Have you ever wondered why your Xiaomi Redmi has a separate Scanner app, even though the camera can recognize it? QR-It turns out that this tool is much more functional than it seems, and the manufacturer has built into it not only basic code-reading capabilities, but also unique features that can be useful in everyday life, work or even creativity.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the hidden features of the scanner in Redmi-smartphones, including little-known modes that Xiaomi does not advertise in standard instructions. You will learn how to measure distances without roulette, translate text from foreign languages in real time, verify the authenticity of documents and even create a new tool. 3D-And we're also going to reveal the secrets of optimizing scanner performance for maximum accuracy and speed.
We will focus on security issues: why some of them QR-The codes can be dangerous, how to tell the fake barcode from the original, and what settings will help protect your data. If you thought that the scanner in your phone was only for payment in the store, this article will change your understanding of the capabilities of your Redmi.
1. The main functions of the scanner in Xiaomi Redmi: from QR barcoded
The basic function of the scanner in Redmi is, of course, reading. QR-But even here, there are some nuances that many people don't know about, like Xiaomi's Scanner app:
- 🔍 Recognize codes even from the screen of another device (enable the "Screen scanner" mode in the settings)
- 📄 Keep your scan history up to the last 100 codes (useful for price comparison or order tracking)
- 🔄 Automatically determine the type of code (URL, Wi-Fi, contact, text and suggest appropriate actions
- 🛡️ Check the security of links through the built-in antivirus (works only on the Internet) MIUI 13+)
To activate the scanner, it is enough to open the Scanner application (a magnifier icon on a yellow background) or call it through the notification panel → quick-fix → Scanner: New models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Redmi K60) The scanner is integrated directly into the camera – just point the lens to the code and the link will appear automatically.
Xiaomi’s scanner supports more than 20 code formats, including rare DataMatrix and other code formats. PDF417, This makes it a useful tool not only for everyday tasks, but also for professional use.
2. Hidden possibilities: distance measurement and AR-function
Few people know that the scanner in Redmi can work like a laser roulette or a laser tape. 3D-This feature is available on models that support ARCore (you can check the list of compatible devices on Google's website:
- 📏 Measure the length, width and height of objects to within 1 cm (works at a distance of up to 5 meters)
- 🟥 Recognize planes (walls, floor, ceiling) and automatically calculate their area
- 🎨 Create 3D-Small objects (for example, for printing on the 3D-printer)
- 🔄 Save the measurements in.obj or.stl format for further processing
To activate AR-scanner:
- Open the scanner app.
- Go to the tab "AR" (or "Measurements" on older versions MIUI)
- Point the camera at the object and watch for clues on the screen
- Keep your phone at a distance for accuracy. 30-100 sm
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Before measuring large objects (such as a room), calibrate: hover the camera over an A4 sheet of paper, and the system will automatically zoom in.
Important: the accuracy of measurements depends on the lighting and surface texture. Glossy or mirror objects (glass, polished metal) are scanned worse. For best results, use Redmi with a primary camera of at least 48 MP (Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi). K50 newer).
Scanner as a translator: recognition and translation of text
Another hidden function is text recognition (OCR) It's very easy to translate, and it's very useful:
- 📚 Reading foreign menus in restaurants
- 📑 Translation of documents or signs
- 🏷️ Decoding of labels on goods
- 📱 Copying text from another device’s screen
How it works:
- Open the scanner and select the tab "Text"
- Point the camera at text (supported by 50)+ languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic)
- Select the desired fragment - the text will be recognized and copied to the clipboard
- To translate, click on the globe icon (internet connection required)
Xiaomi features: unlike Google Translate, the scanner can recognize text even on curved surfaces (for example, on bottles or cans). OCR.
How to improve small text recognition?
4.Authentication: How a scanner helps avoid counterfeiting
The scanner at Redmi can be your own fake detector.
| Type of code | Checks | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| DataMatrix | The authenticity of medicines (in Russia since 2020) | Scan the code on the package of the drug – the system will compare it with the database of Roszdravnadzor |
| QR check-in | Compliance of data in the check and the fiscal base | Check checks from stores – the scanner will show discrepancies in amount or names |
| Barcode EAN-13 | Country of manufacture | First-time 3 The code numbers will indicate the actual country of manufacture (e.g, 460-469 — Russia) |
| NFC-marker | Authenticity of bank cards or travel cards | Attach the phone to the card - the scanner will show its real number (works on models with a computer). NFC) |
Critical information: On Redmi models with Snapdragon 8 series processor (for example, Redmi) K60 Pro) the scanner can verify digital signatures in QR-codes that help identify phishing links masquerading as legitimate sites.
⚠️ Warning: Never scan. QR-codes from suspicious sites or sent by strangers in messengers, which can be used by attackers to steal data or install malware. URL before the transition – Xiaomi scanner shows full address before opening.
5. Optimization of the scanner: settings and secrets
To make the scanner work as fast and accurately as possible, you need to set it up correctly.
- 🔦 Autofocus: Enable in the camera settings (Settings) → Camera. → Autofocus. → Quick) for instant code recognition
- 💡 Activate automatic lighting in dark conditions (Scanner) → Settings → Illumination → Automobile)
- 🔊 Sound signals: Turn off vibration when recognizing if it interferes (Scanner) → Settings → Vibration. → Off.)
- 📱 Energy saving: Add the scanner to the battery saving exception list (Settings) → Battery → Optimization → Scanner. → No restrictions)
For models with AMOLED-screens (Redmi) K50 Gaming, Redmi Note 12 Turbo: Turn on the Dark Scanner mode (Scanner) → Settings → Dark subject matter → This will not only reduce the strain on the eyes, but also reduce the battery consumption on the eyes. 15-20% long-term.
Clean the camera lens of fingerprints
Turn off the energy-saving mode.
Check your internet connection (for example, for OCR translation)
Make sure that autofocus is enabled in the settings
Close the background applications to speed up work-->
In the models with MIUI 14: Smart Recognition: The scanner automatically detects the type of document (passport, driver's license, diploma) and offers to save the data in a secure Mi DocView storage. → Settings → Smart documents → On..
6. Alternative ways of using the scanner
In addition to the standard features, the scanner in Redmi can be used in unexpected ways:
- 🎮 Game cheats: Some mobile games (e.g, Pokémon GO) Allows you to scan real objects for bonuses
- 📦 Inventory: Create a database of barcodes of household items for accounting (useful for insurance or relocation)
- 🎨 AR-Drawing: In mode AR You can put virtual objects on real surfaces and take screenshots.
- 📡 Wi-Fi without password: generate QR-code of your network in the router settings - guests can connect without entering a password
For creative tasks, try the scanner combination with the Mi app. AR (It's available in the Mi App Store:
- Create animated 3D-stickers from scanned objects
- Adding virtual inscriptions to real space
- Make "invisible" tags on objects (useful for quests or games with children)
⚠️ Attention: When in use AR-functions outside in sunny weather reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40%. AMOLED-Redmi displays are sensitive to overheating, and prolonged scanner operation at maximum brightness can cause the camera to automatically shut down.
7. Problem Solving: If the scanner is not working
Sometimes the scanner may glitch or even refuse to recognize the codes.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Does not recognize QR- codes | Dirty lens or poor lighting | Wipe the camera with a microfiber, turn on the flashlight |
| App flies out | Conflict with other cameras (e.g. Snapchat) | Close all background apps that use the camera |
| AR-not working | No support for ARCore | Check the compatibility of the model on Google |
| Small text is not recognized | Low-resolution camera | Use macro or additional magnification mode |
If the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try:
- Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Scanner. → Warehouse → Clear the cache
- Reset camera settings: Settings → Camera. → Resetting settings
- Install an alternative scanner (e.g, QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play from Google Play
On Redmi models with MediaTek Helio (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Sometimes it helps to disable the function "AI-The thing is, artificial intelligence can conflict with the scanner when it comes to recognizing complex codes.
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If the scanner is still down after all the manipulations, check firmware integrity through the engineering settings menu (##4636##). In the "Software Information" section, the "Firmware not damaged" box should be ticked.