How to quickly turn on the scanner QR-Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the need to scan QR-code, whether it's for in-store payment, Wi-Fi connection, or in-app authorization, but not everyone knows that this line of devices already has a functional scanner built in, which does not require additional software installation. QR-Redmi scanner, including hidden chips MIUI, which are not written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that the way you turn on may vary depending on the MIUI shell version and the phone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 14, the way you go to setup is one, and on the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12, we've taken these nuances into account and we've developed universal solutions that work on most devices released after 2018. If your smartphone is older, look at the third-party app section, and you'll find alternatives.

1. Quick access via notification panel

The easiest way to start a scanner QR-And the code is to use the Quick Settings Panel, and this method works on all Redmis. MIUI 11 and newer, including the Redmi 12, Note 11 Pro and POCO X5. Here's how to do it:

  • πŸ“± Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  • πŸ” Find the scanner icon QRΒ» (It usually looks like a square with three corners. If it's not there, press a pencil ("Edit") and add it manually.
  • 🎯 Slip on the icon – the camera with active scanning mode will open.

If the icon doesn't exist even after editing the panel, your version of MIUI doesn't support it, so move on to the next one. Also note that some firmware may not open immediately, but after a short boot (1-2 seconds) is normal.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), this method won’t work.

2. Scanning through the standard Camera app

The built-in camera app on Xiaomi Redmi can recognize QR-This method is suitable for all models, including the budget Redmi. A1 redmi 10C. To take advantage of it:

  1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
  2. Switch to Photo Mode (if another mode is used).
  3. Point the lens at QR-A code. 1-2 A notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link or save data.

If the scan doesn’t work automatically, check the camera settings:

  1. Slip the gear ("Settings") in the upper right corner.
  2. Find the Scan section QR-codes and make sure the switch is active.

On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) The scanning function only works in good lighting. QR-The code is not recognized, try to bring the phone closer or turn on the flashlight.

Clean the camera lens of dust and prints

Make sure that QR-code is undamaged and clearly visible

Turn on the flashlight if the lighting is weak

Check that the camera settings have scanned mode enabled.-->

3.Using the built-in Scanner application (MIUI 12+)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi firmware has a separate Scanner app that combines recognition functions QR-It's pre-installed on most Redmis, but it can be hidden in the Tools folder.

To find and use it:

  1. Scroll through the app menu for an icon called Scanner (the icon is similar to a document with a scanner).
  2. If you don’t find it, use the search system: swipe down on the home screen and type β€œScanner”.
  3. Open the app and point the camera at QR-The application will automatically determine the type of code and suggest an action (open a link, save a contact, etc.).

The advantage of this method is that the scanner is faster than the camera, and it supports recognition even from the screen of another device. QR-code from a computer monitor without printing it.

Model RedmiAvailability of the "Scanner" applicationAlternative method
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Yes (MIUI 14)Camera or notification panel
Redmi 10 2022Yes (MIUI 13)Notification panel
Redmi 9TNo (MIUI 12.5)Standard camera.
Redmi K40Yes (MIUI 12.5 Enhanced)Quick setups

4. Activation via Google Lens (for models with Google services)

If your Redmi has Google services installed (which is relevant for global firmware versions), you can use Google Lens to scan. QR-This is a universal method that works even on older models like the Redmi 7 or Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“· Open the Google Photos or Camera app (in photo mode).
  • πŸ”Ž Click on the Google Lens icon (stylized letter "G" with a dot).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Put the camera on QR-Lens automatically recognizes it and suggests actions.

If there is no Google Lens icon, upgrade the Google app to the Play Market or install it manually, and some firmware (such as Chinese) may have the service disabled, in which case use other methods from the article.

⚠️ Note: Google Lens sends images to Google servers for processing. If you care about privacy, give preference to built-in solutions from Xiaomi.

Through the notification panel

Standard camera.

Annex "Scanner"

Google Lens

In other ways.-->

5. Third-party applications: when embedded methods do not work

If none of these methods worked (for example, on very old models like Redmi 4X or custom firmware), you will have to install a third-party application. There are dozens of free scanners in the Play Market and Mi App Store, but we recommend only proven ones:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – a lightweight ad-free app that supports all types of code.
  • πŸ” Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) – open source, no data collections.
  • πŸ“± QR Code Reader (from Scan) – a user-friendly interface with scan history.

When installing a third-party scanner, pay attention to the permissions it requests. A normal application only asks for access to the camera and storage (to save scans), if the scanner requires access to contacts, SMS or geolocation, this is a reason to be wary.

On Redmi with MIUI 13+, some third-party scanners may conflict with the built-in recognition function. If the camera stopped scanning QR automatically after installing the application, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions β†’ Camera and turn off access for third-party software.

How to Check Security QR-pre-scan?
Before the scan. QR-code, especially from street banners or unknown sources, note: 1. URL-Preview: Many scanners (including built-in scanners) MIUI) If it looks suspicious (e.g., contains typos or unfamiliar domains), do not open it. 2. HTTPS: Safe links start with https://, not http://. 3. Context: QR-The code on the bank's official poster and the code from a random message in the messenger are different levels of risk. In questionable cases, use services like VirusTotal to check links.

6.The solution to the problems: why the QR scanner does not work

If the built-in scanner refuses to recognize the codes, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The scanner is not responding to QR-codeFunction disabled in settingsEnable QR scanning in camera settings
The camera is not focusing.The lens is contaminated or damaged.Wipe the camera with a soft cloth, check for scratches
The Scanner app is missingAn outdated version of MIUIUpdate your firmware or use Google Lens
QR-code is recognized but not openedSecurity constraintsCheck the browser or antivirus settings

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting the camera settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Camera and select the Warehouse.
  3. Click Clear the cache and Reset the settings.

On Redmi models with infrared camera (for example, Redmi) K30 Pro) there are sometimes conflicts between the main and IR-In this case, temporarily turn off the camera. IR-module in settings or restart the phone.

πŸ’‘

If you often have to scan. QR-If you have codes in poor lighting, add a flashlight widget to the home screen, and then you can press the blank space on the screen. β†’ Widgets β†’ Find the flashlight and drag it to a convenient place, so you can turn on the light with one tap without unlocking your phone.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I scan it? QR-screencode?
Yes, but there are nuances. Xiaomi's built-in scanner handles this on most models (like the Redmi Note). 11), But sometimes there's interference from the flicker of the screen. To increase the odds: Reduce the brightness of the screen from the screen. QR-code-to- 50-70%. Turn off automatic brightness control. Use Do Not Disturb mode so that notifications don't overlap the code. If you don't, take a picture. QR-code and scan it from the gallery through the Scanner app.
Why did the MIUI update make the QR scanner disappear from the notification panel?
This is a known problem when switching to newer versions of MIUI (especially 12 to 13/14). To return the icon: Open the notification panel and tap on a pencil ("Edit"). Scroll down the list of available tiles - sometimes the QR scanner icon hides outside the visible area. If it's not, reset the panel settings: Settings β†’ Notification Panel β†’ Reset. On some firmware (for example, Redmi K50i with MIUI 13.0.4), the icon may be missing due to regional restrictions. In this case, use the camera or Google Lens.
How to scan. QR-code if the camera is broken?
If the main camera doesn't work, but the phone is connected to the Internet, there are workarounds: πŸ“Ž Screenshot. + Online scanner: take a picture QR-code on another device, send a photo to Redmi and upload it to a service like ZXing Decoder. πŸ”„ Second camera: if you have a dual front camera model (e.g. Redmi) K60), Try scanning the code with a selfie camera through the Scanner app. πŸ–₯️ Emulation: Connect your phone to your PC USB, Turn on debugging and use adb to emulate scanning (technical skills required). If the camera is physically damaged, the only reliable way is to contact a service center for repairs.
Can we create our own? QR-Xiaomi Redmi code without third-party applications?
Yes, but the functionality is limited. MIUI no built-in generator QR, But you can: πŸ“‹ Wi-Fi: Go to Settings β†’ Wi-Fi, tap on your network β†’ Share - Generate. QR plug-in. πŸ‘€ Contacts: Open contact in the Contacts app, click Share β†’ QR-To create arbitrary codes. QR (links, text) will have to use third-party services, for example, GOQR.
How to prevent applications from automatically opening links from QR-code?
By default, MIUI offers to open a recognized link in the browser. If you want to see a URL first and then decide whether to open it or not: Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ App Management. Find a Camera or Scanner (depending on the method used). Select Permissions β†’ Additional β†’ Open Links. Turn off the option to automatically open links. Now, when you scan a QR with a link, you will see a pop-up with the URL and the Open/Cance buttons.

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On most Xiaomi Redmi scanners QR-It's built into the system and doesn't require any additional applications to be installed. The most reliable ways are the notification panel and the standard camera. MIUI Or use Google Lens.