Scanning. QR-From paying for purchases to logging in to Wi-Fi networks, Xiaomi smartphone owners often donβt realize that their devices are equipped with several built-in tools to quickly recognize these codes without installing additional programs. In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from a standard scanner to a computer. MIUI Up to hidden camera features and Google Lens.
Xiaomi has integrated QR scanning directly into the firmware, but not everyone knows where to look for it, and we're going to show you not only the obvious ways, but also little-known tricks like how to scan codes from another device's screen or from a photo gallery, and we're going to find out why sometimes the camera doesn't recognize the code and how to fix it.
1. built-in QR scanner in MIUI: where to find and how to use
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI Scanner tool, which is available on all modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 10), which does not require Internet and works even in flight mode.
- Open the notification bar by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen.
- Click on the flashlight icon (or swipe left/right on the Quick Settings panel).
- Among the additional buttons, look for the βQR Scannerβ icon (square with a dot inside).
- Point the camera at the code, and the recognition will happen automatically.
If the scanner icon is not on the panel, you can add it manually:
- π§ Go to Settings. β Notification panel and status bar β Change the order.
- π Find in the list "Scanner" QRΒ» and drag him to the active area.
- π± On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12), the scanner is available via the Camera. β More. β Scanner. QR.
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If the scanner doesn't recognize the code, try flashing -- sometimes the glare interferes with the reading. Press the zipper icon in the scanner interface.
The built-in tool supports not only standard QR-codes, but also barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A), But he has a limitation: he can't read codes from another device's screen (like a PC monitor.
Scanning through a standard camera: a hidden function
Many people donβt know, but Xiaomiβs camera can recognize by default. QR-real-time codes without running a separate application. MIUI 12 and newer, but sometimes you have to manually activate it. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Camera app.
- Go to Photo Mode (not Video or Portrait).
- Point the lens at QR-code β in 1-2 seconds a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
- Tap the pop-up banner to open the contents of the code.
If recognition does not work, check the settings:
- π§ Go to the camera settings β Additionally. β Scanner. QR-code.
- π Make sure the switch is βscannedβ QR-codes" included (should be blue).
- π΅ On some firmware (MIUI 13 for POCO) This option is hidden β try to update the software.
Important detail: Xiaomi camera does not recognize QR-codes in the "Professional" mode or when shooting in RAW. There may also be problems with codes on curved surfaces (e.g. bottles) β in such cases it is better to use specialized applications.
3.Google Lens: a universal crawling tool
If embedded facilities MIUI They can't do it, and Google Lens, Google's service that's integrated into most Xiaomi smartphones, will come to the rescue. QR-It can recognize text, objects, even translations, and use it:
- Open the Google app (search bar).
- In the lower right corner, click on the Google Lens icon (a stylized letter βGβ with a dot).
- Put the camera on QR-code β the service will automatically offer an action (clicking on a link, saving a contact, etc.).
The advantages of Google Lens:
- π Works with codes on screens of other devices (unlike the built-in scanner) MIUI).
- π It recognizes even damaged or blurred codes.
- π Stores scan history (available in the app menu).
However, this method has drawbacks: it requires an Internet connection (to process data on Google servers) and the installed application βGoogleβ. On some Xiaomi models for China (China ROM), Google Lens may be absent β in this case, installation via APK will help.
How to install Google Lens on Xiaomi without Google services?
Annex side: when embedded tools are not enough
If you need a scan. QR-codes regularly (for example, for inventory or documentation), it is worth considering specialized applications. They offer advanced features: code generation, scan history, work with data bars and even phishing protection.-3 Proven solutions for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play) | Fast scan, history, code generator, work without the Internet | Google Play |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | Checking security links, blocking phishing sites | Google Play |
| NeoReader | Support for 50+ code formats, export data to CSV, night mode | Google Play |
When choosing an application, pay attention to:
- π‘οΈ Security: Check reviews and ratings (avoid programs with access to the software) SMS or contact).
- πΆ Offline mode: not all applications work without the Internet.
- π Additional features: for example, NeoReader can scan codes with PDF-file.
βοΈ Preparation for scanning QR third-party
β οΈ Attention: Some QR-codes may contain malicious links. Never scan codes from suspicious sources (such as streetlight stickers or unfamiliar chat rooms). QR Scanner or analogues for verification URL before-transition.
5. scanning QR from the screen of another device
A common problem is that you scan the code that you see on your computer, tablet or other smartphone, and the built-in MIUI scanner can't do that, because it just won't see the code on the display, and you can do it in three ways:
- Google Lens (as described above) β Reliably recognizes codes from screens.
- Screenshot. + Editing: Take a screenshot of the screen from QR-Open it in the Gallery and trim it so that the code takes up the entire frame. MIUI Google Lens for reading photos.
Specialized annexes
QR Code Reader
TWMobile
If the code on the screen flickers or is animated (like on WhatsApp Web), try:
- π₯οΈ Reduce the brightness of the source screen (glare interferes with scanning).
- π Increase the code scale (for example, in the browser on the PC click Ctrl) + +).
- π Going to Dark Mode β Contrast will improve recognition.
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Always use Google Lens or third-party apps to scan the QR from the screen. The built-in MIUI scanner is not designed for this task and will simply ignore the code.
6. Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even on modern Xiaomi smartphones, QR scanning can fail, and here are the typical errors and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Camera doesn't recognize the code. | Weak lighting, glare, dirt on the lens | Turn on the flash, wipe the camera, change the angle of inclination |
| MIUI scanner is not on the panel | Removed from quick settings or disabled in firmware | Add manually through Settings β Notification Panel |
| Google Lens is not installed | China ROM without Google services | Install via APK or use alternatives (Baidu Scan) |
| The code is recognized, but the link is not opened. | Browser restrictions or ad blocker | Try to open in Chrome or turn off VPN |
If none of the methods work, check:
- π Firmware updates: in older versions MIUI (before 11th scanner may not be available.
- π΅ Camera permissions: go to Settings β Annexes β Camera. β Permits and enable access to the camera.
- π Power saving mode: it can block the scanner's background operation.
β οΈ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) scanning function QR It's disabled by default in the global firmware. To activate it, go to Settings. β System system β Additionally. β Camera functions and enable the option βScanβ QR-codeΒ».
7.Security: How not to become a victim of fraud
QR-codes are convenient, but they can be dangerous: attackers often disguise phishing links or malicious scripts as them:
- π Check it out. URL before switching: even if the code is scanned, look at the domain (e.g. vk.com instead of vk-security.ru).
- π‘οΈ Use protected scanners: Kaspersky QR Scanner or Bitdefender Mobile Security Blocking Dangerous Links.
- π΅ Do not scan codes from suspicious surfaces: stickers on ATMs, poles, or in transport often contain viruses.
- π Update: In new versions MIUI Improved protection against scanning vulnerabilities.
Particular care should be taken with codes that:
- π° You are asked to enter your bank card details (even if it is a βshareΒ»).
- π± We offer to download the application outside of Google Play.
- π Require authorization in social networks or mail.
If you have already clicked on a suspicious link:
- Close the tab in the browser immediately.
- Check your device for viruses (Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
- If you have entered passwords, change them on all services.