How to scan. QR-Xiaomi phone code: all ways of 2026

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 – 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:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Point the lens at QR-code (distance - 10-30 cm).
  3. If a notification with a link appears at the top of the screen, the function works.

If nothing happens,

  • πŸ”§ Go to Camera Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Scanner. QR-codes and switch on the switch.
  • πŸ“± On older models (Redmi) 4/5) You may need to update the firmware to MIUI 12+.
  • πŸ”„ Try to reboot your phone – sometimes a Google Play service crash blocks recognition.
πŸ“Š How often do you scan? QR-code?
Every day.
Several times a week
Rarely.
Never.

Limitations of the method:

  • ⚠️ It does not work in Portrait or Night mode.
  • ⚠️ On some Chinese firmware (MIUI China ROM) Scanning blocked – you need to change the region or install Google Camera.

πŸ’‘

If the camera is not focused on QR-code, turn on Macromode (the icon of the flower in the camera interface) – 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:

  1. Open the Google Photos app (or Google Assistant).
  2. Click on the Lens icon (a stylized window with a dot inside).
  3. Put the camera on QR-The link or text will automatically appear.

The advantages of Google Lens:

  • 🌍 It recognizes codes in any language (including Chinese characters).
  • πŸ” Could be scanned. QR from screens of other devices (for example, a PC monitor).
  • πŸ“Œ Stores the history of scanning in Google Account.

⚠️ Attention: On Chinese firmware (MIUI China) Google Lens is missing. It will be necessary to install it:

  1. Change the region of the phone to India or Russia in the settings.
  2. Install Google Play Services via APKMirror.
  3. Clear the Camera app cache after installation.

3. Specialized scanning applications

If the built-in tools don’t work (for example, on the Redmi A1 or POCO C-series), you should install third-party software.

AnnexRating (β˜…)FeaturesCons
QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play)4.8Recognises 15+ formats, works offline, no advertisingRequires access to the camera and storage
Kaspersky QR Scanner4.6Checks links to viruses, blocks phishingSlower than competitors
NeoReader4.5Creates his own. QR-codes, scan historyAdvertising in the free version

How to choose:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ For safety - Kaspersky QR Scanner (checks links to fraud).
  • πŸ“± For older models (Redmi) 3S/4X) β€” QR & Barcode Scanner (lightweight, running on Android) 5+).
  • πŸ”„ For generating your codes – 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)-->

⚠️ 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

  1. Swipe down the main screen to open the Search.
  2. Enter the scanner request.
  3. Select an app with a magnifier icon.

Method 2: Through settings

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ All applications.
  2. Find the scanner in the list and open it.

MIUI Scanner features:

  • πŸ“„ Text recognition from photographs (OCR).
  • πŸ”— Scanning links, Wi-Fi networks, contacts.
  • πŸ“Š History of the last 50 scans.

⚠️ 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?
If the app has been uninstalled (e.g. via ADB), it can only be restored by flashing the phone, with the alternative being to use Google Lens or third-party scanners.

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:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Additional settings.
  2. Activate the option. QR-lock-screen.
  3. Configure access: Payment only or for all codes.

How to use:

  • πŸ”’ Swipe your finger up the locked screen to open the camera.
  • πŸ“· Point the lens at QR-Code – the link will open automatically.
  • πŸ” Input will be required to confirm payment PIN-fingerprint.

⚠️ Note: The feature doesn’t work on all models; on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and older, it’s available by default, and on budget devices (Redmi). 9A) may be absent.

πŸ’‘

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 let’s look at typical scenarios and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The camera doesn't focus on the codeLens contamination or autofocus failureWash the camera with a napkin, reboot the phone
No recognition notice.Scanner disabled in camera settingsTurn on the settings β†’ Camera β†’ QR scanner
Scanner app flies outConflict with other programmesClear the cache through Settings β†’ Apps
Doesn't work on Chinese firmware.Google Mobile Services is not availableInstall Google Installer from APKMirror

Additional advice:

  • πŸ”‹ If the phone is dead (<15%), Scanning can slow down - connect charging.
  • πŸŒ™ In a dark room, use a flashlight (Quick settings) β†’ Lantern).
  • πŸ“Ά With a bad Internet (2G) Some codes won’t open – check the connection.

⚠️ 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:

  • 🚨 The link leads to a site with HTTP (without https://).
  • 🚨 The code is pasted over official posters (for example, on ATMs).
  • 🚨 Requirement to enter logins / passwords immediately after scanning.

What to do if you scan a suspicious code:

  1. Close the tab in the browser immediately.
  2. Check your phone for viruses through Google Play Protect.
  3. If you enter the data of the bank card - block it through a mobile bank.

⚠️ Warning: Never scan. QR-Codes from suspicious sources (such as those sent to WhatsApp from unknown numbers) are often masked by scammers as β€œgift certificates” or β€œ90 discounts%Β».

πŸ’‘

Before scanning the code in a public place (such as a cafe), check if there is another sticker on top of the original code.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi

Can I scan it? QR-code?
Yes, but only if the code contains text or contacts (like a business card), you'll need Internet to open links or connect to Wi-Fi, and applications like QR & Barcode Scanner work offline, but not all features will be available.
Why does Xiaomi’s camera not recognize the code from another phone’s screen?
It's related to the flickering frequency of the screen. AMOLED-In the case of displays (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the code can β€œshimmer” too quickly for the camera.Solution: reduce the brightness of the source screen to 50% or take a photo of the code and scan from the photo.
How to scan. QR-Xiaomi code with a broken screen?
If the sensor is not working, but the camera is working: Connect the phone to the PC via USB-You can use Vysor or scrcpy to control from your computer, open the camera and point to the code through the emulator. USB-debugging is not included, it remains only to connect the external camera to the OTG (But it doesn't work for all models).
Can I scan it? QR-Xiaomi codes in energy saving mode?
Technically, yes, but the camera can slow down or refuse to focus. In Ultra-Economic mode (on Redmi with large batteries), scanning is often blocked by the system. Solution: temporarily turn off the power saving or add the Camera to exceptions.
How to scan. QR-code on Xiaomi with voice assistant?
Voice assistants (Google Assistant or Xiao AI) don't know how to scan codes directly, but you can use a workaround: Activate the assistant with your voice ("OK, Google"). Say, "Open Google Lens." Point the camera at the code. Xiao AI supports the "" command on Chinese firmware, but it doesn't work smoothly.