How fast to scan. QR-code on the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways

QR-codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line and the Wi-Fi line). POCO) Often faced with the question: how to quickly and error-free scan code without installing unnecessary applications? In this article, we will examine all available methods - from built-in functions. MIUI to the hidden capabilities of the camera, and also consider the typical errors that interfere with the successful scanning.

The feature of Xiaomi devices is that the manufacturer has integrated support QR-For example, in Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 models, the scan works directly from the notification center, and on older devices (up to the previous one). MIUI 12) you may need to manually enable the function, and we tested all of these methods on current firmware in 2026 and selected the most reliable ones.

1. scanning QR through a standard Xiaomi camera

The most obvious and quick way is to use the built-in Camera app. QR-The codes are activated by default on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and newer (including POCO X5, Redmi 11 Prime and Xiaomi 14 flagships.To scan the code:

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully into the viewfinder.
3. Wait 1-2 seconds – a notification with the content of the code will appear on the screen (link, text or a suggestion to perform an action).
4. Tap the notification to click on the link or copy the data.

If the scan does not work automatically, check:

• 🔦 Lighting: QR-The code should be clearly visible. In low light, turn on the flashlight (swipe down). → Lantern).
• 📱 Focus: Tap the screen lightly in the center of the code so that the camera is focused.
• 🔄 Distance: optimal — 10-20 It's too close or too far away, and the camera doesn't recognize the markers.

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If the camera stubbornly does not recognize QR, try to flip the smartphone 90° - sometimes changing the orientation helps the recognition algorithm to work.

On some models (e.g. POCO F4), the scanning function can be disabled in the camera settings to activate:

1. Open the camera. → press on ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Scroll down to the Scan section QR-codes and switch on the switch.

Fast scanning from the notification panel (MIUI 12+)

With the release of MIUI 12, Xiaomi added a convenient feature - a QR scanner right in the notification curtain. This saves time, since you do not need to open the camera.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the badge. 🔍 Scanner. QR (usually to the right of the buttons Wi-Fi/Bluetooth). If it's not there, press it. ⋯ Edit and add the widget manually.
3. Touch the icon, the mini-scanner opens. Point the camera at the bottom. QR-code.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Instant Access: No need to search for a camera app.
• 🔒 Security: scanner MIUI Checks for phishing links (unlike some third-party apps).
• 📱 Works in any application: you can scan the code without closing the current task.

If the scanner icon is missing from the curtain, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. On older devices (for example, Redmi 9A with MIUI 11), this feature may not be available – in this case, use methods from other sections of the article.

3. Scanning through Google Lens (for all models)

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work or you prefer Google’s solutions, use Google Lens. This app is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones (except Chinese versions without Google services).

How to Scan QR with Google Lens:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G”) or Google Photos.
2. In the search bar, click on the icon 🔍 Google Lens (or select it from the Google Photos app menu when viewing an image).
3. Put the camera on QR-Lens automatically recognizes it and suggests actions (open a link, copy text, etc.).

The advantages of Google Lens:

• 🌍 Recognises damaged codes: can cope even if QR partially erased.
• 🔗 Google integration: You can save contacts, addresses or events to your calendar.
• 📸 Works with photos: scanning QR Not only in real time, but also in the photos that have been taken.

Restriction: On devices without Google services (e.g., the Chinese version of Xiaomi for the domestic market), Google Lens may not be available, in which case use the alternatives in the next section.

4. Third-party applications: when embedded tools don't work

If none of these methods worked (for example, on very old models like Redmi 4X or after resetting), install a specialized application.

How to choose an application:

• 🛡️ Security: Prefer link-checking crawlers (e.g. Kaspersky).
• 📱 Lightweight: for weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 7A) Choose applications weighing up to 10 MB.
• 🔄 Additional features: if you need not only a scanner, but also a generator QR, Take the NeoReader.

✅ Read reviews (rated above 4.2)

✅ Check the date of the last update (no older than 6 months)

✅ Ensure that no requests for unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to the SMS)

✅ Download only from the official store (Google Play or AppGallery)-->

⚠️ Avoid apps with names like “Super” QR Scanner Pro" or "Fast Barcode Reader" - these are often scams that show intrusive ads or collect data.

5. QR scan on Xiaomi without a camera (alternative methods)

There are different situations: the camera of the smartphone broke, the screen cracked, or you just want to scan the code from another device.

Method 1: Scanning through a screenshot

If QR-The code is displayed on a computer or other phone screen:

1. Take a screenshot of the code (on Windows: Win + Shift + S, on Mac: Cmd + Shift + 4).
2. Take a screenshot to Xiaomi (for example, via Mi Drop or Telegram).
3. Open the photo in Google Photos → Google Lens → Scan.

Method 2: Online scanners

If you have a computer at hand, you can download the image. QR-code to a specialized site:

• 🌐 ZXing Decoder is a reliable open source tool.
• 🌐 InLite Research – Supports corrupted codes.

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Never download. QR-codes with confidential information (passwords, bank details) on online services. Use only offline methods!

⚠️ Note: online scanners may save uploaded images. Do not use them for codes with personal data (for example, QR login).

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the correct instruction, users often encounter problems when scanning QR. We have collected TOP-5 errors and ways to solve them:

Another common problem — QR-The code leads to a phishing site to avoid fraud:

• 🔍 Before clicking on the link, check it through the VirusTotal service.
• 🛡️ Do not enter logins / passwords on sites opened through the QR, if the address looks suspicious (for example, sberbank-secure.ru instead of online.sberbank.ru).
• 📵 If QR-The code suggests downloading the file, check its extension (dangerous:.apk,.exe).

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Most vulnerable to phishing QR-Payment codes (e.g. in cafes or parking lots) Always check the amount and the recipient against the check!

7.QR scanner on Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets

If you have a Xiaomi Mi Band, Amazfit or Xiaomi Watch, you can scan it. QR-codes are directly from them, but with limitations:

• ⌚ Xiaomi Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro: built-in scanner in the Alice app (requires a smartphone connection).
• 🏃 Mi Band 7 Pro and newer: support QR via Mi Fitness, but only for authorization in simulators.
• ❌ Mi Band 6 and Older Models: Scanning QR impossible.

How to scan with a smart watch:

1. Open the Alice or Mi Fitness app on your watch.
2. Select the QR Scanner section (on Watch S3 – swipe left to widgets).
3. Point the clock camera to the code. It'll take 2-3 seconds to recognize.

Limitations:

• 🔋 Battery: Scanning severely drains hours (up to 5% in 10 attempts).
• 📶 Connection: Without synchronization with a smartphone, many functions do not work.
• 🖼️ Quality: The camera on the watch is less able to recognize small or damaged codes.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi