What to Do if the Fingerprint Scanner Does Not Work on Xiaomi

The fingerprint scanner is one of the most convenient designs for protecting your device. There is no need to memorize letter codes or graphic keys. Touch the phone case. But sometimes, unpleasant situations lead to a breakdown of the fingerprint sensor. Therefore, users begin to wonder how to solve the problem if the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi does not work. Today we will discuss this hot topic.

How the fingerprint scanner works

The fingerprint sensor is the perfect safe solution if you allow another person to use your smartphone. First, you can limit access to the device at all (lock screen). Secondly, the fingerprint is also set to specific applications. Afraid that your child will make an unnecessary purchase in an online store? Then just put a scan protection on the site.

The mechanism of the fingerprint scanner is as follows:

1. Go to“Settings” –“Lock and protect” – “Manage fingerprints”.
2. We enter our pin code and set the lock with our fingerprint. The system asks us to put our fingers on the sensor and rotate our hands in several positions. After that, your fingerprint is remembered.
3. Now we pick up the smartphone and touch the casing, holding our fingers for a few seconds. It’s triggered, and you get access to the phone. By the way, sub-screen sensors, found in flagship models, are now gaining popularity. This is also very convenient.

Identifying the reasons why the fingerprint scanner does not work on Xiaomi and Redmi

Users are often faced with a situation where the sensor does not recognize touch, but also the reasons are unknown. System failure after another update? Need a new snapshot of the fingerprint? Or maybe the cable is damaged?

Before you start repairing, you need to know exactly what’s causing the scanner not to function. There are two main variants: mechanical damage, which is difficult to fix at home, or a software error that disappears after a rollback or software update.

Mechanical failure

When disassembling the device, let’s start with the most trivial and common. You accidentally damage the scanner cable. Physical damage can occur if you jerk the cover hard without disconnecting the strap. Now, unfortunately, only a qualified technician will help.

Did the smartphone fall on a hard surface, or did you pour water on it? The fingerprint sensor may refuse to work after that. Also, pay attention to the condition of the phone’s back panel. Moisture, dirt, and grease will prevent proper contact. Wipe the case thoroughly and gently run a cotton swab soaked in alcohol over the fingerprint button.

If there are cuts or even microcracks on your finger, the scan will most likely not work. Keep your hands dry and clean.

Consequences of the update

Xiaomi developers, with enviable regularity, release improvements and innovations for their products. But, in addition to innovative features, users encounter slowdowns, glitches, and various bugs. This is a constant component and a huge disadvantage of developer versions.

The global shell is less prone to such problems, but no one completely excludes them. So, if after updating, you notice that the module stops working, your fingerprint scanner is missing, or you have problems with scanning – wait for the next build, which will be optimized all the existing flaws. At worst, roll back to the previous version.

Software Failure

The first thing to do here is to remove the fingerprint and add a new one. It is also recommended to restart the device several times, completely discharge it, and then charge the battery to 100%.

If this does not help, try changing the default language in “Settings” to English and take several screenshots of the fingerprint. Such simple actions usually help restore the fingerprint sensor’s smooth operation.

No actions do not help to restore the sensor functionality at home, and you do not want to go to the wizard? Then disable the scanner lock and use the standard methods of protection: digital-letter password, graphic key, or Face ID (the last option has not had the best security parameters, so we cannot recommend unlocking by face).

How to solve various problems with the scanner on your smartphone

The fingerprint scanner has not stopped working, but there are interruptions and all sorts of problems. Below you will find the most common problems encountered by users and ways to solve them.

Missing item in Settings

A rather strange but common situation. You go to “Settings” to add/remove fingerprints, but this section is absent, as if the smartphone has no scanner.

The only option that will help is a full factory reset. You can find out how to reset your smartphone in our special article. Just do not forget to make a backup before. Otherwise, you will lose important materials.

Another good option is to update via “Three Dots” or install full firmware. What is a complete ROM? We talked about that here in a separate paragraph.

The scanner does not recognize the fingerprint well

Here we need to repeat the above recommendations. First, wipe the sensor area, then add a new fingerprint. As a last resort, reset to factory settings + completely clear the cache.

Not adding a new screenshot

Delete existing screenshots and try adding a new fingerprint via Settings. Again, a reset or update might help. The mechanism is the same everywhere: software and mechanical troubleshooting.

Contact us in the comments for more information. We’ll always help! Only in extreme cases, a service center will be needed.

Today we discussed such an unpleasant phenomenon as the scanner not working on the Xiaomi phone. As you can see, there are many methods by which you can diagnose the fingerprint sensor and fix the problem. And to ensure that the scanner always works properly and quickly, do not expose your mobile device to physical impact, and keep an eye on the software part. Good luck!