Xiaomi Mi 8 Display Fingerprint Sensor: Full Guide

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi 8 does not have an in-display fingerprint sensor; it uses a traditional rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner. The Mi 8 was released in 2018, before under-display optical sensors became common in Xiaomi’s lineup. However, a separate variant, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition, was the first Xiaomi phone to feature an in-display fingerprint sensor. This article explains the difference, how the technology works, and what it means for you.

Background: Why the Confusion?

The Xiaomi Mi 8 series includes several models: the standard Mi 8, Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 Pro (also called Mi 8 Explorer Edition in some markets), and Mi 8 Lite. Only the Pro/Explorer Edition has the in-display fingerprint sensor. The standard Mi 8 and the other variants use a rear capacitive sensor. Many online listings and reviews mix up the models, leading to the common question about whether the Mi 8 has a display fingerprint sensor. The distinction is important because the in-display sensor was a flagship feature at the time, and buyers specifically looked for it.

How the In-Display Fingerprint Sensor Works

The Mi 8 Explorer Edition uses an optical under-display fingerprint sensor. Here’s how it works:

• When you place your finger on the designated area of the screen, the display lights up that region with high brightness.
• Light reflects off your finger’s ridges and valleys, and a tiny camera sensor beneath the OLED panel captures the image.
• The phone compares the captured pattern to the stored fingerprint data to unlock.

This is different from the ultrasonic sensors used in some later phones, which use sound waves and work better with wet or oily fingers. The optical sensor on the Mi 8 Explorer Edition is reliable but slower than the rear capacitive sensor on the standard Mi 8.

Standard Mi 8 vs. Explorer Edition: Key Differences

If you are deciding between the two, here are the main differences:

• Fingerprint sensor location: Standard Mi 8 has it on the back; Explorer Edition has it under the front display.
• Design: The Explorer Edition has a transparent back panel that shows off some internal components, while the standard Mi 8 has a regular glass back.
• Price: The Explorer Edition was significantly more expensive at launch due to the new technology and design.
• Performance: Both have the same Snapdragon 845 processor, so performance is identical.

For most users, the rear sensor on the standard Mi 8 is actually faster and more accurate. The in-display sensor was more of a novelty and a sign of future tech.

How to Set Up and Use the Fingerprint Sensor

If you have the Explorer Edition, setting up the in-display sensor is straightforward:

1. Go to Settings > Password & Security > Fingerprint.
2. Tap Add fingerprint and follow the on-screen instructions to place your finger on the sensor area multiple times.
3. Once registered, you can unlock the phone by placing your finger on the sensor area. The screen will light up to guide you.

For the standard Mi 8, the rear sensor is set up similarly but you just touch the back of the phone. You can also use the fingerprint sensor for other actions, like taking photos or opening the notification shade, by customizing gestures in the same settings menu.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Users of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition sometimes report issues with the in-display sensor. Here are common problems and fixes:

• Sensor not recognizing fingerprint: Make sure your finger and the screen are clean and dry. Re-register your fingerprints after applying a new screen protector, as the protector can affect the optical sensor.
• Slow unlocking: The sensor may be slower if your finger is not placed exactly on the sensor area. Practice placing your finger directly on the highlighted circle.
• Sensor not working at all: Restart the phone. If that doesn’t work, check for software updates, as Xiaomi released patches to improve the sensor’s performance.

For the standard Mi 8’s rear sensor, problems are rarer. If it fails, cleaning the sensor and your finger usually solves it. If not, a factory reset may help, but that should be a last resort.

Comparison with Other Phones of That Era

When the Mi 8 launched in 2018, in-display fingerprint sensors were just emerging. The first commercial phone with this feature was the Vivo X20 Plus UD, released earlier that year. The Mi 8 Explorer Edition was among the first to use it, but it was not the only one. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 series (2019) popularized the technology, and by 2020 it became standard on mid-range phones. The standard Mi 8’s rear sensor was the norm at the time, and many users preferred it for its speed and reliability. In a direct comparison, the rear sensor on the Mi 8 is faster than the in-display sensor on the Explorer Edition, but the in-display design allowed for a cleaner front look without a bezel or home button.

Cost and Availability Today

Both the Mi 8 and Mi 8 Explorer Edition are no longer sold new by Xiaomi, but you can find them used or refurbished on online marketplaces. Prices vary widely based on condition and seller. The Explorer Edition is rarer and may cost more than the standard Mi 8, even used, because of its novelty and transparent design. When buying used, check the battery health and whether the fingerprint sensor works, as repairs can be costly and hard to find. The in-display sensor is an OLED panel component, so if it fails, you may need to replace the entire screen, which is expensive.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are looking for a phone with an in-display fingerprint sensor today, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition is outdated. Many modern Xiaomi phones, like the Redmi Note series and the Mi 11 series, have under-display sensors as standard. If you prefer a rear sensor, you can find older models or budget phones that still use them. For the best experience in 2024, consider a phone with an ultrasonic under-display sensor, as they work better with wet fingers and are faster. The Mi 8 series, while a good phone in its day, lacks modern features like 5G and updated software, so it is not recommended as a primary device for most users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Xiaomi Mi 8 have a fingerprint sensor on the screen?

Only the Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (also known as Mi 8 Pro in some regions) has an in-display fingerprint sensor. The standard Mi 8, Mi 8 SE, and Mi 8 Lite have a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

How do I know if my Mi 8 has an in-display sensor?

Check the back of the phone. If there is a circular sensor on the back, it’s the standard Mi 8. If the back is transparent and there is no visible sensor, it’s the Explorer Edition. You can also check the model number in Settings > About Phone.

Is the in-display fingerprint sensor on the Mi 8 Explorer Edition fast?

It is slower than the rear sensor on the standard Mi 8. It takes about 0.5 seconds to unlock, which was typical for optical sensors of that generation. Modern phones are faster.

Can I use a screen protector with the in-display sensor?

Yes, but it must be thin and of good quality. Thick or poorly made screen protectors can block the optical sensor and cause recognition failures. After applying a new protector, re-register your fingerprints.

Is the Mi 8 Explorer Edition worth buying in 2024?

Probably not. It lacks 5G, has an outdated processor, and no longer receives software updates. It is only worth buying as a collector’s item or for testing, not as a daily driver.

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