QR-codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks and receiving discounts. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line and the Redmi line). POCO) They can scan them in two taps, if they know where to look for the features they want, and the problem is that the manufacturer regularly changes the layout of the options in the shell. MIUI, Some models (such as the budget Redmi A-series) out of the box lack a built-in scanner.
In this guide, we will analyze all the current methods of scanning. QR-From standard tools to little-known life hacks, you will learn how to turn on the feature in the camera settings, why automatic recognition sometimes does not work, and what applications should be installed if the regular tools refuse to work. And also β how to bypass the scanning block on Chinese firmware MIUI rootless.
1.Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera
The fastest method is to use an internal camera. On most Xiaomi models (starting with the camera). MIUI (11) recognition function QR-The code is activated by default, but sometimes it has to be manually enabled.
How to check:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point the lens at QR-code (distance - 10-30 cm).
- If a notification with a link appears at the top of the screen, the function works.
If nothing happens,
- π§ Go to Camera Settings β Additionally. β Scanner. QR-codes and switch on the switch.
- π± On older models (Redmi) 4/5) You may need to update the firmware to MIUI 12+.
- π Try to reboot your phone β sometimes a Google Play service crash blocks recognition.
Limitations of the method:
- β οΈ It does not work in Portrait or Night mode.
- β οΈ On some Chinese firmware (MIUI China ROM) Scanning blocked β you need to change the region or install Google Camera.
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If the camera is not focused on QR-code, turn on Macromode (the icon of the flower in the camera interface) β this will help when shooting from close range.
2.Use of Google Lens (for models with Google Mobile Services)
On Xiaomi smartphones with Google services pre-installed (all global versions), there is an alternative method, through Google Lens, which is more reliable than a standard scanner, since it recognizes even corrupted or blurred codes.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Google Photos app (or Google Assistant).
- Click on the Lens icon (a stylized window with a dot inside).
- Put the camera on QR-The link or text will automatically appear.
The advantages of Google Lens:
- π It recognizes codes in any language (including Chinese characters).
- π Could be scanned. QR from screens of other devices (for example, a PC monitor).
- π Stores the history of scanning in Google Account.
β οΈ Attention: On Chinese firmware (MIUI China) Google Lens is missing. It will be necessary to install it:
- Change the region of the phone to India or Russia in the settings.
- Install Google Play Services via APKMirror.
- Clear the Camera app cache after installation.
3. Specialized scanning applications
If the built-in tools donβt work (for example, on the Redmi A1 or POCO C-series), you should install third-party software.
| Annex | Rating (β ) | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play) | 4.8 | Recognises 15+ formats, works offline, no advertising | Requires access to the camera and storage |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | 4.6 | Checks links to viruses, blocks phishing | Slower than competitors |
| NeoReader | 4.5 | Creates his own. QR-codes, scan history | Advertising in the free version |
How to choose:
- π‘οΈ For safety - Kaspersky QR Scanner (checks links to fraud).
- π± For older models (Redmi) 3S/4X) β QR & Barcode Scanner (lightweight, running on Android) 5+).
- π For generating your codes β NeoReader.
Check the space available (minimum 50 MB)
Disable battery optimization for the application
Allow access to the camera in the settings
Update Google Play Services (if required)-->
β οΈ Attention: Some applications (e.g, QR Code Reader Pro asks for access to SMS and Contacts. These are unnecessary permissions to scan β refuse such programs.
4. scan through MIUI Scanner (hidden function)
Few people know, but in MIUI There is a built-in scanner application that can recognize not only the scanner. QR-There are two ways to find it, and there are barcodes, and there are two ways to translate text from photos:
Method 1: Through Search
- Swipe down the main screen to open the Search.
- Enter the scanner request.
- Select an app with a magnifier icon.
Method 2: Through settings
- Go to Settings β Applications β All applications.
- Find the scanner in the list and open it.
MIUI Scanner features:
- π Text recognition from photographs (OCR).
- π Scanning links, Wi-Fi networks, contacts.
- π History of the last 50 scans.
β οΈ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for POCO F3) The scanner application may not be available, in which case resetting settings through Settings will help. β The phone. β Resetting application settings.
How to get back the remote MIUI Scanner?
Scanning. QR-codes on a locked screen
S MIUI 14 there is a useful function - scanning QR-It's convenient for paying in stores or connecting to Wi-Fi quickly:
Setting:
- Go to Settings β Lock screen β Additional settings.
- Activate the option. QR-lock-screen.
- Configure access: Payment only or for all codes.
How to use:
- π Swipe your finger up the locked screen to open the camera.
- π· Point the lens at QR-Code β the link will open automatically.
- π Input will be required to confirm payment PIN-fingerprint.
β οΈ Note: The feature doesnβt work on all models; on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and older, itβs available by default, and on budget devices (Redmi). 9A) may be absent.
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Crawling from a locked screen saves up to 30% of time when paying in supermarkets, but increases the risk of accidentally opening links.
6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR-code
If none of these methods work, it could be due to settings or hardware constraints, and letβs look at typical scenarios and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera doesn't focus on the code | Lens contamination or autofocus failure | Wash the camera with a napkin, reboot the phone |
| No recognition notice. | Scanner disabled in camera settings | Turn on the settings β Camera β QR scanner |
| Scanner app flies out | Conflict with other programmes | Clear the cache through Settings β Apps |
| Doesn't work on Chinese firmware. | Google Mobile Services is not available | Install Google Installer from APKMirror |
Additional advice:
- π If the phone is dead (<15%), Scanning can slow down - connect charging.
- π In a dark room, use a flashlight (Quick settings) β Lantern).
- πΆ With a bad Internet (2G) Some codes wonβt open β check the connection.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Sometimes you get lags when you recognize because you optimize your power. Add the Camera app to the exception list in Settings. β Battery β Optimizing the battery.
7.Security: How not to run into scammers
QR-Codes are a convenient tool, but also an easy target for attackers. According to Kaspersky, in 2023, every 5th phishing site masqueraded as a legitimate one. QR-How to defend yourself:
Signs of a dangerous code:
- π¨ The link leads to a site with HTTP (without https://).
- π¨ The code is pasted over official posters (for example, on ATMs).
- π¨ Requirement to enter logins / passwords immediately after scanning.
What to do if you scan a suspicious code:
- Close the tab in the browser immediately.
- Check your phone for viruses through Google Play Protect.
- If you enter the data of the bank card - block it through a mobile bank.
β οΈ Warning: Never scan. QR-Codes from suspicious sources (such as those sent to WhatsApp from unknown numbers) are often masked by scammers as βgift certificatesβ or β90 discounts%Β».
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Before scanning the code in a public place (such as a cafe), check if there is another sticker on top of the original code.