How to Fix a Xiaomi Phone Fingerprint Sensor Not Working

Is your Xiaomi phone fingerprint sensor not working? This can be a frustrating issue, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most effective methods to get your Xiaomi fingerprint scanner functioning properly again.

Check for Physical Damage

The first thing to do if your Xiaomi fingerprint sensor is not responding is to inspect the sensor for any visible physical damage[1]. Look closely for cracks, scratches, or debris that could be interfering with the sensor’s ability to read your fingerprint. If you find any damage, you may need to have the sensor replaced by an authorized Xiaomi service center.

Perform a Hardware Test

Xiaomi phones have a built-in hardware testing mode that can help diagnose issues with the fingerprint sensor. To access this mode:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the following code in the dialer: *#*#6484#*#*
2. In the hardware testing menu, select “Fingerprint sensor check” and “Fingerprint input test”
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to test your fingerprint sensor

If the test fails, this indicates a hardware problem with the fingerprint scanner[2]. In this case, you’ll need to contact Xiaomi support for further assistance or repair.

Update or Reinstall MIUI

If the hardware test passes, the issue may be caused by a software glitch. To resolve this:

1. Go to Settings > About phone > MIUI version
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select “Download latest package”
3. Install any available MIUI updates and restart your phone

If updating doesn’t fix the problem, try reinstalling the MIUI software:

1. Back up your important data
2. Go to Settings > About phone > MIUI version
3. Tap the three-dot menu and select “Reinstall MIUI”
4. Follow the prompts to complete the reinstallation process

Updating or reinstalling MIUI can often resolve software-related fingerprint sensor issues[4] on Xiaomi devices.

Recalibrate the Fingerprint Sensor

After replacing the screen on a Xiaomi phone, you may need to recalibrate the fingerprint sensor to get it working again[1]. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > About phone > All specs
2. Repeatedly tap “Kernel version” until the CIT menu appears
3. Tap the three-dot menu and select “Additional tools” > “Fod fingerprint calibration”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the sensor using a white paper, black paper, and your finger

You may need to attempt the calibration process a few times before it succeeds. Once calibration is complete, reboot your phone and attempt to set up your fingerprint again.

Clear Fingerprint App Data

Corrupted data in the Fingerprint app can sometimes cause the fingerprint sensor to stop working[3]. To clear this data:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps
2. Tap the three-dot menu and select “Show all apps”
3. Find and select the “Fingerprint” app
4. Tap “Clear data” and then “Clear all data”
5. Restart your phone and set up your fingerprint again

This will erase any saved fingerprints, so you’ll need to re-enroll them afterwards. But clearing the app data can resolve issues caused by corrupted fingerprint data.

Factory Reset

If none of the above steps fix your Xiaomi fingerprint sensor not working, a factory reset may be necessary as a last resort[4]. This will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up anything important first. To factory reset:

1. Go to Settings > About phone > Factory reset
2. Tap “Erase all data” and confirm the action
3. Wait for the reset process to complete, then set up your phone and fingerprint as new

A factory reset can resolve stubborn software issues that may be interfering with the fingerprint sensor functionality.

Conclusion – Xiaomi phone fingerprint sensor not working

A non-working fingerprint scanner on your Xiaomi phone can be caused by hardware damage, software glitches, or improperly calibrated sensors. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue in most cases. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to contact Xiaomi support or visit an authorized service center for professional assistance. With some patience and effort, you’ll have your Xiaomi fingerprint sensor working properly again in no time.