How to scan. QR-code from the screen of the phone Xiaomi Redmi 9A: working methods

Scanner. QR-codes in Xiaomi Redmi 9A It's built into the standard Camera app, but what if you don't have to read the code from paper or another screen, but from the display of your own smartphone? The problem is that the front camera of the phone can't physically focus on its own screen because of the minimal focus distance. However, there are workarounds – from using a screenshot to specialized applications with manual focusing.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven techniques, including hidden MIUI features that circumvent the limitation, how to set up a camera to scan from a minimum distance, which apps do the best job, and why it’s sometimes easier to take a screenshot than to try to take a screenshot. All instructions are tailored specifically for the Redmi 9A to accommodate its technical features, such as the lack of NFC or a weak front camera.

Important: if QR-The code contains sensitive information (such as a login code), never save a screenshot of it in the gallery - use real-time scanning methods or immediately delete temporary files.

Why the standard QR scanner doesn’t work with your phone’s screen

The main reason is the physical restriction of focus. The Redmi 9A front camera (resolution 5 MP, aperture f/2.2) is designed to shoot from a distance of 20-30 cm.

• 🔍 Autofocus does not work – the camera “rests” in the minimum distance, the image is blurred.
• 💡 The screen illumination interferes - bright light from the display blinds the sensor, especially in a dark room.
• 📱 Viewing angle is uncomfortable - hold the phone so that the front camera can see the whole thing QR-screen code, physically uncomfortable.

The second nuance is the program constraints MIUI. In the standard application, the camera disabled the ability to manually focus during scanning QR, The recognition algorithm is optimized for printing on paper, not high-end screens. PPI (pixels per inch, QR-code on the Redmi screen 9A (permit 720×1600, 269 PPI) It can be perceived as “noise” because of the small details.

However, there is an exception: if QR-The code is displayed in inverted colors (white background, black modules), the chances of successful scanning increase by 30-40%, due to the fact that the camera sensor better perceives contrast transitions.

Method 1: Scanning through a screenshot (the most reliable way)

This works 99 percent of the time, and it doesn't require any additional applications.

1. Take a screenshot of the screen with QR-code, simultaneously pressing the volume down + Nutrition.
2. Open the screenshot in the gallery and zoom in with two fingers to QR-The code took over the entire screen.
3. Launch the Camera app, go to More → QR scanner.
4. Point the camera at the screen with a screenshot (hold the phone at an angle of ~45° to reduce glare).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even in low light conditions.
• ✅ No Internet requirement (if applicable) QR-code contains text/link).
• ✅ Suitable for codes with small details (such as Wi-Fi) QR or 2FA-code).

Take a screenshot (Loudness down + Nutrition)

Increase. QR-full-screen

Turn off autobrightness (so that the screen does not darken)

Direct external light to the screen at an angle-->

💡

If the scanner does not recognize the code from the screenshot, try inverting the colors of the image in any graphic editor (for example, in Google Photos click Edit → Tools → Color).

The only drawback is temporary files. QR-The code contains sensitive information (such as a one-time password), immediately delete the screenshot after scanning. MIUI for:

1. Open the screenshot in the gallery.
2. Press. ⋮ → Delete.
3. Select Clear the Recycle Bin so that files do not recover.

Method 2: Use of a rear camera and mirror

If you do not have the opportunity to take a screenshot (for example, QR-code is displayed in a secure application, use the rear camera and any reflective surface:

• 🪞 Mirror – Hold your phone with your screen to the mirror so that the rear camera can see the reflection.
• 🖥️ Another screen -- display. QR-code on your TV or monitor via Mi Screen Share (in Settings) → Connection and sharing).
• 📄 Paper – print the code on a printer (if it is connected to a phone).

Instructions for the mirror:

1. Turn on the phone mode Do not disturb (so that the screen is not blocked).
2. Open up. QR-full-screen.
3. Launch the camera in QR scan mode.
4. Bring the phone with the screen to the mirror at an angle of ~30 °, adjust the distance (20-30 cm).

Critical detail: Turn off the screen autorotation (Settings → Display → Autorotation), otherwise the image in the mirror will be inverted, and the camera will not recognize the code.

Method 3: Applications with QR scanner for screens

If the standard methods don't work, install a dedicated application. Redmi 9A will work for:

• 📱 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – supports manual focusing and scanning from a minimum distance.
• 🔍 NeoReader QR — It has a "Screen" mode. QR", optimized OLED- and LCD-display.
• 🛠️ QR Code Reader (from Scan) – allows you to increase the scanning area with gestures.

How to set up QR & Barcode Scanner for Redmi 9A

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and allow access to the camera.
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Settings) → Scanning mode → Choose the Middle Focus.
4. Activate the option to improve contrast (helps when scanning from the screen).
5. Bring the phone to QR-code at a distance of 5-10 cm and wait for recognition.

Warning: Some applications request access to Warehouse and Locations – opt out if you scan non-geo-referenced codes (such as Wi-Fi or text). In MIUI, check permissions in Settings → Applications → Permissions Management.

Method 4: Scanning through a second phone

If you have another smartphone on hand (even on iOS or an older version of Android), this is the quickest way to do it.

1. Open up. QR-redmi 9A full-screen.
2. Take the second phone and run a QR scanner (standard or Google Lens).
3. Point the camera of the second phone to the Redmi 9A screen from a distance of 15-20 cm.

Tips for a successful scan:

• 🌞 Increase the brightness of the Redmi screen 9A to maximum (Settings) → Display. → Brightness).
• 📵 Turn off face autofocus on the second phone (in camera settings) so it doesn’t try to focus on you.
• 🔄 If the code is not recognized, try tilting the Redmi screen a little. 9A — It'll reduce glare.

This method is particularly useful for dynamic scanning. QR-codes (e.g., for WhatsApp Web or VKontakte login) that are updated every 30 seconds, and then the screenshot will not work, and the code will change.

Method 5: Manual decoding QR-Code (for technical users)

If QR-The code contains text or a link, and all the other methods have failed, and you can extract the data manually using online services:

1. Take a screenshot. QR-code (as in Method 1).
2. Upload the image to one of the services: ZXing Decoder (supports most formats). QR Code Scanner Online (with a visual editor).

Download the result or copy the text.

⚠️ Warning: Never download. QR-codes with confidential information (passwords, tokens) 2FA) For this, use offline programs like the Python library pyzbar:

pip install pyzbar


pip install pillow




python3 -c "




from pyzbar.pyzbar import decode




from PIL import Image




print(decode(Image.open('qr.png'))[0].data.decode('utf-8'))"

This is suitable for developers or users familiar with the command line. For Redmi 9A, you can use the terminal in the Termux application (available in F-Droid).

💡

Manual decoding is the only way to extract data from damaged QR-code (for example, if a part of the code is cut or painted over).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right scanning method, Redmi 9A users face typical problems:

⚠️ Attention: if QR-code contains a reference http:// (without encryption, not https://, Don’t click on it – it could be a phishing page. MIUI By default, it blocks such links, but some crawlers bypass the protection.

• 🔴 Code not recognized: Check if power saving mode is enabled (Settings) → Battery: It can limit the camera. Make sure that it's not too hard. QR-non-animated (GIF) — Standard scanners don't read them.
• 🟡 Camera not focusing: Wipe the camera lens with a napkin - greasy spots interfere with autofocus. Turn off camera settings option HDR — Increases the processing time of the image.
• 🟢 The scanner opens the wrong link: QR-codes may contain shortened links (e.g., via bit.ly). Before clicking, check the final address through services like Unshorten.it.

If you're scanning. QR-code to connect to Wi-Fi and the network does not appear in the list, check:

1. That the code contains the correct format: WIFI:S:<network name>;T:WPA;P:<password>;
2. That Redmi 9A settings turned on Wi-Fi (Settings → Wi-Fi) and turned off the aircraft mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions