How to Secure Xiaomi Phone With Face Unlock and Fingerprint

Your Xiaomi phone holds a vast amount of personal information, from photos and messages to banking apps. Securing it properly is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. Using biometrics like your fingerprint and face to unlock your phone provides a powerful combination of convenience and security.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of how to secure your Xiaomi phone using both Fingerprint unlock and Face Unlock. We’ll cover the setup for each, how to use them together effectively, and what to do if you run into trouble. Having set this up on numerous Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices running MIUI and the newer HyperOS, I can assure you the process is simple and adds a crucial layer of protection to your digital life.

The Foundation: Set a Strong Screen Lock First

Before you can set up any biometric security, your phone requires a backup lock method. This is your safety net in case the fingerprint sensor can’t read your finger or Face Unlock fails in the dark.

• Why it’s important: If your biometrics fail, this PIN, pattern, or password is the only way to access your phone. Make it something you can remember but that others can’t easily guess.
• How to do it:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Password & security (or Fingerprint, face and password on some older versions).
  3. Tap on Screen lock.
  4. Choose between Pattern, PIN, or Password and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

Once your screen lock is set, you can proceed to add your biometrics.

Step 1: How to Set Up Fingerprint Unlock

The fingerprint sensor on your Xiaomi phone is a highly secure and fast way to unlock your device. It can be located on the power button, on the back of the phone, or under the display.

Adding Your First Fingerprint

1. Navigate back to Settings > Password & security.
2. Tap on Fingerprint unlock.
3. You will be prompted to confirm the PIN, pattern, or password you just created.
4. The screen will show you where the sensor is located. Now, follow the on-screen animation.
5. Crucial Tip: Place your finger on the sensor and lift it after you feel a vibration. Repeat this process, slightly changing the position of your finger each time. This is the most important part—you want the sensor to capture every part of your fingertip, including the edges and the tip. This ensures it will recognize your finger from any angle.
6. Once the fingerprint is successfully added, you can name it (e.g., “Right Thumb”). This is useful if you add multiple fingerprints later.
7. Tap Done.

You have now successfully added a fingerprint. You can use it to unlock your phone and authorize payments or app locks.

Pro-Tip: Add More Fingerprints

For maximum convenience, I highly recommend adding the index finger of each hand and the thumb you use most often. This allows you to unlock your phone no matter how you pick it up.

• How to do it: In the Fingerprint unlock menu, simply tap on Add a fingerprint and repeat the process.

Step 2: How to Set Up Face Unlock

Face Unlock offers a hands-free way to get into your phone. While incredibly convenient, it’s important to know that on most Android phones, including Xiaomi devices, it is generally considered less secure than a fingerprint. It uses the front camera and can potentially be fooled by a photo or a person who looks very similar to you. However, for everyday speed and ease of use, it’s fantastic.

Adding Your Face Data

1. Go to Settings > Password & security.
2. Tap on Face unlock.
3. Enter your PIN, pattern, or password to proceed.
4. Read the on-screen information and tap Next.
5. Position your face within the frame on the screen. Hold the phone steady until the process is complete. It’s usually very quick.
6. Crucial Tip: For the best results, do this in a well-lit room. Avoid strong backlighting (like having a bright window behind you). Don’t wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your facial features during the initial scan.
7. Once your face is added, tap Done.

Step 3: Optimize and Use Both Methods Together

Now that both Fingerprint and Face Unlock are active, your phone is set up for ultimate convenience and security.

• How it works: When you wake your phone screen, it will immediately start looking for your face. If it recognizes you, the phone will unlock. If it doesn’t (perhaps it’s too dark or you’re at a weird angle), the fingerprint icon will be waiting for you on the screen or on the power button. You don’t have to choose one—the phone intelligently offers both.
• Customize Your Settings:
  • In the Face unlock menu, you can toggle the option Stay on Lock screen after unlocking. If you turn this off, the phone will go directly to your home screen once it recognizes your face. If you leave it on, you’ll need to swipe up after your face is recognized. I personally prefer to turn this off for faster access.
  • In the Fingerprint unlock menu, ensure Screen unlock is toggled on.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Fingerprint sensor not responding? Wipe the sensor and your finger with a clean, dry cloth. Oils and dirt are the most common culprits. If it persists, try deleting and re-registering your fingerprint.
• Face Unlock fails in low light? This is a known limitation. In the Face unlock settings, there’s often an option to brighten the screen in dark environments. Toggling this on can help, but the most reliable solution in the dark is to simply use your fingerprint or PIN.
• Face Unlock not working with a mask? Standard Face Unlock is not designed to work with a mask. You will need to use your fingerprint or PIN.

By following these steps, you can easily secure your Xiaomi phone with both layers of biometric protection, giving you fast, flexible, and robust security for your daily use.