How to scan. QR-Xiaomi Redmi code: from standard methods to hidden chips

Scanning. QR-The problem with the codes on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones seems simple β€” until you face unexpected problems: someone can not find the built-in scanner, someone’s camera refuses to recognize the code, and some do not even suspect that their phone can do it without additional applications. This article covers all the gaps, from basic methods to little-known functions. MIUI, time-saving.

We will not only analyze the obvious ways through the standard Scanner or Google Lens app, but also alternatives for older Redmi models (for example, Redmi). 4A Or Redmi Note 5, where the built-in tools work differently, and we'll focus on the common bugs -- why the phone can't see. QR-code in good lighting or how to bypass scanning lock in some versions MIUI.

If you've ever tried to scan a subway code in poor light or come across a message that says "I couldn't recognize," here's a solution. And for advanced users, a bonus: how to turn on the hidden scan mode through the quick MIUI settings, which works even without the Internet.

1. Standard method: application "Scanner" in MIUI

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Scanner (or QR Scanner) app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, and its main advantage is speed: the code is recognized in a fraction of a second, and the result can be immediately opened in the browser, saved as a contact or copied text.

To take advantage of it:

  • πŸ“± Open the "Scanner" application (magnifying glass icon with QR-If it's not on the home screen, search by app (swipe down the desktop).
  • πŸ” Put the camera on QR-Distance: 10–20 cm (no closer than 5 cm, otherwise the code may not focus).
  • 🌐 Wait for the vibration or the audible signal, which means the code is recognized. Click on the pop-up notification to open a link or perform an action.

If the application is missing (this happens after resetting settings or on custom firmware), it can be restored:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all apps."
  3. In the list, find the scanner and turn it on.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MIUI 9 and older (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus) the built-in scanner may not be available.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Redmi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
Redmi 10/11
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Redmi 8/8A
Another model

2. Quick scan through the notification panel (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but in MIUI It has a built-in scanner. QR-It works even without the Internet, and it doesn't require you to open a separate application.

How to turn on:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Click on the Edit icon (pencil or three dots).
  3. Find the QR scanner (or QR scanner) tile in the list and drag it to the active area.
  4. Save the changes.

Now, to scan the code:

  • πŸ“² Swipe down to open the notification panel.
  • πŸ” Press the scanner tile. QR".
  • 🎯 Point the camera at the code - the result will appear immediately in the notification.
Model RedmiSupport for scanner in the notification panelNotes
Redmi Note 12/13βœ… Yes.It works at MIUI 14+.
Redmi 10/11βœ… Yes.Requires an upgrade to MIUI 13
Redmi 9/9A⚠️ Partially.You need to manually add the tile.
Redmi 8 and older❌ No.Use Google Lens

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware tile "Scanner" QR" It may disappear after the update. MIUI. In this case, reboot your phone or reset the notification panel settings in Settings. β†’ Notification panel β†’ Drop it.

πŸ’‘

If the QR Scanner tile does not appear in the list to add, check if the com.xiaomi.scanner system process is disabled in the application settings.

3. Scanning through Google Lens (for all models)

Google Lens is a versatile tool that works on any Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, including older models without a built-in scanner.

  • πŸ”Ž Not only does he recognize QR-codes, but also barcodes, texts, plants, products.
  • 🌍 Translates text from codes to other languages.
  • πŸ“± Integrated into a standard Redmi camera MIUI 12+).

How to use:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Switch to β€œMore” (or β€œMore”) and select β€œGoogle Lens”.
  3. Point the lens at QR-Lens will automatically identify it and suggest an action (open a link, save a contact, etc.).

If Google Lens is not displayed in the camera:

  • πŸ“₯ Install it from Google Play.
  • πŸ”„ Update the Camera app through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera. β†’ Update.
  • πŸ”§ Enable integration in camera settings: Camera settings β†’ Google Lens β†’ Turn on.
What if Google Lens doesn’t recognize the code?
If Google Lens does not see QR-code, try: 1. Clear the app cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Lens β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache. 2. Disable battery optimization for Lens (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ Google Lens β†’ No restrictions. 3. Use an alternative light source – sometimes autofocus is lost in bright sun or dark. 4. Switch to the rear camera (if you scan the front camera).

4. Alternative scanning applications

If the built-in methods don’t work (for example, on Redmi 4X or Redmi 5 with outdated MIUI), you should install a third-party application.

AnnexRatings.FeaturesReference
QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play)⭐ 4.7Fast scanning, code history, working without the internetDownload
Kaspersky QR Scanner⭐ 4.6Checking security links, blocking phishingDownload
Barcode Scanner (ZXing Team)⭐ 4.5Open source, support for all code formatsDownload

How to choose:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ For security (e.g., scanning payment codes) – Kaspersky QR Scanner.
  • πŸ“¦ For working with barcodes of goods - Barcode Scanner.
  • πŸ“± For minimalism and speed β€” QR & Barcode Scanner.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, "QR Code Reader" contains ads that may interfere with the scan. Before installing, check for reviews about the presence of banners.

Install the app from the official store |Give access to the camera |Disable battery optimization for the app |Check reviews for advertising-->

5.The solution to the problems: why Redmi doesn't scan QR-code

If Xiaomi Redmi refuses to recognize the code, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

Problem 1: The camera doesn’t focus on code

  • πŸ”¦ Check the lighting β€” QR-The code should be evenly illuminated (without shadows and glare).
  • πŸ“ Make sure the distance to the code is 10-20 cm too close or far away and the scanner won’t work.
  • πŸ”„ Clean the camera lens of dirt or fingerprints.
  • πŸ“± Restart your phone – sometimes a camera failure is solved by a simple reboot.

Problem 2: The scanner application is giving you an error

  • πŸ”§ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the cache of the Scanner application (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Scanner. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache).
  • πŸ“₯ Reinstall the application through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Scanner. β†’ Remove updates (if available).

Problem 3: Code is recognized, but the link is not opened

  • 🌐 Check your internet connection (if the code leads to a web page).
  • πŸ”— Make sure the browser does not block pop-ups by default.
  • πŸ“‹ Copy the code text manually (click on the scan result and select Copy").

πŸ’‘

If QR-code corrupted (blurred, torn), try scanning it through the application QR Code Reader with image recovery function (e.g., code reader, "QR Repair").

6. Hidden chips: scanning without apps

For Xiaomi Redmi power users, there are a few non-obvious scanning methods QR-codes that do not require additional software installation.

Method 1: Through the Google Chrome browser

If you have Google Chrome installed, it can scan codes directly from the address bar:

  1. Open Chrome and click on the Image Search icon (near the address bar).
  2. Select "Scan" QR-code".
  3. Allow access to the camera and point the lens to the code.

Method 2: Using the Google Pay app

If you use Google Pay, it can also be scanned. QR-payment codes and not only:

  1. Open Google Pay.
  2. Click on the Scan icon (in the upper right corner).
  3. Point the camera at the code - the application will offer to open a link or make a payment.

Method 3: Through Bixby (on supported models)

Some Redmi models (such as the Redmi K50) have Bixby voice assistant, which can scan codes by voice command:

  1. Activate Bixby with voice or power button.
  2. Say: β€œScanned. QR-code".
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

πŸ’‘

On Redmi with MIUI 14+, you can add the Quick Scanner widget to the home screen. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen β†’ β€œWidgets” β†’ find β€œQR Scanner”.

7.Security: How not to run into scammers

QR-It's convenient, but it can be dangerous, and scammers often disguise phishing links or malicious scripts as them:

  • πŸ”’ Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (stickers on the streets, messages from strangers).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner or Bitdefender Mobile Security).
  • 🌐 Before opening a link, check its address. https:// worth http:// or a strange domain (for example, pay-pal-security.ru), do not go.
  • πŸ“± Update regularly MIUI Applications and applications – new versions often close vulnerabilities associated with the QR-code.

Signs of fraudulent QR-code:

  • 🚨 The code is pasted over the official (for example, on payment terminals).
  • πŸ“§ Comes in SMS or a messenger requesting β€œurgent payment".
  • πŸ’° Requires the entry of bank card data immediately after scanning.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with root access or custom firmware risk to catch the virus through QR-If you have modified the system, use SandBoxie to isolate suspicious links.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Redmi

❓ Can I scan it? QR-screencode?
Yeah, but there's nuance: πŸ“± Nana AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K60) code may flicker - reduce the brightness to 50%. πŸ”„ If the code is not recognized, take a screenshot and show it to the scanner. 🌐 Some codes (such as Wi-Fi) don’t work from the screen – you need a paper version.
❓ Why is the scanner in MIUI requesting access to photos?
This is related to the "Save Scanned Codes" function in history. If you don't want the application to save scans, turn off the permission: Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Scanner β†’ Permissions. Disable access to Files and Media. This won't interfere with the scan, but the code history won't be saved.
❓ How to scan the code if the camera is broken?
There are three options: Use the front camera (if the main camera is not working); in the Scanner app, you can switch between cameras; upload a photo of the code to the Google Lens or QR Code Reader app; Restore the IMEI and the camera through Settings β†’ About phone β†’ Diagnostics (if the problem is software).
❓ Why does the wrong link open after scanning?
It could be: πŸ”— Redirect (code leads to a shortened link like bit.ly that changes the address). πŸ“‘ Problems with DNS β€” Try using a different browser (such as Firefox). πŸ•΅οΈ Swapping code (crooks could have replaced the original code with their own code) To check where the code leads before opening, use the ZXing Decoder service (upload a photo of the code there).
❓ Can we create our own? QR-redmi?
Yes, and you don't need third-party apps to do that: Open the Scanner app. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Create QR." Enter text or a link, then click "Generate." Save the code as an image or share it. For advanced codes (with logo, color), use QR Code Generator.