How to scan. QR-Xiaomi code: everything from camera to hidden features MIUI

QR-codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi sub-brands and other products). POCO) Often faced with the question: how to quickly and without unnecessary applications to scan the code? In this article, we will examine all possible methods — from built-in tools. MIUI Alternative solutions to older models.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is necessary to install third-party programs like QR & Barcode Scanner to scan. In fact, 90% of tasks are solved by standard means - you just need to know where to look. And if the camera refuses to recognize the code, we will tell you how to fix it in 1 minute.

If your Xiaomi is released before 2018 (like the Redmi Note 4X or Mi A1), some methods may not work due to the outdated version of MIUI.

1. Scan through a standard camera (the fastest way)

Modern smartphones Xiaomi on the basis MIUI 12+ recognize QR-This method works on most models, starting with the Redmi Note 8 Pro and Mi. 9T.

How to do this:

1. Open the Camera app (camera icon on the home screen).
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
3. Wait for the notification at the top of the screen with a suggestion to click on the link.
4. Tap notifications – the system will automatically redirect you to the browser or the corresponding application.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera does not recognize the code, check if the Scan feature is enabled QR It's in the camera settings:

1. Open the camera → Settings (cogs) → Additional.
2. Activate the Scan Switch QR-code.

Make sure that QR-code intact|Turn off the power saving for the camera|Check the lighting (code must be clearly visible)|Update the Camera app on Google Play-->

On some models (such as the POCO X3 NFC), the scanning function can be hidden behind a gesture. Try holding your finger on the screen in photo mode, and a hint of recognition will appear.

2. Built-in scanner in the notification panel (MIUI 13+)

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi added quick access to the QR scanner right from the notification curtain, which is convenient when you need to scan the code in a few seconds - for example, to pay in a store.

Instructions:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the QR Scanner icon (square with a dot in the center) – it can be hidden under the Edit button (pencil).
3. Touch the icon, point the camera at the code and wait for recognition.

If the icon is not in the curtain:

1. Slip on Edit (pencil) in the upper right corner of the panel.
2. Find the QR scanner in the list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

This is the fastest method, because it doesn't require you to open a separate application, but it only works on the latest firmware versions.

3.Scanner app (for older Xiaomi models)

If your smartphone is running MIUI 11 or older (like the Redmi 8 or Mi 9 SE), the standard camera may not support scanning, in which case use the built-in Scanner app (sometimes called Mi Scanner).

How to find and use:

1. Open All Apps (swipe up from the main screen).
2. Find the Scanner app (the icon with the magnifier and QR-If it is not available, download the official Mi Scanner app from Google Play.
3. Run the scanner, point the camera at the code and wait for recognition.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The scanner can be disabled to get it back:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points in the corner → Show all the applications.
3. Find the Scanner, open its settings and click Enable.

4.Google Lens and Google Assistant (for devices with Google Mobile Services)

If you use Xiaomi with Google services pre-installed (all models except the Chinese versions), you can use Google Lens – a powerful tool for recognizing more than just the Chinese version. QR-codes, but also text, objects, and even plants.

Method 1: Through Google Photos

1. Take a picture. QR-code through a standard camera.
2. Open the photo in Google Photos.
3. Slip on the Google Lens icon (stylized letter "G" with a dot).
4. The system automatically recognizes the code and suggests an action.

Method 2: Google Assistant

1. Hold the Home button or say “OK, Google.”
2. In the search bar, tap the Google Lens icon (near the microphone).
3. Put the camera on QR-code.

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If Google Lens doesn’t recognize the code, try increasing the contrast of the image. To do this, open the photo in any editor (for example, Gallery → Edit) and increase the brightness by 20-30%.

Important: On the Chinese versions of Xiaomi (without GMS), Google Lens is not available, in which case use alternatives like Baidu Scan or WeChat (if installed).

5 Third-party applications: when nothing works

If the built-in methods didn’t work (for example, on very old models or custom firmware), install one of the proven applications:

• 🔍 QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) – simple and unadvertised.
• 📱 NeoReader QR — Supports screen scanning (without taking photos).
• 💰 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.
• 🌐 Barcode Scanner (ZXing Team) is open source, without trackers.

How to choose a secure application:

1. Check the number of downloads (should be >1 million).
2. Read reviews – if there are complaints about advertising or viruses, avoid such software.
3. Make sure the app only requests access to the camera (not contacts or location!).

⚠️ Note: Some "scanners" on Google Play can be fraudulent.Never install apps that ask for permission to send SMS or access to bank data, an example of dangerous permits:

• READ_SMS or SEND_SMS
• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION (unless it is a mapping service)
• WRITE_CONTACTS

Through a standard camera.|Out of the notification curtain|Annex "Scanner"|Google Lens|Third-party annexes-->

6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR-code

If a smartphone refuses to recognize the code, the reasons can be both software and hardware.-5 malfunctions and their solutions:

1.The camera is not focusing

• Wipe the camera lens with a soft cloth (fat or dirt interferes with focusing).
• Restart the Camera app or restart the phone.
• Check if Macro mode is on (it interferes with scanning).

2.The code is corrupted or too small

• Increase the camera (swipe your fingers out on the screen).
• Try scanning the code from a different angle (45°).
• If the code is printed on paper, direct additional light to it.

3.Scanning function disabled in settings

• Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Permissions and make sure that access to the camera is enabled.
• In some cases, you need to activate the AI-scanning.

4.Outdated version of MIUI

• Check the updates: Settings → About the phone → System update.
• If no updates are available, use third-party scanners (Section 5).

5. Hardware problem (camera module damaged)

• Try scanning the code with another device – if it works, the problem is in your smartphone.
• Run the camera test through the engineering menu: dial ##4636## and select Equipment Testing.

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If the scanning doesn’t work with either method, it’s likely the problem is the firmware or hardware.The older Xiaomi (before 2017) may need to flash it to custom MIUI with support for modern features.

7. Hidden chips: QR scanning from the screen and other life hacks

Few people know, but Xiaomi can be scanned. QR-Not only are codes on paper, but they're also directly from the screen of another device, which is convenient if you've been sent the code in a messenger or on a website.

How to scan a QR from the screen:

1. Open the image with the code in the Gallery or messenger.
2. Hold your finger on it. QR-code → select Scan. QR-code (appears in the context menu on the MIUI 14+).
3. If there is no item, take a screenshot of the code and open it in Google Photos, then use Google Lens.

Other useful life hacks:

• 🔄 Quick re-scanning: In the Scanner app swipe left after successful recognition - scan history will open.
• 📋 Save data from QR: Press and hold the scan result (such as a Wi-Fi password) to copy it to the clipboard.
• 🔒 Secure scanning: Before clicking on the link from QR Check it out through VirusTotal.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a "Document" mode in the camera, which improves the clarity when scanning small codes.

1. Open the camera. → Additionally. → Document.
2. Hover the lens over the code – the system will automatically increase the contrast.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi