How to Scan a Xiaomi Phone: QR-codes, documents and barcodes

The scanner in the Xiaomi smartphone is not just a camera, but a powerful tool for instant recognition QR-codes, barcodes, text from documents and even 3D-But many users still don't know how to use it to the fullest. In this article, we'll look at all the scanning methods on Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO — standard-function MIUI Up to hidden capabilities and third-party applications.

You will learn how to set up a camera for automatic code recognition, which applications are best used to scan documents in the computer. PDF, And how to get around the limitations when the scanner suddenly stops working, and there are rare life hacks that don't appear in the official manuals.

Standard scanning methods QR-Xiaomi codes

Most of the modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the MIUI 10) can scan QR-It's a code that's directly from the standard Camera app, and you don't have to install anything else, you just point the lens at the code, and the system recognizes it:

On the Redmi Note 10 models, Xiaomi 11T And the newer feature is the default, but here's on budget devices, POCO M3 or Redmi 9A) Sometimes you have to manually turn it on, and the scans may not work if you're in a state of disrepair:

• 🔍 Camera contaminated or covered with a cover
• 📱 Automatic recognition is disabled in the settings
• 🔄 Installed custom firmware without Google services
• 📶 There is no internet (for some types) QR-code)

To enable the scan. QR-codes in a standard chamber:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-code.
3. Activate the Automatic Recognition Switch.
4. Put the camera on QR-code - a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.

Important: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market - scanning function QR It can be linked to Google services, if you use custom firmware without Google Mobile Services (GMS), You will need to install third-party scanners.

Hidden scanning functions in MIUI, which you didn't know

MIUI It hides some useful scanning tools that are not obvious at first glance, such as Notes, which has a built-in document scanner, and Xiaomi Browser, which has a feature for recognizing text from images.

Here’s what your Xiaomi does:

• 📄 Scanning of documents in PDF: Open Notepad. → press + → Scanned document. The system automatically straightens perspective and saves the file to PDF.
• 🔍 Text recognition (OCR): In the gallery, select a photo with text. → Edit → Text. You can copy text directly from the image.
• 🎵 Scanning music tracks: The Music app has a feature to recognize songs by sound (similar to Shazam).
• 📦 Scanning barcodes of goods: In the Mi Pay application, you can scan barcodes to search for goods in online stores.

On Xiaomi models 13/13 Pro and newer built-in OCR supports text recognition 10+ In languages including Chinese and Arabic, without an Internet connection, this works thanks to neural networks integrated into the Snapdragon processor. 8 Gen 2.

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If the scanner QR-If you don't have the codes in the camera, try to turn on Pro mode and manually focus on the code. Sometimes autofocus misses the little ones. QR-code.

The Best Third-Party Scanning Apps on Xiaomi

Although built-in tools MIUI They cover most tasks, sometimes more advanced solutions are needed, like scanning passports, driving licenses, or creating a new system. 3D-object-model.

Here's the top.-5 Apps for Xiaomi that are worth installing:

If you need to scan two-dimensional barcodes (e.g. DataMatrix or PDF417), Xiaomi's standard camera might not be able to handle it.+ — It supports more than 20 code formats, including rare code formats.

Scanning of documents in high quality: instructions

To make a scanned document (passport, diploma, receipt) look professional, it is not enough just to take a picture of it. You need to adjust the lighting, perspective and processing correctly.

Place the document on a flat surface with a contrasting background|

Use natural light (avoid yellow light bulbs)|

Enable the Document or Professional mode in the camera|

Turn it off. HDR (It can distort the color of the text)-->

Next:

1. Open the Camera app and select Document mode (or Photos if the first one is not available).
2. Point the camera so that the document occupies the entire screen. 12/13 Automatic lighting of the edges is triggered.
3. Take a picture. If the document is curved, click the Gallery. → Pruning → Fixing perspective.
4. To preserve in PDF Open the photo in Notes and select Create PDF.

Professional Lifehack: If you need to scan a multi-page document, use the Microsoft Lens app. It automatically combines multiple images into one. PDF-file OCR text-search.

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To scan watermark documents (such as diplomas) use Professional in the camera mode with settings: ISO 100, exposure 1/125, White balance daylight. It minimizes distortion.

Scanning problems on Xiaomi and how to solve them

Even Xiaomi’s flagship models sometimes have scanning problems, and here are the most common bugs and ways to fix them:

1. Camera doesn't recognize. QR-code

• 🔦 Check the lighting – the code should be clearly visible.
• 📱 Update the Camera app via Google Play or GetApps.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes resetting camera services helps.
• 🛠️ If the problem persists, reset the camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

2. Document scanner saves files in low resolution

By default. MIUI It compresses scans to save space:

• In Notepad (Notes) before scanning press ⚙️ → Quality. → Maximum.
• Use third-party apps (such as CamScanner) with customization DPI less than 300.

3. OCR does not recognize the text in Russian

Some firmwares have only English enabled by default for recognition, to add Russian:

• Open the gallery. → select a photo with text → Edit → Text.
• Click on the icon. ⚙️ In the upper right corner and select Add languages.
• Check out Russian and other languages.

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If OCR persistently does not recognize the text, try to take a picture in the format RAW (Available in Professional mode on Xiaomi flagships. Then convert it to JPG Lightroom Mobile – This often improves clarity.

4. There is an error in the barcode scanning

Barcodes (especially on food packaging) are sometimes poorly read because of:

• 📦 Damaged or dirty code on the packaging.
• 🔍 Too close/long distance to the code (optimum — 15-20 centimeter).
• 📱 Lack of focus (click on the screen to manually focus).

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) the built-in barcode scanner may conflict with the Mi Pay app. If the code is not read, temporarily disable Mi Pay in the settings.

Scanning. 3D-facilities AR-Xiaomi codes

Few people know, but Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones (starting with the Mi 10) support scanning. 3D-facilities AR-It's useful for creating models for 3D-Printing, games or virtual fitting of furniture.

For 3D-scanning:

• 📱 Smartphone with ToF sensor (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 12S Ultra).
• 🔦 Good lighting (better natural lighting).
• 🎯 Object with clear edges (smooth surfaces are scanned worse).

Instructions:

1. Install the app 3D Scanner App or Qlone from Google Play.
2. Place the object on a flat surface with a contrasting background.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – usually you need to slowly circle the object in a circle.
4. After scanning, export the model in format OBJ or STL.

For scanning. AR-Use Google’s ARCore app, which must be pre-installed on your Xiaomi (check Settings) → Annexes).

⚠️ Attention: 3D-Scanning is very stressful and can cause overheating. On models without active cooling (for example, Redmi Note 11) scan for no longer than 5 minutes in a row.

Security in scanning: how not to run into scammers

QR-codes and links can be dangerous — scammers often disguise phishing sites or malicious applications as them:

Safety regulations:

• 🔒 Don't scan. QR-codes from suspicious websites or street stickers (especially if they cover the original codes).
• 🛡️ Before clicking on the link, check it through VirusTotal or Kaspersky. QR Scanner.
• 📱 Do not allow scanning applications to access SMS, Contacts or Geolocation without the need.
• 🔄 If after scanning the phone began to brake, immediately check the active processes in Settings → Annexes → Launched.

Xiaomi phones have built-in protection against fraudulent QR-code:

• In the Xiaomi browser, enable Settings → Confidentiality → Phishing protection.
• In Security, activate the malicious link scanner.

What to do if you have already moved on dangerous QR-code?

1. Close the browser tab immediately.
2. Check your phone for viruses using Google Play Protect or Dr.Web Light.
3. If you entered the card data, block it through the bank application.
4. Reset passwords from important accounts (mail, social networks, banking).

On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14+ There is a function "Sandbox" (Settings) → Special facilities → Sandbox that allows you to open suspicious links in an isolated environment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi