Scanning. QR-Xiaomi Redmi has become an integral part of everyday tasks, from paying for purchases to logging in to Wi-Fi networks. MIUI 12) support this feature out of the box without installing additional applications. In this article, we will examine all available scanning methods, including hidden system capabilities, and explain why sometimes the camera refuses to recognize the code.
Xiaomi Redmi is a feature of the integrated MIUI Scanner tool, which works faster than many third-party counterparts. But what if your model (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Redmi 10C) does not recognize codes automatically? We tested all the current methods on devices with MIUI 13-14 and prepared a checklist to fix typical problems from blurred images to shell conflicts.
1. Scanning. QR-code through a standard Xiaomi camera
The fastest way is to use the built-in camera. QR-The codes are activated by default on all Redmis with MIUI 12 and newer. Here's how it works:
Open the Camera app, switch to the main module (if you use a selfie camera, recognition may not work) and point the lens at the camera. QR-In 1-2 seconds, a notification will appear on the screen asking you to click on the link.
- π± Supported models: all Redmi with MIUI 12+ (including Redmi Note 11, Redmi 12, POCO X5)
- β‘ Recognition speed: ~1 second (in good lighting)
- π¦ Required lighting: at least 300 lux (daylight or lamp)
- π« Limitation: Does not work with dynamic QR-codes (e.g. for 2FA)
If the camera does not respond to the code, check the settings:
- Open the camera. β Settings (βοΈ) β Scanning. QR-code.
- Make sure that the QR Recognition slider is active (blue).
- Restart your phone if the changes donβt apply.
2.Using MIUI Scanner β Xiaomiβs Hidden Tool
MIUI Scanner is a little-known system application that works even without the Internet, and it's built into the firmware, but it doesn't have a desktop shortcut.
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- In the search box, type Scanner.
- Select MIUI Scanner and click Open.
The advantages of this method: MIUI Scanner recognizes codes from screens of other devices (for example, from a PC monitor), whereas a standard camera often refuses to do this due to the flickering of pixels.
| Parameter | Standard camera. | MIUI Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Offline work | β Requires the Internet for some codes | β Completely offline. |
| Screen scanning. | β Often not working. | β Stable recognizes |
| Speed. | ~1-2 seconds | ~0.5-1 seconds |
| Support for formats | QR, Data Matrix | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec |
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8) MIUI Scanner may not be available. In this case, use Google Lens (see next section).
3. Google Lens Scanning (for all Redmi models)
Google Lens is a universal solution that works even on older versions of MIUI, and it is integrated into the Google Photos app and Google Assistant.
- Open Google Photos or Google Assistant (hold the Home button).
- Click on the Google Lens icon (stylized βGβ in the mug).
- Put the camera on QR-The system will automatically prompt an action (clicking on a link, saving a contact, etc.).
The advantages of Google Lens:
- π Recognising 100 codes.+ languages (including Chinese characters in the QR)
- π Further analyzes the image (for example, determines the model of the technique by photo)
- π± It works on all Redmis, even without updates. MIUI
Disadvantages:
- π’ Slower. MIUI Scanner (~2-3 seconds for recognition)
- πΆ Requires an Internet connection to process some codes
Install the latest version of Google Photo| Enable camera access for Google Lens| Clear the app cache (if codes are not recognized)| Check your Internet connection-->
4. Third-party applications: when embedded tools don't work
If none of these methods worked, install a specialized application. We tested 5 popular scanners and recommend:
| Annex | Speed. | Offline mode. | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) | β‘ Instantly. | β Completely. | Scan history, QR generator |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | ~1 second | β Yes. | Verification of virus references |
| NeoReader | ~2 seconds | β No. | Barcode recognition, export to CSV |
How to choose an application:
- π‘οΈ For safety: Kaspersky QR Scanner (checks phishing links).
- π For Business: NeoReader (exporting data to Excel).
- π For speed: QR & Barcode Scanner (Recognizes Codes Even in Low Light).
β οΈ Attention: Some applications (e.g, QR ShopSavvy's Code Reader contains ads that may interfere with scanning. Check for banner reviews before installing.
π‘
Before installing a third-party scanner, check the appβs permissions on Google Play. If it requests access to contacts or SMS for no reason, itβs potentially dangerous software.
5.Why Xiaomi Redmi doesn't scan QR-Code: Typical Problems and Solutions
If your Redmi refuses to recognize the codes, the reasons may be as follows:
- π¦ Weak lighting: QR-The code should be well lit. In the dark, use a flashlight (swipe down from the top of the screen). β Lantern).
- π± Contaminated camera: Wipe the lens with a soft cloth. Dust or fingerprints distort the image.
- π Outdated firmware: On MIUI 11 and below, recognition is unstable. Update the system to Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π οΈ Cover conflict: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), go back to the standard launcher. MIUI Launcher.
Solution for Redmi with custom firmware:
- Install Google Camera (GCam) with QR scanning support.
- Enable the Enable QR Scanner option in the GCam settings (Additional Settings section).
How do I check the MIUI version?
Scanning QR-codes from the screen of another device
Many users face a problem when the Redmi camera does not recognize the camera. QR-code from a PC monitor or other phone, and it's due to pixel flickering (PWM) on screens with refresh rates of 60 Hz and above:
- π₯οΈ Reduce the brightness of the source screen to 50β70%.
- π± Use it. MIUI Scanner (see section 2) β it does better with flickering.
- π· Take a photo of the code and scan it from the gallery via Google Lens.
For owners of Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50):
- Activate Reading mode in the screen settings (reduces PWM).
- Use MIUI Scanner in a dark theme, which reduces the load on the camera sensors.
π‘
If QR-The code from the screen is not scanned, try to reduce the brightness of the source or use the MIUI Scanner β optimized for digital displays.
7.Security: How not to get into phishing QR-code
QR-codes may contain malicious links. Here's how to protect yourself:
- π Before clicking on the link, check it through services like VirusTotal.
- π‘οΈ Use Kaspersky. QR Scanner β it analyzes links to viruses.
- π΅ Do not scan codes from suspicious sites or stickers in public places.
Signs of phishing QR-code:
- π The link leads to the site with errors in the domain (for example, paypa1.com instead of paypal.com).
- π± The code suggests to enter the username / password immediately without transitions.
- π³ Asks for bank card details for "checking".
β οΈ Attention: Redmi with Root Rights (Root) malicious QR-The code can be automatically downloaded APK-Disable installation from unknown sources in Settings β Annexes β Special access rights β Installation of unknown applications.