Scanning on Xiaomi phone: from QR-pre-code 3D-facilities - full management

Scanning of documents, QR-With the help of Xiaomi’s smartphone, codes or even three-dimensional objects have become so commonplace that many users are unaware of the hidden capabilities of their devices. QR through the standard camera application, modern models on MIUI 14 and HyperOS support advanced features, from scanning barcodes for purchases to creating 3D-model AI-The problem is that these tools are often hidden in non-obvious menu sections or require activation through Settings. → Special facilities.

In this article, we will analyze all available scanning methods on Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO — From standard to little-known, including a hidden feature to scan text from photos in real time (OCR), which works without the Internet on the flagships of the Xiaomi series 13/14. You will also learn how to get around the limitations on some models (e.g. no built-in design). QR-Redmi A-series scanner and what third-party apps should you use if standard tools are not enough.

1. Scanning. QR-codes through a standard camera

The fastest way to scan QR-code on Xiaomi - use the built-in Camera app. The feature works on all devices with MIUI 10 and newer (including HyperOS), but there are nuances:

• 📱 Automatic recognition: Point the camera at QR-code - the link or text will appear as a notification at the top. Click on it to open.
• ⚙️ Manual Mode: If Automatic Scan is disabled, tap the icon QR top-right corner of the camera screen.
• 🔍 Focusing problems: On cheap models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You may need to bring the phone closer to the code (10-15 cm).
• 🚫 Limitations: Some QR-codes with dynamic content (for example, for payment) require Mi Pay or Google Pay applications.

If the function does not work, check the settings:

1. Open the camera. → Settings (⚙️) → Scanning. QR-code.
2. Make sure the switch is scanned. QR-codes are automatically enabled.
3. On the old versions. MIUI (Up to 12) firmware update may be required.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for China (CN-ROM) scan QR-The codes through the camera are blocked due to local regulations. ROM or use third-party scanners.

2. Scanning barcodes for purchases and goods

Unlike in the past. QR-codes, barcodes (e.g, EAN-13 or UPC) They are often used in stores to identify products. On Xiaomi, they can be read in two ways:

Method 1: The application "Scanner" (Mi Scanner)

Most devices have a scanner app pre-installed, which supports:

• 📦 Product barcodes (displays the name and price when connected to the Internet).
• 💳 Loyalty cards (such as SberSuperibo or Magnet Bonus).
• 📄 Documents (passports, driver's license - only for authentication, does not store data!).

How to use:

1. Open the scanner from the app menu.
2. Select the code type: Barcode or QR-code.
3. Point the camera at the code. For barcodes, keep the phone parallel to the surface (angle no more than 30).°).

Method 2: Google Lens (for international firmware)

If the Scanner application is not available (for example, on the POCO X3 Pro with Global ROM), Use Google Lens:

1. Keep the Google icon on the home screen → Choose Lens.
2. Hover the camera over the barcode, and the service will show you product information from Google Shopping.

⚠️ Note: When scanning barcodes in stores, Xiaomi Pay can automatically offer payment via a linked card. → Annexes → Payments → Autopayment if it interferes.

Scanning of documents in PDF note-based

Few people know that the standard Notes app on Xiaomi can scan documents and save them in format. PDF text-recognition (OCR). It's useful for digitization:

• 📄 Receipts, checks, contracts.
• 🎓 Diplomas, certificates.
• 📑 Multi-page documents (up to 50 pages in one) PDF).

Instructions:

Open the app Notes

Create a new note → press + → Scan.

Point the camera at the document (automatic edge trimming)

Press Save. → select the format (JPG or PDF)

For OCR Click Recognise Text (available on) MIUI 13+)-->

The quality of the scan depends on the lighting, for the best result:

• 💡 Use natural light or a cold-glow lamp (3500–4500K).
• 📏 Keep the phone strictly perpendicular to the document (angle 90)°).
• 🔍 For fine text, turn on Macro mode in the camera settings (if available).

💡

If the document is bent or has a shadow, put it under glass (for example, on a scanner or a table with a transparent surface) – this will eliminate distortion.

4. 3D-Scanning of objects (for flagships only)

Xiaomi flagship models (12 Pro, 13 Ultra, 14 Pro) 3D-application-scan AI Scanner (available after upgrading to HyperOS) This feature allows you to use the:

• 🏺 Create 3D-models of small objects (statuettes, shoes, toys).
• 🛠️ Export models in.obj or.stl format 3D-print-out.
• 🎨 Use scans in augmented reality applications (AR).

How it works:

1. Open up. AI Scanner (download from Mi App Store if not available).
2. Select a mode. 3D Scan.
3. Slowly circle the object, holding the phone at a distance of 30-50 cm.
4. After the scan is completed, click Save and select the format.

Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work with transparent or mirrored surfaces.
• ❌ Requires good lighting (in the dark scan is obtained with artifacts).
• ❌ Maximum size of object — 1×1 (e.g., the chair will not be scanned).

5. Hidden functions: OCR translation of text from photographs

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi smartphones got a built-in text recognition function (OCR) It's right in the gallery:

• 📖 Copy text from photos, screenshots or documents.
• 🌐 Translate text on the fly (Internet connection required).
• 🔍 Search for highlighted words in Google or Baidu (depending on the firmware region).

How to use:

1. Open the photo in the gallery.
2. Click on the text icon (or OCR) bottom-line.
3. Select the desired text fragment → copy or translate.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13) OCR It works without internet for 10+ languages including Russian, English and Chinese on budget smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Recognition occurs on Xiaomi servers, so you need to connect to the network.

⚠️ Attention: Function OCR In the gallery, you may conflict with the Google Lens app. If the text is not recognized, turn off the Lens in the gallery settings: Settings → Additionally. → Google integration.

6. Third-party applications for extended scanning

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools aren’t enough, consider these apps:

For professional scanning (for example, for document archives), we recommend Adobe Scan or CamScanner. QR Scanner.

💡

In 90% of cases, Xiaomi’s standard tools (camera) + Mi Scanner + Notes) are sufficient for home scanning. Third-party applications are only needed for specific tasks (3D-Modeling, mass processing of documents).

7. Solving scanning problems

If the scan is not working, check these points:

• 🔋 Battery Charge: At levels below 15%, the camera can turn off additional features (including: QR-scan).
• 📶 Regional restrictions: On firmware for China (CN ROM) Some scanning features are blocked. Solution is to change region or firmware to Global/EU ROM.
• 🔒 Permissions: Make sure the Camera or Scanner app has access to the camera and storage (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔄 Updates: On older versions MIUI (12 below) new code types may not be supported (e.g, QR-color-matrix).

Frequent errors and ways to correct them:

⚠️ Note: If scanning functions are lost after the firmware update (for example, the icon has disappeared). QR in the camera), reset the camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. It'll bring back the standard parameters.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi