Nowadays, carrying out any procedure with the public administration electronically is simpler and more convenient than ever thanks to the digital certificateIf you are a Xiaomi (or Redmi, POCO) mobile user and want to optimize the process of requesting, downloading and installing your digital certificate, here you will find the most complete and detailed guide so you don't get lost in any step. This article will help you whether you already have the digital certificate on your PC or want to obtain it directly from your smartphone using the most modern and fastest options, including the official app of the National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT) and the electronic DNI (DNIe).
What is a digital certificate and why should you install one on your Xiaomi phone?
A digital certificate is an electronic document that securely identifies a natural person in the digital environment.. Normally issued by authorized entities such as the National Currency and Stamp Factory (FNMT)This certificate allows you to authenticate yourself, complete procedures, and sign documents online, equivalent to a handwritten signature on paper but with greater security and legal validity.
Its use is key to access platforms and applications such as DGT (General Directorate of Traffic), The Tributary Agency (AEAT), Health services, your City Council's Electronic Office, My Citizen Folder, and many more public bodies, as well as to electronically sign official documents, submit and consult taxes, obtain registration certificates, check fines or employment history, request subsidies or resources, and much more.
Advantages of having a digital certificate installed on your Xiaomi:
- You avoid travel and waiting in physical offices.
- You can carry out procedures and inquiries at any time and from anywhere.
- You have instant access to public digital services, including medical history management, scholarships, notifications, and consultations.
- You get the ability to digitally sign documents with legal validity.
- You streamline processes that would normally require in-person identification.
Also, thanks to improvements in the official administration apps (such as FNMT or MiDGT), you can easily manage your digital identity with your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO.
How and where do I apply for a digital certificate?
Requesting a digital certificate is the essential first step to installing it on your Xiaomi mobile. There are several ways to do this, and we'll explain them below. the fastest and safest:
1. Apply from the official FNMT app with your DNIe and NFC
- Download the App FNMT digital certificate from the Google Play Store directly on your Xiaomi.
- Open the app and select the option Request Digital Certificate.
- Choose DNIe reading (you must have NFC activated in your mobile settings).
- Accept the terms and conditions and enter your email address (you'll receive the application code and notifications about the process there).
- Have the PIN envelope you received when you renewed your ID card on hand. If you've lost it, you must retrieve it at a National Police station using the designated machines.
- Enter the CAN (code that appears on the DNI next to the signature) and the PIN received.
- Place your ID on a flat surface and place your phone on top of it to enable NFC reading. Follow the app's instructions.
If all goes well, the app will extract the information and generate your digital certificate request, which will be ready to download in a few minutes or hours.
2. Application from the computer (classic alternative)
- Access the official website of the National Currency and Stamp Factory and enter the section for Natural persons.
- Check that your browser is compatible (Internet Explorer or Firefox are recommended for integration with the FNMT).
- Fill in your details (ID, last name, email) and follow the process to request your certificate.
- You will receive an email with a request code.
- With this code, make an appointment to identify yourself at an authorized office (Social Security, AEAT, City Hall, etc.).
- After proving your identity in person, you will receive an email with a link to download your digital certificate.
This alternative is still valid, although it is slower and requires travel to the office.
Steps to install the digital certificate on a Xiaomi mobile phone
Once you have the digital certificate file (.p12 or .pfx format), you can proceed to install it on your Xiaomi mobile. several methods, adapted to each situation:
Method 1: Install directly from the official app (after getting it on your phone)
If you requested and downloaded the digital certificate using the FNMT app, you'll usually find it in your downloads folder or in the folder assigned by the app itself. You don't need to send it from your computer. Simply follow these steps:
- Access the Settings from your Xiaomi and enter the section Fingerprints, face data and screen lock (depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, it may appear with slight variations, always look for the Security/Privacy section).
- Choose Privacy policy and then, More adjustments.
- Sign in Encryption and credentials and select Install a certificate.
- Look for the .p12 or .pfx file in your downloads folder or wherever it's located.
- When you select it, you'll need to enter the export password assigned during the certificate request. Enter the password correctly.
- The digital certificate will be installed on the device. Give it a name (no spaces, to avoid errors) and select its use: VPN and apps o WiFi, depending on your needs (generally, for most users VPN and apps will be enough).
Method 2: Install the certificate from a valid copy received by email, Telegram, or transferred from your PC
If you have the file on your PC and want to install it on your Xiaomi phone, here are the detailed steps:
- Transfer the .p12 or .pfx file to your Xiaomi mobile (you can use a USB cable, Bluetooth, applications like Telegram, Google Drive, email or any secure file transfer method).
- Open your Xiaomi's file explorer and locate the transferred digital certificate.
- Click on the digital certificate file, which will automatically open the installation wizard.
- Enter the backup/assigned password for the certificate.
- If necessary, give it a name without spaces.
- Select the certificate use: VPN and apps (for most administrative procedures and apps such as MiDGT or Citizen Folder).
- Confirm the installation and, if required, enter your phone's PIN or unlock pattern to complete the process.
Method 3: Install from Xiaomi Settings
In some cases, access may vary depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS (Xiaomi's customization layer), but in general these are the universal steps:
- Sign in Settings > Security > Credential storage o Install from phone memory (the path may vary: always look for the option to install user certificates).
- Select the digital certificate file (.p12 or .pfx).
- Enter the certificate password and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Assign an identifying name (without spaces).
- Choose, according to your needs, the use for VPN and apps.
- Confirm the installation.
Installing the root certificate on older versions of Android
If your Xiaomi has a version prior to Android 8, before installing the personal digital certificate, you must install the root certificate of the certification authority (FNMT-RCM). Download it from the official FNMT website, click on the downloaded file, and follow the wizard, giving it a name. You can then install your personal digital certificate by following the steps above.
Most common mistakes, tricks, and questions when installing a digital certificate
- The certificate is not installed: Verify that the file is complete, that you have the correct password, and that the system has a pattern, PIN, or unlock system (a necessary requirement for installing user certificates on Android).
- The option to install certificate does not appear: Use the settings search box, check that your MIUI/HyperOS version is up to date, and look in the security section.
- The FNMT app does not recognize the DNIe: Make sure NFC is enabled and try gently hovering your phone over your ID until you hear a vibration or receive visual confirmation.
- I can't find the PIN or CAN: If you've lost your PIN envelope, go to a police station and request a duplicate from one of the blue machines. The PIN is usually printed on the ID card itself.
- Format error: Only .p12 and .pfx formats are accepted. Other formats may cause import errors.
- Multiple installation: You can install copies of the certificate on multiple devices, but if you use the same name, it will be overwritten. If you enter different names, multiple options will appear when selecting a certificate.
Recommended uses and applications for your Xiaomi digital certificate
The possibilities of having your digital certificate always available on your mobile are endless. Below is a list of procedures and frequent uses for which it will be very useful to you:
- Access and procedures in the DGT (check, pay and appeal fines, keep a digital driver's license, document renewal, etc.).
- Presentation and settlement of taxes in the Tributary Agency (AEAT).
- Access to My Citizen Folder, with centralized information on scholarships, medical records, registration certificates, census, and much more.
- Management and request for subsidies, resources and citizen service in your city council, autonomous community or the State.
- View and download employment history, medical records, residency or sports certificates, among others.
- Electronically sign official documents, applications, and contracts.
- Install the COVID certificate of the European Union or COVID passport for international travel.
- Social Security procedures: access your personal area, check benefits, apply for assistance, etc.
- Renew and review official documentation from your Xiaomi, without having to go to the offices in person.
In addition, many official applications such as MyDGT, My Citizen Folder, Cl@ve PIN and others offer full integration with the installed digital certificate, facilitating access and carrying out procedures more quickly and securely.
The digital certificate is personal and non-transferable., and its security depends largely on your responsible use of your mobile phone:
- Protect access to your Xiaomi with PIN, pattern, fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Do not share the certificate file or export password with anyone.
- Make backup copies of the file (preferably outside the cloud and in a secure location, such as an encrypted USB drive).
- If you change devices, remember to remove the certificate from the old one and reinstall it on the new one.
- In case of loss or theft, report it as soon as possible and request revocation of the digital certificate.
If you need to import the certificate again, you can do so as many times as necessary as long as you have a valid copy and the corresponding password.
Installing and using the digital certificate on your Xiaomi mobile phone is a simple process, accessible to any user, and packed with advantages. From the comfort of your smartphone, you can complete countless procedures, access official services, and sign documents online securely and legally. Digital administration is a reality, and being prepared can save you time and unnecessary complications in your daily life. Don't wait any longer to manage your entire administrative life directly from the palm of your hand!
