How to make a scan on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 8: from QR-code-to-document

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, but its scanning capabilities often go unnoticed.Many users are unaware that the device can recognize. QR-codes, barcodes, and even scan documents without installing additional applications. In this article, we will examine all the available methods, from built-in functions. MIUI to specialized services, as well as reveal the nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

The Redmi 8 is based on MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, which is updated regularly, which means that scanning methods may vary depending on the firmware version. We've taken all the current options (including MIUI 12/14) into account and put them together in one guide, and if you're looking for a way to quickly scan the code in the store, digitize the passport or save a check, here's a solution for any task.

1. Scanning. QR-codes through the built-in camera

The easiest way is to use the standard Camera app. Redmi 8 has a recognition feature. QR-The code is integrated by default, but it needs to be activated correctly. Many users complain that the scan doesn't work, although the problem is often the settings or firmware version.

To scan. QR-code:

• 📷 Open the Camera app and switch to the main camera (not a selfie!).
• 🔍 Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
• 🔗 Wait for a notification with a link or text (usually a yellow frame and a pop-up appear).
• 👆 Click on the notification to click on the link or copy the data.

If the scan doesn't work:

• ⚙️ Check if the feature is enabled in the camera settings: Settings → Additionally. → Scan. QR-code.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (In older versions, the function may not be available).
• 💡 Make sure the code is not corrupted and has sufficient contrast (black on a white background is best scanned).

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If QR-code is not recognized, try to turn on the flashlight (Camera) → Lantern icon. This helps in low light or if the code is printed on a glossy surface.

Redmi 8 scanning function QR-It's only photo-based, not video-based, if you try to scan the code while you're recording, it's not going to work.

2.Use of the “Scanner” app from Xiaomi

Xiaomi has preinstalled a special application on Redmi 8 Scanner (icon with a magnifying glass on a green background). QR-codes, but also barcodes, ISBN-Book codes and can also recognize texts through the camera (function) OCR). The app is often hidden in the Tools or Others folder – check all screens.

How to use:

1. Open the Scanner app.
2. Select the type of scanning: 🔖 QR-code - for links, Wi-Fi, contacts; 📦 Barcode - for goods in the store; 📚 ISBN — book-book; 📄 Text - for recognition of printed text (OCR).

Point the camera at the object and wait for automatic recognition.

Click on the result to open the link or save the data.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works without the internet (except for the internet). OCR and some types of codes).
• ✅ Supports scan history (you can return old codes).
• ✅ Faster third-party applications due to optimization under MIUI.

Scanning of documents in high quality

If you need to digitize your passport, receipt, or other document, a standard camera is not going to work, it distorts perspective and adds shadows, and you'd better use Document mode in the Camera app or specialized services like CamScanner or Microsoft Lens.

Instructions for built-in mode:

1. Open the Camera and select Doc (or Document) mode.
2. Place the document on a flat surface with good lighting.
3. Point the camera so that the document is fully placed in the frame.
4. Wait for automatic allocation of borders (a yellow frame will appear).
5. Press the shooting button. The finished scan will be saved in the gallery in PDF or JPG format.

Comparison of document scanning methods:

Important: When scanning your passport or other personal documents, turn off autoloading to the cloud (such as Google Photos or Mi Cloud).

4.Scanning barcodes for purchases

Redmi 8 is great at scanning barcodes of goods – it is convenient for comparing prices, authentication or quick search for reviews.

• 📱 Built-in scanner (Brickcode mode);
• 🛒 Apps like Barcode Scanner or ShopSavvy;
• 🌐 Online services (e.g. BarcodeSpider).

Step-by-step instructions for checking the goods:

1. Open the Scanner app and select the Barcode mode.
2. Point the camera at the code on the package (hold the phone parallel to the surface).
3. After recognition, click on the result - a page with information about the product will open (if the Internet is connected).
4. For price comparison, use apps like PriceCheck or Yandex.Market.

🔹 Make sure the code is not erased and clearly visible.

🔹 Compare the first 3 digits with the country code of the manufacturer

🔹 Check the length of the code (standard) EAN-13 — 13 numbers)

🔹 Use it. 2-3 Different Cross-checking Applications-->

⚠️ Warning: Some fraudsters forge barcodes on products, and if you see a mismatch in the name or country of origin when scanning, you should be wary, for example, if the package says "Made in Germany" and the barcode begins with "Made in Germany" 460-469 (Russia) or 690-695 (China, the goods may be counterfeit.

5. Scanned through Google Lens (Google Lens)

If your Redmi 8 has Google services installed, you can use Google Lens to scan codes, text, and even object recognition.

• 📸 Google Photos app (Lens icon at the bottom);
• 🔍 Google Assistant (voice command "Ok Google, what is it?");
• 🌐 Chrome browser (long press on image) → Searching with Lens).

How to scan. QR-code through Google Lens:

1. Open Google Photos and click on the Lens icon (or select a photo with a code from the gallery).
2. Put the camera on QR-code or select it in an existing photo.
3. Google Lens automatically recognizes the code and prompts you to click on the link.

The advantages of Google Lens:

• 🔍 Recognizes not only codes, but also texts, plants, animals, sights.
• 🌍 Supports translation of text from photo to 100+ language.
• 📱 Works offline for basic functions (e.g. scanning) QR).

Restriction: On Redmi 8 with Chinese firmware (MIUI China), Google Lens can be blocked, in which case use alternatives like Yandex.Lens or Bing Visual Search.

6. Alternative scanning applications

If you don't like the built-in MIUI features, you can install third-party apps, and we tested the top solutions and selected the best ones for Redmi 8:

Top.-5 scanner:

⚠️ Note: When installing scanning applications, check permission requests. If the program requires access to SMS, Contacts or Geolocation without an obvious reason, this is an excuse to refuse to use it. Camera, Storage (for file storage) and Internet (for file storage) OCR or code-checking).

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For maximum security, use the Kaspersky QR Scanner or Xiaomi's built-in Scanner.They check for phishing links and viruses before opening.

FAQ: Frequent scanning questions on Redmi 8