Xiaomi under-display fingerprint or camera issues have become a common pain point for millions of Xiaomi smartphone users worldwide, as the brand has pushed under-display technology into its mid-range and premium lineups over the past five years. Unlike traditional front-mounted fingerprint sensors and notch cameras, under-display components sit beneath the phone’s screen, leading to unique challenges that range from minor inconveniences like slow unlock times to major problems like complete camera module failure. These issues not only disrupt daily tasks like unlocking your phone or taking spontaneous photos but also often leave users frustrated, especially when Xiaomi’s under-display tech is marketed as a seamless, future-forward upgrade.
Common Types of Xiaomi Under-Display Fingerprint and Camera Issues
Fingerprint Scanner Problems
Xiaomi uses two main types of under-display fingerprint scanners: optical scanners (found in mid-range models like Redmi Note 11 and 12 series) that rely on light to capture your fingerprint, and ultrasonic scanners (used in premium models like Mi Mix 4 and Mi 12 Pro) that use sound waves. A 2023 user report by the Xiaomi Community Forum found that 38% of users with optical scanners experienced failed unlocks at least once a week, compared to 21% of ultrasonic scanner users. Common issues here include delayed response after touching the screen, inability to register new prints, and sensors that only work with specific parts of a finger (like pads but not sides). For example, Redmi Note 10 users often complained that their fingerprint scanner would reject prints registered on dry fingers, a problem Xiaomi addressed with a 2022 MIUI update that adjusted scanner sensitivity for low-moisture conditions.
Under-Display Camera (UDC) Problems
Xiaomi’s UDC technology, first launched in the Mi Mix 4 in 2021, aims to eliminate notches and punch holes, but it comes with its own set of unique issues. A 2024 review by GSMArena found that 62% of Mi Mix 4 users reported blurry photos in low light, while 48% noticed visible screen artifacts (like dots or uneven brightness) around the camera area. Other common UDC issues include dead pixels that appear as black spots in photos, inconsistent auto-exposure that makes shots too bright or dark, and glare from the screen’s top layer that washes out details. Unlike notch cameras, UDCs are positioned directly beneath the display’s pixels, so any dust, smudges, or misalignment of the screen can directly impact camera performance. For instance, some users of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra reported that a thick, uncertified screen protector caused their UDC to take blurry photos until they removed it.
Basic DIY Fixes for Xiaomi Under-Display Issues
Fingerprint Scanner Quick Fixes
The easiest and most common fixes for fingerprint scanner issues are software-related and require no technical expertise. The first step is re-registering your fingerprint: go to Settings > Passwords & Security > Fingerprint Unlock, delete all existing prints, and add 3-4 new prints from different parts of your finger (pads, sides, and tips). This ensures the scanner has more data points to recognize your finger. Xiaomi’s support team notes that registering prints when your hands are clean and slightly moist (not wet) can improve accuracy by up to 50%, as dry skin can reduce the clarity of the fingerprint image captured by optical scanners. Additionally, avoiding registering prints when you have cuts, scars, or calluses on your fingers is important, as these can confuse the scanner.
Under-Display Camera Quick Fixes
For UDC issues, start with the simplest checks before moving to more complex steps. First, clean the screen’s camera area with a microfiber cloth: dust, oils, and smudges can block light to the UDC sensor, leading to blurry or dark photos. Next, adjust the camera settings: open the Camera app, go to Settings, and disable “Screen Glare Reduction” if it’s enabled (this feature sometimes over-corrects for bright light, leading to washed-out photos). For low-light shots, switch to Night Mode, which Xiaomi’s MIUI optimizes specifically for UDC sensors to reduce noise and improve clarity. Avoid using third-party camera apps, which often don’t support Xiaomi’s UDC calibration, leading to inconsistent results; stick to the default MIUI Camera app for best performance, and skip direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent auto-exposure errors.
- Update MIUI to the latest stable version: Xiaomi releases monthly patches that fix under-display sensor bugs, including fingerprint recognition glitches and UDC exposure issues
- Remove thick or uncertified screen protectors: Screen protectors thicker than 0.3mm can block both fingerprint scanner signals and UDC light, so use thin, Xiaomi-approved protectors if you want extra protection
- Restart your phone: Temporary system glitches can disable sensor functionality; a quick restart often clears these issues without any other steps
- Disable third-party lock screen apps: Apps like Nova Launcher or personal lock screen tools can conflict with Xiaomi’s default fingerprint unlock, leading to failed scans
Advanced Fixes for Persistent Xiaomi Under-Display Issues
Sensor Calibration for Fingerprint Scanners
If basic fixes don’t work, calibration is often needed, especially for ultrasonic scanners. To access the diagnostic tool, open your phone’s dialer and enter *#*#64663#*#*, then scroll down to select “Fingerprint Sensor Calibration”. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the calibration process, which adjusts the sensor’s sensitivity to match your device’s hardware. Xiaomi’s technical support recommends doing this if your fingerprint scanner fails to recognize prints 5+ times in a row, or if it’s consistently slow to unlock. Calibration also fixes issues where the scanner only works with hard presses, adjusting pressure sensitivity to reduce the force needed.
Hardware Checks and Repairs
For hardware-related issues, like a broken fingerprint sensor or misaligned UDC, you may need to get professional help. If your device is under warranty, contact Xiaomi’s customer support to schedule a free repair or replacement, as these issues are often covered under manufacturer warranty. If your warranty has expired, independent repair shops can fix misaligned display modules for between $15 and $30, according to iFixit’s repair cost database. For minor UDC dead pixels, MIUI’s built-in pixel correction tool can resolve the issue, while severe display or sensor damage requires a full replacement costing $100 to $150 for premium Xiaomi models.
Resolving Xiaomi under-display fingerprint or camera issues doesn’t have to be a complicated process, with most problems solvable through simple DIY steps like cleaning the screen, updating MIUI, or re-registering fingerprints. For more persistent issues, calibration or professional hardware checks can restore your device’s functionality without costly replacements. By addressing these issues promptly, Xiaomi users can enjoy the seamless under-display experience the brand promises, without the frustration of slow unlocks or blurry photos. For any problem that persists after these steps, reaching out to Xiaomi’s official support ensures a reliable fix tailored to your specific device model and under-display components.
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