

• 💻 Computers with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping the Power button + Volume down.
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and flash your phone.

Warnings:

• 🚨 The wrong firmware can bury the device.
• 🔒 If the bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours).
• 📵 In some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) After the firmware through Fastboot can fly IMEI.

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Before you run through Fastboot, check the phone model with the fastboot getvar product command in the terminal. This will help avoid installing incompatible firmware.

What to do if nothing helps: repair or replace the sensor

If all software methods are exhausted and the fingerprint scanner is still down, the problem is probably hardware.

• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center – Official Workshops will diagnose malfunction for free.
• 💰 The cost of replacing the sensor varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model.
• 🛠️ On phones with screen scanners (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Replacing the sensor requires disassembling the display, which increases the repair price.

Before you bring your phone to the service, check:

• 🔌 Is the sensor working in Safe Mode? If so, the problem is in third-party software.
• 📱 Has the sensor plume been damaged (relevant after the falls).
• 🔄 Are biometric settings reset after rebooting (a sign of memory malfunction).

If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations. In official service centers Xiaomi replace the sensor is performed in 1-3 days.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi with a fingerprint