How to read QR-Xiaomi code: everything from camera to hidden chips MIUI

QR-Codes have long been an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks and getting discounts. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line, POCO And Mi, you often get asked, how do you scan code quickly and error-free without installing third-party apps? MIUI Little-known tricks that work even on older models.

Xiaomi devices have integrated the QR scanner directly into system applications, but it’s not always clear where to look for it. For example, in some versions of the firmware, the feature is hidden in Settings → Additional, and in others it is available directly from the notification panel. We tested all methods on current models (2023-2026) and identified those that work stably, and also pointed out typical errors that may cause the scan to fail.

1.QR scanner via Xiaomi's standard camera

The most obvious and quick way is to use the built-in camera. QR-codes are available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and newer, but its behavior depends on the firmware version and the device model.+ The scanner is activated automatically and POCO X5 You may need to manually activate it.

To read QR-camera-code:

• 📷 Open the Camera app (icon on the home screen or menu).
• 🔍 Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
• 🔄 Wait 1-2 seconds – if the function is active, a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link or copy the data.
• 🚀 Click on the pop-up to perform the action (open the site, connect to Wi-Fi, etc.).

If the scan doesn't work:

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.5) the function is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Camera Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-codes and turn on the slider.

Make sure the code is clear and not blurred | Turn off the energy-saving mode (it can block background processes) | Check that the camera is not covered with a protective film or case |Update the Camera app via Google Play

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2. Built-in scanner in the notification panel

Many users don’t know that MIUI has quick access to the QR scanner right from the notification panel, a technique that works on most devices starting with the Mi 8 and Redmi Note 7, but may not be available on budget models with simplified firmware (such as the Redmi A1+).

Instructions:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the QR Scanner icon (usually located next to the flashlight and flight mode) and if it's not available, click on Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add the widget manually.
3. Slip the icon, the scanner interface opens, point the camera at the code.
4. After recognition, click on the pop-up notification to perform the action.

The advantage of this method is that it works even when the camera is occupied by another application (for example, during a video call).

3. the application "Google Lens" (Google Lens)

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't work (e.g., code is too small or corrupt), you can use Google Lens, a service from Google that recognizes not only QR, but also barcodes, texts, objects. This app is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices with Google services, but if it's not, download it from the Play Market.

How to scan QR through Google Lens:

• 🔎 Open the Google app (search bar) or Google Photos.
• 📸 Click on the lens icon** (located to the right of the search bar or in the bottom menu).
• 🎯 Put the camera on QR-The service automatically recognizes it and offers actions (clicking on a link, copying text, etc.).

Google Lens can handle corrupted codes better than the standard Xiaomi scanner, but it has a disadvantage – it requires an Internet connection to process certain types of data, and it can also request additional permissions:

⚠️ Attention: If after scanning QR-Google Lens redirects you through your browser rather than opening the site directly – check the default settings in Settings → Annexes → Default applications → browser.

4. Specialized applications for QR-code

If built-in tools don’t fit (e.g., scanning codes in large quantities or working with custom formats), it’s worth considering third-party apps. There are dozens of crawlers on Google Play, but we only recommend the ones we’ve tested:

Before installing a third-party scanner, check:

• 🔒 Permissions: Applications must not request access to contacts, SMS geolocation (this is a sign of potentially dangerous software).
• 📥 Updates: If the app hasn’t been updated for more than a year, it’s better to choose another one – older versions may not recognize new formats QR.
• 📊 Reviews: Pay attention to complaints about ads or crashes in the latest versions.

Standard camera |Through notification panel |Google Lens |Third-party apps |In other ways

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5. Hidden functions MIUI work-in QR-code

MIUI firmware contains several hidden QR features that few people know about, such as some versions that allow you to scan codes directly from the gallery or even create your own QRs for fast data transfer.

Method 1: Scanning QR from a photo

If you have a picture. QR-code (e.g. saved from the messenger), it can be recognized without re-photographing:

1. Open the Gallery app and select a photo from QR-code.
2. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three points) in upper right corner.
3. Select Scan. QR-code (in some models, the item is called "Recognize the text).
4. Follow the clues on the screen.

Method 2: Generation QR-code-in MIUI

Do you need to share a Wi-Fi password or contact quickly? MIUI 13/14 has a built-in QR generator:

• 📶 For Wi-Fi: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the connected network → Share. It's generated. QR, scanner.
• 👤 To contact: open Contacts, select the desired profile → Share. → QR-code.

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If the QR generation feature is not available in your MIUI version, upgrade your firmware or use the Mi Share app (pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices).

6. Solving QR scanning problems on Xiaomi

Sometimes. QR-codes are not recognized even when you set them up correctly. Here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods work, try resetting the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reset the device.

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Before resetting your camera settings, back up your photos – the procedure does not affect media files, but can reset user settings (such as manual white balance settings).

7.Safety in scanning QR-code

QR-codes are convenient, but they can be dangerous: scammers often use them to spread phishing links or malware:

• 🔗 Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (stickers on the streets, messages from strangers).
• 🛡️ Use secure scanners (e.g. Kaspersky) QR Scanner or built-in MIUI link-checked).
• 🔍 Check it out. URL before the transition: if the address looks like paypa1.com Instead of paypal.com, it’s a sign of phishing.
• 📵 Turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection via QR, If you are not sure about the security of the network.

MIUI 14 adds a Safe Scan feature (available in regional firmware for China and Europe) that automatically blocks dangerous links to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Security scan.
2. Turn on the slider Check. QR-code.

⚠️ Attention: If after scanning QR-When the device starts to slow down or pop-ups with ads appear – immediately check the list of installed applications for suspicious programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about QR-Xiaomi codes