Scanning of documents, QR-Xiaomi smartphones have become an integral part of everyday tasks, from paying bills to digitizing important papers. POCO They offer a number of built-in and third-party tools for this, depending on the version. MIUI (12 to 14) and phone models are available in a variety of ways, from quick scanning through a standard camera to specialized applications like Mi Scanner or Google Lens.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden functions that are not written about in the official instructions. QR-codes, but also multipage documents with automatic text processing (OCR), As well as how to configure quick access to the scanner through the control panel or gestures, we will pay special attention to the nuances for older models (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro) and flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), where the recognition algorithms differ.
1. Scanning. QR-codes through a standard camera
The easiest way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in camera, which automatically recognizes the camera. QR-This function works on all devices with real-time codes. MIUI 11 and newer, but its behavior depends on regional firmware (EEA) Recognition can be disabled by default.
To activate the scan:
- 📱 Open the Camera app and switch to the main module (not Photo or Portrait).
- 🔍 Point the lens at QR-code – in 1-2 seconds a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
- 🔗 Tap the pop-up banner to open the code contents in the browser or other application.
On models with an infrared port (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro), the camera may conflict with the remote control – in this case, restart the phone before scanning.
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If QR-code is not recognized, try to enable macro mode (flowers in the camera interface) - this will help when scanning small codes from close range.
2. Mi Scanner app: hidden possibilities
V MIUI 12-14 preinstalled Mi Scanner (sometimes called Scanner), which can not only read QR-codes, but:
- 📄 Scan documents with automatic framing and improved contrast.
- 📊 Recognize barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A etc.) to verify the authenticity of goods.
- 🔄 Keep results in PDF or JPG editable.
- 🔒 Encrypt scans with a password (available on Xiaomi flagships) 12S Ultra and newer).
How to use:
- Open Mi Scanner (find through app search).
- Select a mode: QR-code, Document or Barcode.
- For documents: point the camera at the sheet, wait for automatic framing (a yellow frame will appear) and press the capture button.
- Edit the result (trimming, turning, filters) and save to the gallery or the Mi Cloud cloud.
How to get Mi Scanner back if it's been removed?
Important: On budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), Mi Scanner may not have OCR (Text Recognition) mode.
3. Google Lens: Text and Object Recognition
Google Lens is integrated into Xiaomi’s camera on firmware with Google services (e.g. global version) MIUI). This tool is not just scanning. QR-codes, but:
- 📖 Copy text from photos or real objects (OCR).
- 🛒 Finds analogues of goods in online stores on photos.
- 🌍 Translate text from 100+ languages in real time.
- 🎵 Recognizes songs, films and books from covers.
Instructions:
- Open the Camera and tap the Google Lens icon (or select Lens mode from the menu).
- Point the camera at the object. For text: highlight the area with your finger, then click Copy text.
- For QR-codes: wait for automatic recognition (a blue button with a link will appear).
⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google Lens can be blocked. It requires a region change or installation of Google Camera (GCam) with Lens support to activate it.
4. Third-party applications: when embedded tools are not enough
If standard methods don’t work (e.g., you need to scan passport data or multipage contracts), use specialized applications. We tested the top 5 options for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CamScanner | OCR in 60+ languages, cloud storage, electronic signatures | Paid subscription for HD-export | Google Play |
| Adobe Scan | Integration with Adobe Acrobat, automatic quality improvement | Registration is required | Google Play |
| QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) | It works offline, scans damaged codes. | Advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| Microsoft Lens | Export to Word/Excel, table recognition | There is no Russian language in the interface | Google Play |
| Fast Scanner | Fast processing, support NFC-tag | Restriction on 10 scans/day | Google Play |
For scanning documents with printing, we recommend CamScanner, which is the best at glare and dark backgrounds. If you need mass processing (for example, 50+ pages), use Adobe Scan with batch export function.
☑️ Preparation for scanning of the document
5. Scan through the control panel and quick settings
V MIUI 13/14 You can add Mi Scanner to the control panel (swipe down from the top right corner of the screen). 2 once:
- Open the Settings. → Control panel.
- Click Add Tiles and find the Scanner (or QR-code).
- Drag the icon to the active area.
Now it's enough to scan:
- Swipe down to open the panel.
- Touch the Scanner icon - the camera will open in recognition mode.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11 after update to MIUI 14 scanner icons may disappear from the panel. To return them, reset the panel settings: Settings → Control panel → Reset to standard.
Scanner in Developer Mode: For Power Users
If you need to automate your scan (for example, to integrate with Tasker or Home Assistant), activate the developer mode and use it. ADB-team:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.scanner/.ui.ScannerActivityThis will open Mi Scanner directly, bypassing the camera interface. To automatically save scans to a given folder, use:
adb shell settings put global scanner_save_path /storage/emulated/0/Scans/Warning: misuse of ADB can cause camera malfunctions. Before experimenting, back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
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For models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14) standard ADB-Teams may not work – an updated version of Platform Tools (34.0.5 and higher) is required).