How to scan. QR-code on the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi has become so simple that many users are unaware of all the available methods, POCO X5, Mi 11) and firmware versions MIUI The methods can vary from the built-in scanner in the camera to hidden features in the Quick Settings menu. This article will reveal all working methods, including those that are not written about in the official instructions.

Xiaomi devices feature the integration of the QR scanner directly into the standard Camera application, but not everyone knows that the functionality can be expanded through Google Lens or third-party utilities like Barcode Scanner. We will analyze each option with nuances in mind: from enabling the feature on older versions of MIUI 12 to bypassing the restrictions on the new MIUI 14 with HyperOS. You will also learn why sometimes the camera “does not see” the code and how to fix it without rebooting.

1. Standard QR scanner in the Camera app

The most obvious and quick way is to use the built-in scanner in the Camera app, which works on all Xiaomi models from the beginning. MIUI 10, but its behavior depends on the firmware version. on new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) The function is activated automatically when getting stuck on QR-code, and on the old (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You may need to manually activate it.

To scan the code:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
3. Wait for the notification to appear with a suggestion to click on the link (usually takes 1-2 seconds).
4. Tap the pop-up banner to open the code contents in the browser or other application.

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If the scanner doesn’t work, try to turn on macro photography (the flower icon in the camera interface) – this helps in poor lighting or small codes.

On some models (e.g. POCO F4), the built-in scanner may conflict with Google Lens if the feature stops working after the MIUI update:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Camera.
• 📱 Select Permissions and make sure Camera and Storage are enabled.
• 🔄 Restart the Camera app through the multitasking menu.

2.The QR scanner in the Quick Settings menu

Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden QR scanner built right into the notification bar, which is convenient when you need to quickly scan the code without starting the camera — for example, to pay in the store or connect to Wi-Fi. The feature is available on all devices with MIUI 11 and newer, but it needs to be activated beforehand.

How to turn on and use:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (sleeves) in the upper right corner to edit the tiles.
3. Find the scanner tile. QR (may be called QR-Scanner and drag it to the active area.
4. Now, when swiping down, just press this tile to instantly activate the scanner.

The advantage of this is speed, for example, for connecting to Wi-Fi via QR:

• 📶 Open the scanner from the notification panel.
• 🔗 Hover over the code from the router (usually located on the sticker).
• 🔑 Confirm the connection – the password will be entered automatically.

3. Scanning through Google Lens

Google Lens is a powerful tool from Google that can not only recognize objects, but also scan. QR-On Xiaomi smartphones, it can be integrated directly into the Camera app (on models with Google Mobile Services) or available as a standalone application.This method is useful if the standard scanner does not work or you need to recognize code with additional information (for example, translation of text inside the camera).

Instructions for use:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Click on the Google Lens icon (usually located next to the Shoot button or in the More menu).
3. Put the camera on QR-Google Lens automatically recognizes it and offers actions (open a link, save a contact, etc.).

If the Google Lens icon is not in the camera:

• 📲 Install Google App from Play Market (if removed).
• 🔍 Open the Google app, click on the Lens icon in the search bar.
• 📷 Allow access to the camera and scan the code.

Install/update the Google | App Enable camera permission in settings | Check your Internet connection (for link recognition) | Clear the Google app cache if you make errors-->

Importantly, on devices without Google services (such as Chinese firmware), Google Lens will not work, in which case use a standard scanner or third-party applications.

4. Third-party applications for QR scanning

If the built-in methods are not satisfied (for example, due to bugs or lack of functionality), you can use third-party applications. They often offer additional features: scan history, generator. QR-codes, recognition of corrupted codes, among the tested options:

• 📱 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – a lightweight ad-free app that supports scanning in the background.
• 🔍 Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) – open source, works without the Internet.
• 💳 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.

How to install and use:

1. Download the app from the Play Market (links above).
2. Open it and allow access to the camera.
3. Put the camera on QR-Most applications recognize the code automatically.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts (for example, click Open Link or Copy Text).

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Third-party scanners are useful for working with damaged or non-standard scanners. QR-codes (e.g., with a logo inside).

Safety warning:

⚠️ Attention: Some scanning applications QR They can collect data about scanned codes. Before installing, check the permissions in the Play Market and user reviews. Avoid utilities with suspiciously large numbers of requests (for example, access to contacts or user reviews). SMS).

5. QR scanner in the Files app (for local codes)

Xiaomi’s little-known feature is scanning QR-This is convenient if the code is stored as an image on the device (for example, a screenshot or a downloaded file). MIUI 12.5 and newer.

How to scan QR from the image:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Find the image with QR-code (formats.jpg,.png).
3. Open the image and touch the icons. 🔍 (magnifying glass) in the bottom menu.
4. The application automatically recognizes the code and offers actions (open a link, call a number, etc.).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work with live codes (only with static images).
• ❌ May not recognize low-resolution codes or with artifacts.

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If the Files application does not recognize the code, try cropping the image so that the QR occupies at least 50% of the frame, and try again.

6. Solving QR scanning problems

Sometimes the QR scanner on Xiaomi refuses to work even with the right settings.

If none of the methods helped:

⚠️ Note: on some Chinese firmware (China) ROM) scanner QR It can be disabled at the system level, and then only the flashing on Global will help. ROM or use of third-party applications.

7. Additional features: generation and safety

Scanning. QR-Code is only half the functionality. Xiaomi can also create its own code. QR-codes and security settings when using them, such as sharing a contact or password from Wi-Fi without the risk of interception.

How to generate QR-Xiaomi:

• 📇 Contact: Open Contacts, select Contacts → Share. → QR-code.
• 📶 For Wi-Fi: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, touch your network → Share (will appear) QR-plug-in).
• 🔗 For link: use the Google Chrome app (open the site) → Share. → QR-code).

Security advice:

• 🛡️ Never scan. QR-codes from suspicious sites or stickers in public places (risk of phishing).
• 🔒 Before opening the link, check its address (should start with the https://).
• 📱 Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner).

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi