Scanner. QR-Xiaomi’s smartphone code is not just a handy feature, but a real “Swiss knife” for the modern user, which allows you to instantly open links, connect to Wi-Fi, pay for purchases, log in to services and even exchange contacts without manual data entry. Many owners of Redmi devices, POCO Mi is faced with a problem: the scanner either does not work out of the box, or hidden in non-obvious settings.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can activate QR scans, from standard MIUI tools to alternative solutions for older models, how to turn on the feature through the camera, notification panel or Google Lens, and what to do if the Suddenly scanner disappeared after the update, and focus on the hidden MIUI 14/15 settings, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which greatly simplify the work with codes.
1. Standard method: scanning through the camera
The most obvious and quickest method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in camera, and the QR scan feature is integrated into the Camera app on all devices with MIUI 10 and up (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) Here’s how to activate it:
- Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
- Switch to Photo Mode (if another mode is used, such as Portrait or Video).
- Point the lens at QR-In 1-2 seconds, a notification will appear with a request to click on a link or perform an action.
- Tap the pop-up banner to confirm the action.
If the scan does not work automatically, check:
- 🔍 Permission to use the camera: go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Camera and make sure access is enabled.
- 📱 Update MIUI: on older versions of the firmware (below) MIUI 12) the function may not work stable. Update the system to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🌓 Power saving mode: some functions are turned off when the battery ultra mode is activated.
💡
If QR-code is not recognized, try to increase the brightness of the screen or turn on the flashlight - sometimes codes are poorly read in low light.
2. Quick scan through the notification panel
MIUI 12 and later has a convenient shortcut for scanning QR right from the notification panel, which saves time because you don't have to open the camera.
- Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the QR Scanner badge (usually located next to the Lantern and Mode on the plane). If it's not there, see the next item.
- Tap the icon and point the camera at the code.
If no label is available:
- Put the badge on. ⚙️ (Edit) in the notification panel.
- Find the QR scanner in the list and drag it to the active area.
- Save the changes.
Make sure the notification panel is fully deployed | Check for the "QR Scanner" icon | Activate the shortcut in the panel editor (if not) | Turn off power saving modes-->
On some models (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi K50), the icon may be called Scanner Code or Quick Scan. If even after adding the shortcut doesn't work, try restarting the device.
3. Using Google Lens to scan
If Xiaomi’s built-in scanner refuses to work, Google Lens, a service from Google integrated into the Google Photos app or Google Assistant, will come to the rescue, and this method is universal and works even on older models (Redmi 5, Mi A1, etc.).
Step-by-step:
- Open the Google Photos app (if not installed, download from the Play Market).
- Choose any photo (even empty) and tap the Google Lens icon (the stylized letter “G” in the circle).
- Put the camera on QR-The service automatically recognizes it and suggests actions.
Alternatively, through Google Assistant:
- Hold the Home button or say “OK, Google.”
- In the assistant search box, tap the Google Lens icon (near the microphone).
- Take a picture. QR-code.
Google Lens has the advantage of recognizing not only QR, but also barcodes, text, objects, but also requires an internet connection to work (unlike the built-in MIUI scanner).
4.Part of the QR scanning application
If the standard methods don't work, you can install specialized applications, and they offer additional features: scan history, code generation, offline operation.-3 tested solutions:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) | Quick scan, code history, QR generator, work without the Internet | Advertising in the free version | Play Market |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | Checking security links, blocking phishing codes | Registration is required for some functions | Play Market |
| Barcode Scanner (by ZXing Team) | Open source, support for all code formats, minimalist interface | Outdated design | Play Market |
Warning: Avoid the little-known scanners with low scores in the Play Market, some of which may collect data from your device or show aggressive advertising.
- 🌟 Rating (must be not lower than 4.0).
- 📋 Number of downloads (from 1 million)+).
- 📅 Date of last update (not older than 6 months).
How to check the application for security?
5. Problem Solving: Why the QR Scanner Is Not Working
If none of these methods work, it could be software failures or incorrect settings, and let's look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:
🔴 Problem 1: The camera doesn't recognize QR-code
- 📸 Dirty lens: wipe the camera with a soft cloth.
- 💡 Low lighting: Turn on the flashlight or bring the code closer to the light source.
- 🔍 Blurred Code: Make sure the code is clear and not corrupted.
- 📱 Low resolution camera: Switch to the main camera (not front-facing).
🔴 Problem 2: The shortcut in the notification panel has disappeared
After the MIUI update, the scanner icon may disappear.
- Go to Settings → Notifications and Control Panel.
- Choose Change the order.
- Find the QR scanner in the list of inactive items and drag it up.
🔴 Problem 3: The scanner works but doesn’t open links
⚠️ Note: If during scanning QR-There's nothing going on with the link, check the default browser. MIUI Sometimes the settings get confused, and the system doesn't know which application to use to open web pages. → Annexes → Default applications → Browser and choose Chrome or Mi Browser.
If the problem persists, try:
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 🗑️ Clear the camera cache: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 📲 Reset the Camera app settings (in the same menu).
6. Hidden QR scanner features in MIUI
Few people know, but MIUI has advanced QR scanner settings that allow you to:
- 🔗 Keep your scan history (useful for reusing codes).
- 🔒 Block dangerous links (built-in phishing check).
- 📋 Copy code data without clicking on the link.
- 📤 Generate your own QR-codes (for example, for Wi-Fi or contacts).
How to enable these functions:
- Open the chamber and head over to QR-code.
- After recognition, tap three points (⋮) pop-up.
- Select the action you want: Copy, Share or Save.
For generation QR-code:
- Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → QR-code.
- Select the code type: Wi-Fi, Contact, or Text.
- Fill in the data and click Create.
💡
V MIUI 14+ A “Safe Scanning” feature has been introduced that automatically blocks suspicious images. QR-codes (e.g., leading to fraudulent sites) to activate it, go to Settings → Confidentiality → Security of the scanner QR.
7. QR scanning on older Xiaomi models (MIUI 9 and below)
If you have a device older than 2018 (Redmi 4X, Mi 5, Redmi Note 4, etc.), the built-in scanner may not be available.
- Update your firmware to the latest available MIUI (even if it’s MIUI 11, the scanner will be in the camera).
- Use Google Lens (see section 3).
- Install a third-party scanner (e.g., Barcode Scanner from ZXing Team).
For Android Go models (like the Redmi Go), the standard scanner may not work as well.
- 📌 Turn off battery optimization for the scanner app: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → [Name of the scanner] → No restrictions.
- 🔄 Switch to a high-resolution camera (if you have a choice in camera settings).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 8 and below built-in scanner QR The only way out is third-party apps or manual firmware updates via Fastboot (risky for beginners).