Setting up a fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi. Xiaomi Mi5 review - flagship specifications for everyone The fingerprint scanner on xiaomi mi5 is disabled

Snapdragon 820, tempered Gorilla Glass 4, the highest photo quality - all these are the characteristics of most flagships in 2016. However, in this barrel of ointment there is not even a spoon, but a whole ladle of ointment - these smartphones are very expensive. And Xiaomi Mi5 is perhaps the only device that breaks the established stereotype.

Xiaomi Mi5 models

Xiaomi Mi5 Review cannot be called complete without studying its modifications. And here “Chinese Apple” traditionally seeks to confuse the end buyer. Just remember the previous device - Mi4, of which there were plenty of different copies: Mi4i, Mi4C, and now another Mi4S. Sheer horror!

Having introduced the latest Mi5, the manufacturer has already started by releasing several versions of the device, each of which differs from each other in one way or another. What will happen next is scary to imagine.

However, I tested the younger version with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory, white. This model is already available in three colors: gold, white or completely black. With the latter, at the time of publication of the material, problems are observed even in China. It seems to exist, but it’s very difficult to actually buy it. But the silver-white variation is not difficult to acquire.

The next version with the same 3 gigabytes of RAM, but with 64 GB of internal memory. In addition, this model is more powerful than my sample and in some places is called with the prefix “Pro”. The body colors are the same. Some users have already acquired this modification.

The juice is, of course, the top version with a memory ratio of 4 + 128 GB. It has a hellish ceramic cover on the back, which in theory (and in practice) is not scratched. In addition, the model has not yet gone on sale, and when it does, it will only be available in black. It is reported that the ceramics here are hardened at temperatures as high as 1500 degrees Celsius, and the thickness of the coating itself is only 0.35 mm. An interesting fact, so to speak.

Equipment

I liked the kind of boxes Xiaomi made in the past. They were made from recycled cardboard. Pleasant, one might say, “lamp” appearance of the packaging. In addition, each box could support the weight of one adult.

The box from Mi5 is just as durable (personally tested by my 83 kg), but its design is unremarkable. Exactly the same appearance can be found in any other smartphone manufacturer. Boredom.

Inside, the device itself and accessories are arranged in their own compartments. Frankly speaking, all these cardboard interiors and partitions smack of cheapness. It's like unboxing a $100 Cubot.

The entire set is visible in the animation above. I won’t describe it in detail. Of course, there are no additional covers here. If you order a device from China, be sure to ask the seller to provide an adapter for the Russian plug and at least one film for the screen. For the first time.

Design

The first impression is the most positive. A beautiful, very neat, stylish smartphone and that’s a fact. The device also evokes extremely positive emotions among others.

The body is beautifully put together. There is no play or creaking. I did not find any gaps or criminal cracks.

Everything is assembled conscientiously and fully corresponds to the premium status of the device.

The set of front elements is completely standard. A little about touch keys. They are equipped with moon-colored lighting. The duration of the backlight can be adjusted to 20 or even 30 seconds, and not 6, as in Samsung.

There is a vibration response and I didn’t like it.

The vibration resonates strongly throughout the body and one gets the feeling that what you have in your hands is not a tightly assembled gadget, but a rattling, empty blank.

Fortunately, the vibration intensity can be adjusted in the parameters. In this case, the rattling is no longer so strong.

The most pleasant response in my memory is the one for which the special Taptic Engine is responsible. Unfortunately, Mi5 is far from it.

Surprisingly, Xiaomi did not install 2.5D glass curved at the edges on the front panel. The front side is completely flat. The metal sides do not protrude above the body at all, so I would not recommend placing the device with the display down, despite the fact that Corning Gorilla Glass 4 is installed here.

Of course, there is an oleophobic coating. It copes with its task perfectly: it practically does not collect fingerprints, and the latter glide across the glass as if on ice.

The back side also has the same glass, only here it is truly curved and is already called 3D.

By the way, the back is very similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. Borrowing between manufacturers is now in full swing, and only you and I benefit from this, getting gadgets that are balanced on all sides. Therefore, you shouldn’t kick Xiaomi for allegedly copying something from the Koreans.

The back surface is very smooth. Why is this bad? If you put your smartphone close to the edge of the table, it may simply slide off and break on the floor. Believe me, the back is really very slippery. And if our fingers cling to the glass quite well due to the peculiar structure of papillary patterns and all that other stuff, then there is no need to cling to the back of the gadget on a hard and smooth surface.

In vibration mode, the device will definitely leave the table on its own and end up on the floor. In general, I warned you.

In the white and black models, the back side of the corresponding color is without any pattern, but the gold one has a barely distinguishable mesh structure. I haven’t seen this model in person, so I’m judging only from press images.

For me personally, it’s important how the device fits in my hand. This directly determines whether there is a risk of dropping the device on the floor and breaking it. Of course, in Mi5 there is such a risk, but it is much lower than in the same or in the record holder for falls. As for me, it is simply impossible to hold the latter securely in your hands. Need a case.

The rear camera eye does not stick out here. More precisely, the sapphire crystal itself is flush with the case, but the metal frame protrudes slightly, so it gets scratched very quickly. This is visible, however, only if you look closely.

At the top end, in addition to the headphone and microphone jack, there is an infrared port. I found a proprietary application for controlling household appliances in my memory. It's partly in Chinese, but fortunately it's intuitive.

At the bottom there is a USB Type-C port. For some reason, everyone likes it when a manufacturer equips their product with this connector. Personally, I can't think of any real argument in favor. There is only one downside: most likely you will be the only one in your environment with such a “breakthrough” device and you won’t be able to borrow a charger from anyone. In addition, there is a problem with adapters. Personally, I have already ordered a couple from a Chinese store. Just so as not to be left out of work. At least it seemed so to me, but more on that later.

The perforation around the connector is symmetrical: the microphone is on the left, and the multimedia speaker is located on the right. By the way, it is quite loud and, best of all, of high quality. The standard ringtone “Guitar Classic” sounds especially good. It is most likely impossible to miss an incoming call on a noisy street.

There are mechanical buttons on the side. They wobble a little and that's normal. I have not yet met a single device where these keys do not wobble.

On the left side there is a retractable slot for two Nano SIM cards. No memory cards for you, you'll get by!

Obviously, this is exactly what Xiaomi thought. I wouldn’t be surprised that Mi6 will have such support and it will be presented in the light of some kind of revelation, as Samsung did this year. Or maybe it won't appear. After all, the Chinese manufacturer is actively promoting its own online services for watching videos and listening to music. Users do not need extra memory in this case. A technique that LeEco successfully practices.

Fingerprint scanner

A thing that deserves its own section in the review. The sensor is located on the front panel, right in the Home button. It has a ceramic coating.

Despite the narrow surface, the reading speed is quite good.

However, there is a downside. For the scanner to work, you need to press a button.

This is the way of the same Samsung and Apple. Most Android device manufacturers take a different approach - you just need to touch the sensor. And this, in my opinion, is correct.

The location of the scanner at the front is the most convenient. I use smartphones in the car and install them directly on the dashboard in the holder. In this case, just put your finger on the front key and the smartphone is unlocked. There is no need to reach somewhere behind the back and feel for the contact pad there. Still, while driving, you need to keep an eye on the road and not point your finger in an unknown direction.

The scanner is used here in standard mode: to block the device itself, protect individual files with a fingerprint, and for payment via an electronic wallet (only in China).

Unfortunately, you cannot fingerprint lock apps. They can only be protected with a password or pattern. It's strange somehow.

And a little more about the control keys. They are touch sensitive and touches can be divided into two types: short tap or hold. These can be two different functions, which is convenient.

Sometimes there is a problem where the fingerprint does not work on Xiaomi Redmi 4X smartphones and other models. This may be due to technical or software problems. Each of these reasons includes several aspects. In this article you can find answers to all questions related to the inoperability of the fingerprint scanner.

The fingerprint scanner works on a simple principle. A special sensor recognizes patterns on the fingertips. These lines are unique to each person. Photocells, after the finger is placed close to the scanner pad, photograph those areas of the pattern on the fingertip that do not touch the pad. That is, the scanner reads not those lines that protrude above the skin, but those that are located between them.

Xiaomi has some of the fastest scanners. Unfortunately, they are far from the most effective. They may not identify the print if the owner's hands are wet, sweaty or dirty. If there is even a minimal amount of greasy stains on your hands, the scanner will refuse to perform identification.

Therefore, if the sensor refuses to read the pattern, it needs to be wiped and hand hygiene performed. If it works, then everything is in order. If not, then the reason is either hardware or software.

Troubleshooting scanner problems

Sometimes the scanner does not work due to incorrect photographing of the print. In other words, the pattern was not recorded at different angles (for clearer recognition of fingers) or was interrupted, and the fingerprint was not fully recorded.

To overwrite entered data:

Important: you need to apply the pillows at different angles, so that in the future you can place your finger any way you like, and the smartphone will still accurately identify it and allow access.

Rewriting your fingerprints will help you understand why the fingerprint scanner is not working. However, the reason may lie elsewhere. Often, after updating the software, the smartphone’s sensor begins to malfunction. Here you can correct the situation by resetting the settings to factory settings. To do this you need:

Attention: all data from the smartphone will be deleted! They must first be copied to other devices. The SD card must be removed before the procedure!

Another method is the simple operation of completely discharging the smartphone. It needs to be completely discharged to 0% for it to turn off. It is advisable to leave it in this state for 12 hours. After this, you will need to plug the device into a power outlet and charge it to 100% without turning it on! When it is charged, you need to turn on the phone without removing it from the charger. After a certain time (or immediately), the smartphone will offer to use the scanner for identification. This way the failure will not happen again.

What to do if the fingerprint is not added

There are situations when the scanner works, but the fingerprint cannot be retrieved again. It is not possible to reset by adding new data. So, when trying to create a new pattern, many Xiaomi owners receive an error “try again” or “failed to add a fingerprint.”

You can try to fix this situation as follows:

This method may help, but not always. If the fingerprint scanner refuses to add a pattern, then you should take drastic measures - reset the settings to factory settings.

Solving problems with fingerprint removal

Frequently asked questions include: I can’t remove a fingerprint, what should I do? The answer to this question is the following - you need to change the system language. To do this you need:

After this, you will need to carry out the fingerprint removal procedure. After a successful operation, the language settings can again be switched to “Russian”.

If the solution does not help, then you will have to reset to factory settings. If the fingerprint scanner shows some problems, you can reflash the phone, which is much more difficult to do. This method is not recommended for use by people who do not have at least basic knowledge of reinstalling the operating system on their phone. Otherwise, you can simply ruin your smartphone.

Conclusion

It is worth saying that Xiaomi smartphones rarely produce such bugs. If they arise, the company quickly eliminates them. If the scanner stops working, you should not immediately reset the settings. This will lead to the loss of all data (if it is not first copied to other devices or storage media). You just need to wait for the bugs in the MIUI shell to be fixed. Typically, corrected versions become available for update again within a week. Therefore, it makes sense to wait for a patched OS to be released before installing it again.

Surely you are aware that the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has released many modifications of smartphones that use a fingerprint scanner to unlock the device or confirm actions.

Most often, inconveniences for new owners appear immediately during the initial activation process with a fingerprint sensor, when establishing registration information. Therefore, next we will look at how to configure the reading element most correctly on the Mi5 model.

Scanner setup

The procedure for setting this option will be described step by step using the example of Xiaomi Mi5 with a Russian-language interface design. The instructions are most relevant for users who will be performing the procedure for the first time:

• Go to your phone settings and select the “Lock screen and fingerprint” section. Then click on the topmost inscription;
• In the page that opens, you should select the type of password that will be used to unlock the smartphone if the fingerprint scanner is unavailable or cannot be used, for example, a pattern, password or PIN code;
• When finished, enter the finger scan image. Follow the sequence of actions that is described on the screen - touch the special area several times. Moreover, according to the site, it is much more effective to slightly change the angle when reading again so that the device remembers the largest number of possible versions;
• At the end of the process, the settings page automatically closes and is transferred to the completed item, which allows you to add another fingerprint, which is completely optional;
• If the sensor does not function correctly or the owner wants to sell the smartphone, the fingerprint used can be erased. To do this, return to the same section as during the initial operation, and then mark the number of the image that you want to delete.

If the fingerprint scanner does not work

If the option does not respond consistently, or the fingerprint sensor does not work at all, you need to perform a number of manipulations to be sure or to refute assumptions about technical failures:

1. Turn off and on the device and then unlock it using an additional password;
2. Restart your smartphone;
3. Erase and then re-image the fingerprint, while washing and drying your hands;
4. In emergency situations, you can reinstall the software, which requires your own manual.

If none of the available methods has a positive result, then it is most likely that the root cause of the problem lies in the hardware of the smartphone and requires service.

Some features of the work

In practice, working with the Xiaomi Mi5 smartphone, we have identified some reasons why the fingerprint scanner may not work correctly:

• The presence of scratches, moisture or dirt on the surface of the finger;
• The presence of interference on the sensor in the form of dust, various particles or water, which interferes with correct reading and testing.

Therefore, before performing the initial setup using a fingerprint scanner, you must have clean, dry hands, and also pay attention to the condition of the device in advance. In some cases, successful deletion of specified parameters can only be performed if the main language of the smartphone is English. After successfully removing the biometric password, you can set the Russian interface and re-configure it.

In addition, many owners do not want to use their fingerprints for unlocking because they are not aware of where the data is transferred and are worried that it can be used for other purposes. However, this is a misconception. Since such information is stored in the device’s processor and does not go anywhere from it. Therefore, you should not worry that fingerprints may get into the hands of intruders or strangers. If a fingerprint is deleted from the phone, its data disappears forever.

Instead of a conclusion

The introduction of fingerprint sensors into smartphones is a very interesting and necessary innovation, which provides both security and a significant simplification of interaction with the system. The function also reduces the need to use additional security programs. At the same time, you don’t need to come up with confusing digital passwords or pattern keys, or remember them, since you only need to put your finger to unlock.

Xiaomi Mi5 is a very important smartphone for the Chinese company. All previous gadgets from this manufacturer were indeed a very good offer in terms of price and quality ratio - this is why Xiaomi is loved by users around the world. However, the smartphones of this company have always been considered in the context of “for this price...”, “for this money...” and so on. In other words, the price factor was decisive.

The situation with Mi5 is a little different. Yes, its cost in Russia varies from 27 to 35 thousand rubles, depending on the amount of built-in memory (32 or 64 GB) and the place of purchase. For comparison: prices for flagship smartphones from other companies now start from 40-45 thousand rubles. However, the cost is lower than that of its classmates - this is not the only advantage of Mi5. What comes to the fore is that this is one of the first mass-produced smartphones with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 on board. Other interesting features include working with LTE Cat. 12, allowing a maximum theoretical data reception speed of 600 Mbit/s in mobile networks, support for two SIM cards and otherwise very decent hardware. We are already intrigued, but what else can Xiaomi Mi5 surprise?

⇡ Technical specifications

⇡ Appearance, ergonomics, fingerprint scanner

Xiaomi Mi 5 is a very human-oriented device, so to speak. This is not a “brick” or a “shovel”, but a very neat and nice gadget. It is convenient to use with one hand - the thumb in this case can easily reach any point on the screen. The thickness of the case is an insignificant 7.3 millimeters, and the weight is only 129 grams.

Such small dimensions were achieved due to the fact that Xiaomi decided not to chase fashion and installed a 5.15-inch screen in the Mi5, while many flagships in recent years use a 5.4-5.5-inch display.

The front panel of the smartphone is covered with protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass of the latest, fourth generation. It is resistant to scratches and other minor damage - if the gadget accidentally ends up in the same pocket as keys or coins, nothing bad will happen. The glass here has an oleophobic coating - it can be easily cleaned from fingerprints and other small dirt using any cloth.

At the top of the front panel there is a slot for the earpiece, a front camera lens, sensitive areas for proximity and light sensors, as well as a small LED indicator that reports new events. At the bottom there is a hardware Home key, as well as touch keys for going back and opening the application menu. They are equipped with a pleasant looking white backlight.

To date, the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has already released several smartphones with a built-in security reader for fingerprint verification. The biggest problem for users of these devices is how to set up a fingerprint on Xiaomi, since difficulties arise at all stages: from data registration to operation of the sensor.

Algorithm for recording and monitoring fingerprints

Let's look at how to configure the built-in fingerprint scanner, using Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro as an example. We will assume that we bought a phone with global firmware, and therefore with high-quality Russian localization.

On a clean device (out of the box), scans are added as follows:

If you wish, you can delete the failed shot (if it doesn't work). Again, it’s worth opening the menu through which the data was added. Then click on the desired name: according to the standard “imprint 1, 2, 3, …”. The window that opens will contain a window where you can change the name of a specific finger scan, and below there will be a “Delete” button.

Possible problems

When buying a Xiaomi Redmi 3s, learning how to set up a fingerprint is not enough, since there are a number of shortcomings. There are two main options: the scanner function is buggy, or it does not work at all.

First of all, you can check your guesses about incorrectness in the following ways:

• lock and unlock the screen using an alternative code/password/key;
• reboot the device;
• re-record scans (if the device vibrates at any touch, reporting an unfamiliar fingerprint);
• as a last resort, you can reset or reflash the smartphone, but the instructions for this procedure require a separate review.

If the problem remains and the scanner does not work due to its technical inoperability, then only the service center employees will provide assistance.

Nuances of work

As experience on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro has shown, the fingerprint scanner may periodically function incorrectly for a number of reasons:

• the finger is dirty, wet or damaged;
• there is dust, solid particles, or other objects on the surface of the scanner that partially or completely block the contact of the finger with the device.

Sometimes you cannot delete recorded data unless you first change the language to English. Only after changing the language is it possible to clear the records by disabling the lock and, returning to Russian, record new fingerprints.

Finally, some users are afraid to record fingerprints because they are not sufficiently aware of where exactly such an important part of their body's biometric data is stored. It is worth assuring everyone that information about the “fingers” of the smartphone owner is contained on the processor chip and nowhere else. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that when synchronizing with cloud storage and connecting to the Internet, such important data will fall into the hands of strangers.

Bottom line

The described sensor is an interesting and useful innovation. By integrating such functionality, any manufacturer makes the operation of their devices more simplified, and also increases the reliability of protecting the user’s personal data.