How to make a scan on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: all ways and life hacks

The scanner on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a camera feature, but a powerful tool for quick recognition QR-But many users have problems with the scanner not finding the code, the application is making an error, and the result is blurry. In this article, we will discuss all the methods of scanning on Redmi - from standard to hidden, and also tell you how to configure the device for maximum accuracy.

It is important to understand that the scanning capabilities depend on the smartphone model and version. MIUI. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Supports high-resolution document scanning, and budget models like Redmi 10A They can only be limited. QR-We're going to look at all the solutions for all the lines, from the old Redmis. 4X up to the latest flagships.

If you've never used a Xiaomi scanner, start with the first section, and the alternative app and bug fixing section will be useful to experienced users, because it contains rare tricks that are not written about in the official instructions.

1. Standard scanner QR-code MIUI: How to turn on and use

In most smartphones Xiaomi Redmi scanner QR-It's built right into the Camera app, and you don't have to download anything to use it, you just open the camera and point the lens at the code:

  • πŸ” Automatic recognition: only works in good lighting, and in the dark, the code may not read even with the flashlight on.
  • πŸ“± Supported formats: QR, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417. Barcodes (EAN-13, UPC) Not recognized on all models.
  • ⚑ Quick Access: Press and hold the camera icon on your desktop, then select Scanner QR-code.

If the scanner is not working, check the settings:

  1. Open the camera. β†’ Settings (cogs) β†’ Scanner. QR-code.
  2. Make sure the switch is scanned. QR-codes are automatically active.
  3. For barcodes, enable the option of Barcode Recognition (not available on all firmware).

πŸ’‘

If QR-The code is not readable, try to disable HDR in camera settings – sometimes this feature interferes with recognition.

In the models with MIUI 14 and later, the scanner can block the recognition of codes from security (for example, payment). β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Camera. β†’ Scanner. QR-Enable access to sensitive data.

2. Document scanning: how to make a clear copy of a passport or receipt

For scanning documents (passports, driver's license, receipts), the standard Redmi camera is not suitable - it distorts perspective and loses detail.

  • πŸ“„ App "Scanner" (pre-installed on new models) Opens access to mode Document with automatic edge trimming.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Google Drive: The file creation menu has the option to Scan with color and contrast correction.
  • πŸ“± Mi DocViewer (for older models): download from the Mi App Store, supports OCR text-recognition.

To get the maximum quality:

  1. Place the document on a flat surface with good lighting.
  2. Enable the grid (rule of thirds) in the camera settings to align.
  3. Use the Pro mode with manual focusing (set the value) ∞ fine-text).
AnnexMax, permission.OCR (Text Recognition)Auto-cutting
Standard "Scanner" (MIUI)12 MPs❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Google Drive8 MPβœ… Yes (English, Russian)βœ… Yes.
CamScanner16 MPsβœ… Yes. 50.+ language)βœ… Yes.
Mi DocViewer10 MPsβœ… Yes (Chinese, English)❌ No.
πŸ“Š Which app do you scan documents more often?
Standard "Scanner" MIUI
Google Drive
CamScanner
Adobe Scan
Other

If the document is blurry, try using macro mode (a flower icon in the camera app) that focuses on close objects and is suitable for scanning small text, such as in contracts.

3. Alternative scanning apps: Which is better than CamScanner

Standard instruments MIUI They don't always do things, like they can't scan multipage documents or recognize text on a multipage document. 30+ In such cases, third-party software will help.-5 supplant:

  • πŸ“± CamScanner: the best choice for business. There's cloud storage, editing PDF And watermarks. Minus is a paid subscription. OCR.
  • πŸ“„ Adobe Scan: Integration with Adobe Acrobat, automatic quality improvement. Free text recognition at 100+ language.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Microsoft Lens: optimized for office documents. Word/Excel/PowerPoint.
  • πŸ” QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play): recognizes even corrupted codes.
  • πŸ“Š FineScanner: Supports table scanning with structure preservation in Excel.

Before installing, check the permissions of the application. For example, CamScanner requires access to Contacts and Locations - this is not necessary for scanning, but it is necessary for cloud functions. β†’ Annexes β†’ [Name of name] β†’ Permits.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for document scanning

Done: 0 / 5

On Redmi with a small amount of memory (for example, Redmi). 9A 32GB) Avoid heavy scanners like CamScanner, and use Microsoft Lens instead. ~50 MB) or online services of the type Online2PDF.

4.Scanning barcodes: how to verify the authenticity of the goods

Barcodes (EAN-13, UPC) They're found on food packages, clothing, electronics:

  • πŸ›’ Verify the authenticity of the product (for example, on AliExpress or in the store).
  • πŸ“¦ Know the country of origin (first) 2-3 code-figure).
  • πŸ’° Compare prices in different stores (via Yandex.Market or Google Shopping).

To scan the barcode on Redmi:

  1. Open the camera and point it to the code. If it doesn't work, use the Barcode Scanner app.
  2. To verify authenticity, enter the code manually on the sites: CheckMark (for Russia) GS1 (standard)
How to recognize a fake barcode?
Fake codes often have an incorrect check digit (the last digit of the code). GS1. Also note the blurring of the print – the original codes are clear, without blurred lines.

On the Redmi Note 11 Pro and later, there is a feature Check the Product in the Mi Browser app. Scan the code through the browser camera, and the system will show reviews about the product and the average price.

5 Scanning errors: why not recognized QR-code and how to fix it

If the Xiaomi Redmi scanner doesn’t work, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The code is not recognized in good lighting.Dirty lens or protective glassWipe the camera with a microfiber wipe
The scanner detects an error called "Inappropriate format"Damaged. QR-codeUpdate MIUI or use a third-party app
The camera is focusing slowlyPortrait or Night mode is enabledSwitch to Photo or Pro mode
The scanner does not open from the camera menu.System camera access disabledGo to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications β†’ Camera. β†’ Permits

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting the camera settings:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the camera, press Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Reboot your smartphone.

πŸ’‘

On Redmi with 108MP cameras (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The scanner can brake because of the high resolution. Manually reduce the resolution of the camera to 12 MP in the settings.

To diagnose hardware problems (such as camera module malfunctions), perform the test:

Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##


Go to the "Equipment Testing" menu β†’ "Camera".




If the image is blurry or missing, repair is required.

6. Hidden features of the scanner on Xiaomi: what is not written in the instructions

In the firmware MIUI There are some undocumented scanner features that make it easier to work with codes and documents:

  • πŸ”— Fast generation QR-Code: Swipe down the notification panel, click QR-code (icon next to flashlight) You can create code for Wi-Fi, contacts or text.
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi scanning QR: Scan the code from the router (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router), and the smartphone will automatically connect to the network.
  • πŸ“± Superresolution mode: in the Mi DocViewer application, you can increase the scan resolution to 24 MP (available on flagships).
  • πŸ”’ Secured codes: in MIUI 14+ There is a Safe Scan option (in camera settings) that blocks the click on suspicious links.

For owners of Redmi with IR-Blaster (infrared port) available to scan remote control. Install the application Mi Remote, point the camera on the remote from the TV or air conditioner, and the system will determine the model of the device.

πŸ’‘

To scan the code from another device, reduce the brightness of the Redmi display to 30%, which will reduce glare and improve recognition.

In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) You can use hidden scanning mode in Always-On Display. Twice tap the icon. QR-code on a locked screen to quickly open the scanner.

7.Security: How not to run into scammers through QR-code

QR-codes may contain malicious links that will steal your data or sign up for paid services. Xiaomi Redmi has built-in security mechanisms, but they are not perfect:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Check it out. URL: After scanning, the smartphone shows a link if it looks suspicious, bit.ly/xxx), Don't cross it.
  • πŸ”’ Turn off automatic transition: in the camera settings, turn off the option to Open links automatically.
  • πŸ“± Use antivirus: Mi Security or Dr.Web block phishing sites.
  • πŸ’³ Do not scan the codes for payment in public places (cafe, transport.

If you have already clicked on a suspicious link:

  1. Close the tab in the browser immediately.
  2. Check your payment history in Mi Pay or the banking app.
  3. Delete Unknown Files in Files β†’ Downloads.
How to recognize phishing QR-code?
Fraudsters often use short-linked codes (tinyurl, bit.ly) or ask for personal details immediately after scanning. QR (For example, from Sberbank, always contain the logo of the bank and start with the https://.

On Redmi with MIUI 13+ There's a Sandbox feature that isolates suspicious applications to turn it on:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Sandbox.
  2. Add a browser or scanner to the list of isolated applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi Redmi

πŸ” Why the scanner? QR-The code doesn't work on my Redmi 9?
On the Redmi 9 and other budget models, the scanner may not recognize codes due to a weak processor or outdated firmware. MIUI before the latest version or install a third-party application, for example, QR & Barcode Scanner. Also check if power saving is on, which limits camera performance.
πŸ“„ How to scan the document in PDF Xiaomi?
Use the Scanner app (preinstalled) or Google Drive: Open the Scanner, select Document mode. Take photos of the pages (automatic cropping will turn on itself). Click Save and select format PDF. For multipage documents, CamScanner or Adobe Scan is better suited.
πŸ”— Can I scan it? QR-codes from another phone screen?
Yes, but there are nuances: Reduce the brightness of the screen of the device you are scanning from (to avoid glare). Use Macro mode in the Redmi camera to focus on close objects. If the code is not read, take a screenshot and scan it through the gallery (some applications have photo recognition feature).
πŸ›’ How to verify the authenticity of the product by barcode on Redmi?
Scan the code through a Barcode Scanner or a standard camera, then: Check the first ones. 3 figures (country of manufacture, 460-469 β€” Russia, 690-695 β€” China. Enter the code on CheckMark or the Fair Label app. Compare the result with the data on the package. If it doesn't match, the product is fake. MIUI 14 You can use the built-in check of goods in Mi Browser.
⚑ Why the scanner is slowing down on the Redmi Note 10 Pro?
Causes and Solutions: High resolution camera: in camera settings, reduce resolution to 12 Background processes: Close all applications through Recent and clear memory. Overheating: if the smartphone is hot, let it cool down 10-15 Outdated firmware: update. MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Update system. If the problem persists, reset the camera settings (see section) 5).