How to scan. QR-Codes on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Scanning. QR-codes on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) It's become an integral part of everyday tasks, from authorization in messengers to payment for purchases. Despite the apparent simplicity, users often face problems: the camera does not recognize the code, the standard application is missing, or the scanner is running with delays. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of scanning on devices with MIUI Android, including hidden features and avoiding common bugs.

It’s important to understand that the methods differ depending on the firmware version and model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the built-in scanner works differently than on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We tested each method on devices from 2020 to 2026 and highlighted the only method that is guaranteed to work on all models without installing third-party applications, which you will find in the section on the camera’s quick menu.

1. Built-in scanner in the Camera app

The most obvious, but not always working, way is to use the standard Camera app. On most Xiaomi devices, the QR scanning function is activated automatically when you hover over the code, but there are nuances:

• 🔍 Nana POCO F5 The scanner is only enabled in Photo mode (not Video or Portrait).
• ⚙️ On the old versions. MIUI (Up to 12) you may need to manually enable the option in the camera settings: → Additionally. → Scan. QR-code.
• 📱 If the camera does not respond to the code, try to bring the smartphone closer to 10-15 cm – sometimes autofocus works only at a close distance.

To scan the code:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully in the viewfinder.
3. Wait for the notification to appear with a suggestion to click on the link (usually appears in 1-2 seconds).
4. Tap the notification to open the contents of the code.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The built-in scanner may not recognize high-pixel density codes (such as movie tickets or boarding pass) in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Quick camera menu (most reliable method)

This method works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version and does not require the installation of additional applications. It uses a hidden feature of fast access, which many users are not aware of:

1. Unlock your smartphone and swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
2. In the upper right corner, look for the Camera icon (or the Scanner on some models).
3. Tap the icon – the camera interface with the built-in QR scanner will open.
4. Point the camera at the code. Recognition is instantaneous, without delay.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 It works even if the main camera application is removed or disabled.
• 🔒 Does not require administrator rights or access to files.
• ⚡ Recognition speeds 2-3 times higher than a standard camera.

💡

A quick camera menu is the only way that is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi models, including custom firmware devices.

3. Scanning through Google Lens

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools refuse to recognize the code, Google Lens, a service from Google that is integrated into most Android devices, will come to the rescue, not only scanning QR, but also recognizing texts, objects, and even translations.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google (search engine) or Google Photos app.
2. In the search bar or on the photo view screen, find the Google Lens icon (a stylized lens image).
3. Put the camera on QR-The service will automatically determine the type of content and offer actions (click on a link, save contact, etc.).

If the Google Lens icon is not in the Google app, upgrade it through the Play Store or install it separately. On POCO X3 Pro and other devices without Google services, use the alternatives from the next section.

4. Third-party scanning applications

When standard methods do not work (for example, on devices with a MIUI In Russia, where Google has been removed, specialized applications come to the rescue. 10 Popular scanners and selected the top-3:

• 🥇 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – minimalist interface, no advertising, works offline.
• 🥈 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.
• 🥉 NeoReader – Supports rare code formats (PDF417, Data Matrix).

Installation:

1. Open the Play Store and enter the name of the app in the search.
2. Install and open the scanner.
3. Put the camera on QR-Most applications offer scan history and the ability to export data.

⚠️ Avoid apps with names like “Super” QR Scanner Pro" or "Fast Barcode Reader" - these often contain hidden ads or request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to a website or a website or a website). SMS). Before installing, check reviews and ratings.

Reviews (especially 1-2 stars)|

Check the number of installations (minimum 1 million) |

Make sure the last update was 3 months ago.|

Read the list of permissions (no access to the permissions should be available) SMS/call)-->

5. Browser scanning (for websites)

If QR-The code leads to the web page, and the scanner on the phone doesn't work, you can do without the camera. Many modern browsers (including Chrome and Mi Browser) support code recognition directly from the screen:

Method 1: Through Google Chrome

1. Open the browser and go to the site with QR-code (or save the image of the code to the gallery).
2. Click on the code and hold your finger, and the context menu will appear.
3. Select Search using Google Lens (if you don’t have an option, update your browser).

Method 2: Mi Browser (Xiaomi only)

1. Open the image with QR-browser-code.
2. Touch the Share icon (three dots connected by lines).
3. In the action list, select Scan. QR-code.

This method is useful if the smartphone camera is damaged or the code is on the screen of another device (for example, a PC monitor).

6. Solving scanning problems

If none of the methods work, check the following points:

On devices with an infrared camera (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra), sometimes there is a driver conflict, which causes the standard scanner to refuse to work.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the camera and clear the cache.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

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If QR-The code contains a Wi-Fi password, but the smartphone does not connect to the network after scanning, check the encryption format in the router settings. Xiaomi devices do not support outdated protocol WEP — use WPA2-PSK or WPA3.

7. Hidden scanning features in MIUI

Firmware MIUI There are a few little-known opportunities to work with QR-codes that are not documented in the official instructions:

• 🔄 Generator QR-Codes: You can create your own code in the Notes app. Open a note, click. + → QR-code and enter text or link.
• 📎 Quick copying: When scanning code with text (not a link) in MIUI 13+ A copy button appears, which saves data in the clipboard.
• 🔗 Mi Home integration: If the code contains data for a Xiaomi smart device (like a Yeelight light bulb), the system will automatically prompt you to add it to the Mi Home app.

On devices with MIUI for Russia, some functions may be disabled to return them:

1. Install. APK-Miui application file QR Scanner (available on forums such as: 4PDA).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
3. Use the command: adb shell pm grant com.xiaomi.scanner android.permission.CAMERA to grant rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions