Apart from its visually appealing interface and numerous customization options, MIUI also boasts advanced biometric features that enhance device security and convenience.

MIUI Biometric is the umbrella term used to describe the biometric authentication methods available on Xiaomi devices which are in place to keep your data safe.

But what is MIUI biometric and how does it work?

Well, MIUI Biometric uses a combination of hardware and software to authenticate users and provide access to MIUI devices. Fingerprint scanning is the most common method, which uses a dedicated sensor to capture a user’s unique fingerprint and match it against stored biometric data. Facial recognition uses the device’s front-facing camera to identify a user’s face and grant access. Voice recognition uses a user’s voice pattern to authenticate their identity. Iris scanning is another method that uses infrared technology to scan the unique patterns in a user’s iris. These methods work together to provide users with a secure and convenient way to access their MIUI devices.

Read on, as I cover all you need to know about MIUI biometric and take you through how it works. I’ll even include a section that discusses how you can remove the pesky green camera icon when MIUI biometrics is enabled.

What is MIUI Biometric and How Does it Work?

What is MIUI Biometric?

MIUI Biometric refers to the biometric authentication technology developed by Xiaomi for its MIUI operating system.

This technology provides a secure and convenient way for you to authenticate yourself on your Xiaomi devices. The technology includes a range of biometric authentication methods, including facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, and voice recognition.

What is MIUI Biometric and How Does it Work

MIUI Biometric technology is designed to be highly secure and accurate. The technology uses advanced algorithms and hardware to ensure that only authorized users can access the device.

In addition, the technology is designed to be highly convenient, with authentication taking just a few seconds. MIUI Biometric technology is also highly customizable.

You can choose which biometric authentication methods you want to use and configure them to meet your specific needs.

For example, you can choose to use facial recognition only, or you can use a combination of facial recognition and fingerprint recognition for added security.

On Xiaomi devices, or any devices running the MIUI shell, the biometric function will be found under system apps under the label ‘com.miui.face’.

How Does MIUI Biometric Work?

MIUI biometric works in two ways, one is by scanning the user’s face and the second is by scanning their fingerprints.

According to Xiaomi’s patent, MIUI fingerprint biometric technology will use an array of IR LED transmitters and receivers that will be positioned under the capacitive touch-screen layer of the display.

Facial recognition is a biometric authentication method that uses a person’s facial features to identify them. Xiaomi’s facial recognition technology uses artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze a user’s facial features and create a unique template for each user.

This template is then used to authenticate the user when they try to unlock their device.

What is MIUI Biometric and How Does it WorkWhat is MIUI Biometric and How Does it Work — Xiaomi’s latest patent for an in-diplay fingerprint scanner

Fingerprint recognition is another biometric authentication method that uses a person’s fingerprint to identify them. Xiaomi’s fingerprint recognition technology uses a sensor embedded in the device’s screen or back cover to scan the user’s fingerprint and authenticate them.

Voice recognition is a biometric authentication method that uses a person’s voice to identify them. Xiaomi’s voice recognition technology uses machine learning algorithms to analyze a user’s voice and create a unique voiceprint for each user.

This voiceprint is then used to authenticate the user when they try to access their device.

Both features are designed to work on the lock screen and while the display is active and not asleep and you will be able to save up to 4 fingerprints for one device but only a single face scan.

What is the Green Camera Icon After Installing MIUI 13?

A new feature was introduced in Android 12 that lets you know when an application is using either your microphone or camera by displaying a tiny green camera icon in the top right or left corner of your screen.

This feature serves as a warning to users to be careful when using apps and granting permissions to different apps. It also appears while unlocking the device and remains on the screen for a few seconds before disappearing once again.

If you’re using an app that has permission to your camera and microphone then the green camera icon will appear in your notification bar for the duration that the app is open.

The same feature was brought to Xiaomi, Poco and Redmi users once their devices were updated to MIUI 13.

While it does look bulky and an eye-sore in MIUI 13, Android has tweaked their camera icon in such a way that it now becomes a tiny green dot on the display and we’re hoping to see the same update come to MIUI soon as well.

There are loads of users who have reported noticing the new green camera icon post updating to MIUI 13 and nearly all of them have complained about how annoying and obstructive it is.

There’s even an entire Reddit thread discussing this topic and there are also ways you can remove the green camera icon from your Xiaomi device.

How to Enable Xiaomi Biometrics

MIUI biometrics come pre-installed on devices that run stock MIUI.

While nothing needs to be done in order to enable biometrics, it has to be configured and for that you’d have to follow a couple of steps to get this done.

Launch the Settings app on your MIUI device

Now, navigate to Passwords & Security and then click on it

Click on Fingerprint Unlock

Enter your current password
- Pattern, password or pin

Enable the fingerprint lock by swiping on the toggle switch

Go back and then click on Face Unlock

Let the phone scan your face and once it’s successful, click on Save data

Now you will be able to unlock your MIUI device using either your fingerprint or by scanning your face with the selfie camera.

How to Remove the MIUI Biometric Icon

While it’s not recommended to remove the MIUI biometric icon from your device as it’s a security feature, it’s possible to get rid of it if the icon is interfering with your day-to-day activities.

There are three ways you can remove the MIUI biometric icon; one is by disabling the camera and microphone notifications, the second is by disabling the MIUI biometric icon in the ADB command line and the third is by removing fingerprint and face lock from the phone.

Method 1 — Launch the Settings app on your phone and then navigate to Privacy Protection. Now click on the button labeled Privacy and then disable the option “Receive Notifications about App Behavior”

Method 2 — Disable the app from your phone by navigating to the Settings app and then click on Apps. Once all the apps are open, locate “com.miui.face“ and then click on it. Tap on disable app and save the settings.

Method 3 — Launch the Settings app on your phone and then navigate to Passwords & Security. Now click on fingerprint or face lock depending on which one you’ve configured and then disable it.

Can I uninstall MIUI biometric?

You will not be able to uninstall MIUI biometric as it’s a system app that MIUI depends on to function properly. You can however choose to disable it by either changing your phone’s privacy settings, or by removing your fingerprint/face lock.

You can also Open Settings > Lock Screen and Security > Screen Lock Type and toggle off all.

Why is MIUI biometric using my camera?

Since it’s a privacy and security feature, MIUI biometric will always turn on when the camera or microphone is in use. This is done to make sure that no third-party app is using your camera or microphone without your permission.

Is MIUI Biometric secure?

Yes, MIUI Biometric is considered a highly secure method of authentication because it uses unique and individual physical characteristics to identify the primary owner of a device. However, like any security feature, it is not foolproof, and you should take additional security measures to protect your phones.

Can multiple users register their biometric data on the same device?

Yes, MIUI Biometric supports multiple users on the same device, and each user can register their own biometric data.

What happens if my biometric data is stolen or compromised?

If your biometric data is stolen or compromised, you should report it immediately to Xiaomi and take other measures to secure your phone, such as changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication.

Takeaway

MIUI Biometric is an innovative security feature that utilizes a combination of advanced technologies to provide you with a secure and convenient authentication method.

By leveraging biometric data such as fingerprints, facial features, and voice patterns, MIUI Biometric offers an efficient way to protect your personal data from unauthorized access.

The system works by capturing biometric data, comparing it to the stored template, and granting access to the device or application if a match is found.

With its robust security and ease of use, MIUI Biometric is quickly becoming a preferred authentication method for many smartphone users.

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What is MIUI Biometric and How Does it Work 2023