How to scan QR- code on a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 working methods

QR- codes have long been an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging in to Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark sub-brands) get several built-in tools for quick scanning without the need to install third-party applications. However, not all users are aware of the hidden features of MIUI that simplify this process.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to scan QR- codes on Xiaomi devices, from the standard camera mode to little-known features like Quick Commands or Google Lens. We’ll focus on typical problems (like when the camera doesn’t recognize the code) and nuances for different versions of MIUI 12/13/14. If you’re using an older 2019 model or a budget device like Redmi 9A, you’ll find workable solutions here too.

1. scanning QR through a standard Xiaomi camera

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Camera app. QR- code recognition is activated by default on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 10 and later (including POCO X3, Redmi Note 11, Mi 11, etc.).

• 📱 Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
• 🔍 Hover the lens over the QR- code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
• 🔄 Wait 1-2 seconds, a notification will appear asking you to click on the link.
• 👆 Tap the pop-up banner to open the code content (website, Wi-Fi, contact, etc.).

If recognition does not work automatically, check:

• ⚡ Scan mode enabled: Some firmwares need to tap the QR icon in the upper right corner of the camera screen.
• 🌓 Lighting: In low light, the camera may not recognize the code. Try bringing the smartphone closer or turning on the flashlight.
• 🔄 Clean lens: dirt or scratches on the lens interfere with focusing.

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On Xiaomi smartphones with AMOLED- screens (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro) you can scan QR- codes directly from the display turned off! It is enough to double-press the power button to activate Always on the screen (AOD) with the scan option.

On models with MIUI 14 (e.g., Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), the recognition algorithm is faster due to hardware acceleration. Now the camera reads codes even at an angle of 45 ° or with partial damage to the pixels. While on older devices (e.g., Redmi 5 Plus), you may need manual focusing — tap the screen in the QR- area of the code so that the camera concentrates on it.

2.Use of the application "Scanner" (MIUI Scanner)

MIUI has a separate system application called the Scanner (or MIUI Scanner) that offers advanced features over a standard camera.

• 🔗 Dynamic QR- code recognition (e.g., for in-store payments).
• 📄 Barcode scanning (EAN, UPC).
• 🔒 Generating their QR- codes (e.g., for contact transfer or Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Integration with Fast Teams (discussed below).

To find the scanner:

1. Open the application menu and type in the search “Scanner”.
2. Or go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System and find MIUI Scanner.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 12.5), the app is hidden by default to activate it:

Settings → Additional → Special features → System applications → Enable “Scanner”

Make sure the app is updated to the latest version

Enable permission to use the camera

Disable energy saving mode (interferes with background work)

Check your Internet connection (for dynamic applications) QR-code)-->

The Scanner app is particularly useful for QR- payment codes (e.g., SberBank Online or AliPay) and automatically detects the type of code and prompts you to open it in the appropriate application, for example, when scanning the QR for payment in Wildberries, the smartphone will suggest you go to the banking application.

3. scanning through Google Lens (for models with Google Mobile Services)

If your Xiaomi has Google Mobile Services installed (GMS), you can use Google Lens, a powerful tool from Google that can not only scan QR- codes, but also recognize objects, texts and even solve mathematical problems.

• 🌍 Global firmware models (Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, POCO X4 Pro, etc.)
• 📱 Devices where the MIUI Scanner is disabled or is not operating in a stable way.
• 🔍 Situations where you need to not only read QR but also get additional information (e.g., translating text from code).

Instructions:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G”).
2. Slip on the Google Lens icon (the camera icon in the search bar).
3. Hover your camera over the QR- code. Lens automatically recognizes it and suggests actions.

Google Lens has the advantage of recognizing corrupted or blurred codes over a standard scanner, and Google's algorithms are better at handling artifacts in an image, and Lens can:

• 📝 Store scan history (as opposed to MIUI Scanner).
• 🌐 Translate text from QR- code into another language.
• 🛒 Find products by barcode in online stores.

Note: on non-GMS devices (e.g., the Chinese version of Xiaomi with domestic firmware), Google Lens will not work.

Quick Commands (Quick Commands) for automatic scanning

One of the most underrated features of the MIUI is Quick Commands, which is an action automation tool that can be configured to scan the QR- codes, for example, you can create a command that:

• 🔍 Opens the scanner when you double press the power button.
• 📱 Automatically copies data from QR to the clipboard.
• 🔗 Sends the contents of the code to a given application (e.g., a browser or messenger).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Quick Teams.
2. Tap Add command and select the QR- code scanner.
3. Assign a trigger: a gesture, voice command, or a combination of buttons.
4. Save the settings.

On models with MIUI 14+, you can create a chain of actions, for example, scan the QR- code and immediately open it in Chrome in incognito mode or send data to Telegram, which is convenient for business tasks or frequent operations (for example, scanning codes for inventory).

Example of practical application: if you scan QR- codes frequently to connect to Wi-Fi in cafes or hotels, set up a quick command to triple-press the back panel (on models with Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4 this feature is supported hardware).

5 Third-party applications: when embedded tools are not enough

Thought MIUI Provides several methods of scanning QR-codes, sometimes additional features are required, which are only available in third-party applications.-3 proven options:

Before installing a third-party app, check:

• ⚠️ Permissions: An application must not request access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation without cause.
• 📥 Updates: Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.
• 🌍 Region: Some scanners (e.g., WeChat) only work in China.

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The app side is only relevant in 3 cases: 1) you need advanced features (for example, code scanning in the dark with backlight); 2) the built-in Xiaomi scanner does not recognize specific formats (for example, PDF417); 3) you work with sensitive data and need additional protection (as in Kaspersky QR Scanner).

For example, the QR & Barcode Scanner app can scan codes even from another device’s screen (which is not always possible through a standard Xiaomi camera due to glare), and NeoReader will be useful for marketers to analyze QR- campaigns – it stores scan statistics and exports it to Excel.

6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR-code

If your Xiaomi refuses to recognize QR- codes, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

⚠️ Warning: On custom firmware devices (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the built-in scanner MIUI won't work. Use Google Lens or third-party apps.

Problem 1: The camera is not responding to QR-code.

• 🔧 Solution: Reboot your smartphone. Sometimes background processes block the camera.
• 📱 Solution: Clear the Camera app cache in Settings → Apps → App management → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Solution: Update the firmware. MIUI 13.0.4+ fixes code recognition bugs on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro).

The problem with 2: QR- code is recognized but the link is not opened.

• 🌐 Solution: Check your Internet connection. Some dynamic QR ones require online verification.
• 🔗 Solution: Try opening a link in another browser (e.g. Firefox instead of Mi Browser).
• 🛡️ Solution: Disable VPN or proxies - they can block redirects.

Problem 3: The error “Code failed to recognize” appears on the screen.

• 📸 Solution: Try scanning the code from a different angle or distance (optimally 15–20 cm).
• 💡 Solution: Turn on the flashlight (Camera → flashlight icon) for better lighting.
• 🖼️ Solution: If the code is printed on paper, check it for glare or creases.

On models with an infrared camera (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra), sometimes there is a driver conflict, because of which the main camera does not focus on the QR- code.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Camera.
2. Turn off camera access for all applications except Camera and Scanner.
3. Reset the device.

7. Hidden capabilities: scanning QR from the screen off

Few people know, but on some Xiaomi smartphones you can scan QR- codes without completely including the device.This feature is called AOD QR Scanner (Always-On Display QR Scanner) and is available on flagships with AMOLED- screens, such as:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro
• 📱 Xiaomi 12S Ultra
• 📱 Black Shark 5 Pro
• 📱 POCO F4 GT

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Always-on display and lock.
2. Enable the option to Scan QR- code (could be called Quick QR).
3. Now that the screen is off, tap it twice to activate the scanner.

This feature saves time and battery life, as it does not require a full unlock of the smartphone, for example, to pay for a purchase in a store, you just need to take the phone out of your pocket, tap the screen twice and bring it to the terminal.

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The AOD QR Scanner function only works on devices with AMOLED- displays and MIUI 13+. On models with IPS- screens (for example, Redmi Note 11) or older versions of firmware, this mode is not available.

On the Xiaomi Mi 11 and newer, the AOD scanner supports recognition of several codes in a row without re-tapping.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi