How to scan. QR-Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: All ways to use photos and videos

Introduction: Why Scanning QR-smartphone-code

QR-Codes have long ceased to be exotic – today they are everywhere, from menus in cafes to concert tickets and links to Wi-Fi. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, released in 2020, supports scanning such codes out of the box, but not all users are aware of all available methods. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including built-in tools and third-party applications, and also tell you how to solve typical problems (for example, if the camera does not see the code).

Feature Redmi Note 9 Pro — the presence of a four-module camera with the main sensor 64 MP, which theoretically should improve the recognition of small QR-But in practice, the quality of the scan depends not only on the hardware, but also on the method chosen. We tested each of them on a real device and found pros and cons.

If you've never been scanned QR-If you have codes or you have experienced errors like "Code failed to recognize," this guide will help you understand, and for experienced users, we have prepared an exclusive life hack: how to scan codes through quick settings without running the camera.

Method 1: Scanning through a standard camera

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Camera app. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the recognition feature QR-The codes are activated by default, but you can turn it off in settings (more on that later:

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully in the viewfinder. The optimal distance is 10 to 20 cm.
3. Wait for notification: at the top of the screen will appear a pop-up with a suggestion to click on the link or perform an action (for example, connect to Wi-Fi).
4. Tap the notification to confirm the transition.

If the code is not recognized:

• 🔦 Increase the brightness of the screen or turn on the flashlight (Notification Panel) → Lantern).
• 📱 Make sure that QR-code is not damaged (no blurring or overlapping).
• 🔄 Try restarting the Camera app.

QR code clear and undamaged |Lighting sufficient (no glare) |Camera focused on code |Camera settings enabled QR-->

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If the camera is focused for a long time, touch the screen in the area. QR-This will make autofocus work faster.

Important: On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, scanning only works in Photo mode. If you switch to Video or Portrait, recognition is automatically disabled.

Method 2: Google Lens – Recognition with Analysis

Google Lens is a tool from Google that not only scans. QR-For example, if the code leads to a site, Lens will show a preview of the page before the transition. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the service is integrated into the site:

• 📷 Google Photos app (Lens icon at the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Google Search (camera icon on the right).
• 🤖 Google Assistant (voice command "OK, Google, scan" QR-code").

Step-by-step instructions via Google Photos:

1. Open Google Photos and select any photo (or take a picture) QR-code).
2. Click on the Google Lens icon (a stylized window with a dot inside).
3. If the code is recognized, a “Go” or “Open Link” button will appear.

The advantages of Google Lens:

• 🌐 It recognizes codes even on curved surfaces (for example, on bottles).
• 🔍 Shows contextual information (e.g. restaurant reviews if the code leads to its website).
• 📱 Offline (caches the latest scans).

Standard camera.|Google Lens|Third-party annexes (QR Scanner)|Another way.-->

The disadvantage is that the first run requires an internet connection to download the Lens database, and the service can request access to the Camera and Files, which is normal.

Method 3: Quick settings (secret method)

This method is known to few, but works on all Xiaomi smartphones with a new model. MIUI 12 and newer, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro. It allows scanning QR-codes directly from the notification panel without opening the camera:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the Notification Panel.
2. Find the Scan QR icon (three-corner box icon) If it's not there, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add the widget manually.
3. Touch the icon, the camera's mini window opens. Point it at the icon. QR-code.
4. After recognition, click on the pop-up notification.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant Access – No need to search for the Camera app.
• 🔒 It works even if the main camera is busy (for example, during a video call).
• 📱 It doesn’t require internet (unlike Google Lens).

Limitation: The camera’s mini window is fixed in size, so it may be necessary to zoom in on the smartphone to scan small codes (e.g. checks).

Method 4: Third-party applications (for complex codes)

If the built-in methods fail (for example, the code is corrupted or has a non-standard format), third-party software will help. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, we recommend:

How to choose an application:

• 🛡️ If you scan codes from unknown sources (such as on the streets), use Kaspersky. QR Scanner – It blocks phishing links.
• 🔍 It's good for damaged codes. QR & Barcode Scanner with manual focusing.
• 📊 If you need to keep a scan history (for example, for work), choose NeoReader.

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Third-party scanners consume more battery than built-in tools. Use them only when needed.

Warning: Avoid apps with names like “Super QR Scanner Pro Max” – often faked with adware. Check the number of downloads (should be >1 million) and rating (>4.5).

Method 5: Scanning from a screen of another device

Sometimes. QR-You don't have to scan the code from paper, you have to scan it from another smartphone, tablet, or monitor, and you have a problem, because the flicker of the screen can interfere with recognition, and you can scan the code from the display successfully:

1. Reduce the brightness of the screen of the device you are scanning from (to avoid glare).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 9 Pro mode "Autolightness" (Settings → Display).
3. Bring your smartphones as close as possible (but not close, otherwise the camera will not focus).
4. Use Google Lens – it handles digital codes better than a standard camera.

If the code is not recognized anyway:

• 📱 Try taking a screenshot of the code on the first device and scanning it from a photo via Google Photos → Google Lens.
• 🔄 Turn one of the devices over to 90.° — Sometimes it helps to eliminate glare.
• 🌓 Turn on Redmi Note 9 Pro mode "Dark theme" (Settings) → Display) to reduce reflections.

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If you scan the code from a PC monitor, reduce the screen resolution to 1280×720 — It'll increase the pixel size. QR-code and will facilitate recognition.

Typical errors and their solution

Even with the Redmi Note 9 Pro, with its powerful camera, users are having trouble scanning.

Special situation: if the scanning comes with a warning "This is a dangerous link", do not ignore it, even if the code is from an official source (for example, in the subway), it is better:

1. Copy the link from the notification (hold your finger on the text).
2. Insert it into the browser in incognito mode.
3. Check the address for typos (e.g. paypa1.com instead of paypal.com).

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To quickly copy the link from QR-Keep your finger on the pop-up notification – a menu with the option “Copy” will appear".

Security: How not to run into scammers

QR-codes are convenient, but they can be dangerous. Fraudsters often substitute them on public surfaces (like posters:

• 🔍 Check the link before you click if the code is supposed to lead to the bank's website and the link looks like https://vk.com/id12345 — it's a fake.
• 🛡️ Use secure scanners (e.g. Kaspersky) QR Scanner. They block phishing pages.
• 📱 Don't scan codes from suspicious stickers, for example, if there's another one on the store door over the official code.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI. In new versions of firmware improved protection against malicious QR-code.

An example of real fraud: in 2023 in Moscow, attackers were pasted QR-Parking codes, supposedly for payment, actually led to a phishing site that copied personal data:

• The address of the site in the browser after the transition.
• https:// and the lock icon in the address bar.
• Reviews about the service (if it is a payment system).

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In Settings → Annexes → Special access rights can be prevented from browsers to open links from QR-It'll add an extra step of confirmation.

⚠️ Attention: If after scanning QR-When the smartphone started to slow down or unknown applications appeared, immediately:

1. Turn off the Internet (Notification Panel → Mode on the plane).
2. Remove recently installed programs (Settings → Apps).
3. Check your phone with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions