How to scan. QR-Codes, documents and barcodes on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, which is still actively used due to its reliability and functionality. However, not all owners know that the device is able to scan out of the box. QR-Codes, barcodes, and even documents without installing additional applications. In this article, we will examine all the available methods, from built-in tools to advanced features using Google Lens and Mi Scanner.

The Redmi 9 is optimized for quick code recognition, but some features are hidden in the menu or require activation. For example, few people know that the Gallery has a built-in tool to scan text from photos, we will show you how to use it, and we will also talk about the nuances of working with the scanner in poor lighting or when codes are damaged.

1. Scanning. QR-codes through a standard camera

The easiest way to scan QR-The code on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is to use the built-in Camera app. It works without an Internet connection and does not require any additional software installation:

1. Open the Camera app on the home screen or menu.
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
3. Wait 1-2 seconds – the smartphone automatically recognizes the code and will show a notification with a suggestion to click on the link.
4. Click on the pop-up notification to open the code contents in the browser or other application.

If recognition does not work, check:

• 🔦 Lighting: In low light, turn on the flashlight or bring the smartphone closer to the code.
• 📱 Focus: Tap the screen in the code area so that the camera is focused.
• 🔄 Clean lens: wipe the camera from dust or fingerprints.

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If QR-The code is damaged or partially erased, so try scanning it from different angles, and sometimes it helps to tilt your smartphone 30-45 degrees.

Important: The standard Redmi 9 camera can’t scan barcodes (like packages of goods) and you’ll need a separate app or Google Lens.

2.Use Google Lens to scan codes and text

Google Lens is a powerful tool from Google that is built into Xiaomi Redmi 9 by default (if not manually disabled). QR-codes, but:

• 📄 Scan text from photos and documents (with the ability to copy).
• 🛒 Recognize the barcodes of goods and show prices in online stores.
• 🌍 Translate text from foreign languages in real time.

To use Google Lens:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. In the lower right corner, click on the Google Lens icon (an icon with a multi-colored square).
3. Point the camera at the object (QR-code, barcode or text).
4. Wait for recognition – the results will appear at the bottom of the screen.

If the Google Lens icon is not in the camera, check:

• Update the Google app in the Play Market.
• Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Permissions and enable camera access for Google Lens.

3. Document scanning in the Gallery (built-in tool)

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi 9 has a hidden feature scanning documents directly in the Gallery app.

• 📑 Take a picture of the document and automatically straighten the perspective.
• 🖼️ Save the result in format PDF or JPEG.
• 🔍 Recognise text from a photograph (OCR).

Instructions for scanning the document:

1. Open the Gallery and go to the Tools tab (three-dot icon or wrench).
2. Select Scan Document (or Doc Scanner in English version of firmware).
3. Take a picture of the document, holding the smartphone parallel to the sheet. The app will automatically trim the edges.
4. Click Save and select the format (PDF or image).

For text recognition:

1. After scanning the document, click on the Text icon (the icon "A" in the square).
2. Select the desired fragment - the text will be copied to the clipboard.

4.The Mi Scanner app: official tool from Xiaomi

For owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9, the company has released the official application Mi Scanner, which is able to:

• 🔗 Scan. QR-codes and barcodes (including EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39).
• 📄 Create your own QR-codes (for example, for Wi-Fi or contacts).
• 💡 Work offline (without an internet connection).

How to install and use Mi Scanner:

1. Download the app from the Play Market (free, no ads).
2. Open Mi Scanner and point the camera at the code.
3. To create your own QR-Click on the icon. + in the lower right corner and select the type (text, link, contact, etc.).

Advantages of a standard camera:

• 🔍 It recognizes small and damaged codes better than a built-in camera.
• 📥 Stores scan history (you can return the code if the result is accidentally closed).
• 🔒 No additional permissions (except for camera access).

Clean the surface of the code from dirt

Put on good lighting.

Hold your smartphone at a distance of 10-15 cm

Turn off Portrait mode in the camera-->

5.Side of the application for advanced scanning

If the built-in Redmi 9 tools are not working (for example, you need to scan a passport or code from the screen of another device), use specialized applications:

For installation:

1. Open the Play Market and enter the name of the app in search.
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. Launch the app and give access to the camera and storage (if required).

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Apps like CamScanner are useful for scanning multi-page documents, but consume more battery than embedded tools.

Safety tip: Avoid little-known scanners QR-codes - some of them can be redirected to phishing sites. Use only proven high-ranking apps.

6. Common Problems and Their Solutions

When scanning codes on Xiaomi Redmi 9, users often face the following problems:

⚠️ Note: If the camera is not focused on QR-Check to see if Macro is on, which is a flower icon in the Camera app, and is designed to be shot at close range and can interfere with recognition.

Problem 1: QR-The code is not scanned, although the camera can see it.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes resetting temporary camera data helps.
• 📱 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI There were code recognition bugs.
• 🔍 Check the code on another device, it may be corrupted.

Problem 2: An error occurs when scanning a document in the Gallery.

• 🗃️ Clear the Gallery app cache in settings (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📲 Install an alternative scanning app (e.g. Adobe Scan).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Google Lens is missing in the camera, reset the camera app settings to factory settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Reset).

7. Alternative scanning methods without a camera

If the camera on Redmi 9 is not working or you want to scan code from another device, use these methods:

Method 1: Screenshot + Google Photos

1. Take a screenshot. QR-code (squeeze power supply) + Turning down the volume).
2. Open the screenshot in Google Photos.
3. Click on the Google Lens icon (bottom of the screen) – the app recognizes the code.

Method 2: Online Services

Upload the code image to one of the services:

• 🌐 ZXing Decoder (supports most formats).
• 🌐 Online Barcode Reader (for barcodes).

Important: Do not upload confidential documents (passports, tickets) to unknown sites – use only verified services with HTTPS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi Redmi 9