Where is the scanner in the Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to functions

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often face the need to consider the QR-code, scan a document, or unlock a device, but they can't find the right tool quickly. MIUI And HyperOS, where functions are distributed across different menus, and understanding where the scanner is hiding. QR-codes in the notification curtain, will save you time and nerves when using the gadget on a daily basis.

There are several types of scanning, and each has its own activation path: it can be an integrated camera function, a separate application or a system widget. System navigation in Chinese and global firmware can also vary, which adds to the confusion for users. In this article, we will look at all possible locations of scanners, from biometric sensors to text tools.

Scanner. QR-codes through a standard camera

The fastest way to read code is to use the main camera. In modern versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS, recognition is built-in by default and does not require third-party apps to be installed. You do not need to look for a separate icon, since the algorithms work in the background.

Just launch the Camera app and point the lens at QR-If the code is recognized, a yellow or white plaque with a link or action will appear in the corner of the screen, and sometimes users forget to turn this option on in the settings of the camera app itself, causing the scanner to remain silent.

To activate the function, it is necessary to:

• 📸 Open the Camera app on the home screen.
• ⚙️ Click on the menu (three bars) and select Settings».
• 🔍 Find the item "Code Scanner" or "Document Recognition" and activate the switch.

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Enable Documents mode in the camera interface to automatically align the edges of the scanned sheet and improve text readability.

It is important to note that in some regions or on certain models, this feature may be called differently. If a standard camera does not see the codes, check the system updates in the Settings → About Phone section, as the algorithms may not work correctly in older versions of the software.

Hidden scanner in the notification curtain and control menu

Many users don't even realize that they have a separate, more functional scanner built right into the control center, which is not just a link reader, but a powerful tool that can translate text, recognize products and search information on the Internet.

To access it, you lower the notification curtain from top to bottom, and you'll need to find a button on the control buttons (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Flashlight) that says "Scanner" or an icon that looks like a square with dots, and if you don't have one, you'll need to add it manually through the editor.

The process of adding a widget looks like this:

• 📲 Lower the top notification curtain to the end.
• ✏️ Click on the edit icon (usually a square with a pencil or a gear).
• ➕ Find in the list of available buttons "Scanner" and drag it to the active area.

Once you add a button, you can start the scanner with a single touch, without even unlocking the phone completely (depending on the security settings), which is especially convenient for quickly translating signage or menus in restaurants, since the interface here is designed specifically for working with visual content.

Use of the Scanner application in the system

At the back of Xiaomi's system, there's a separate system app called the Scanner, which is a more advanced version of what's built into the camera, and allows you to manually select your modes before you start.

You can find it by opening the Tools folder on your desktop or by searching the system, and the app has modes like Code, Document, Text, Translation and Search, which is a universal image harvester.

The functionality of the annex shall include:

• 📄 Scanning of documents in PDF quality-improved.
• 🗣️ Text recognition (OCR) copyable.
• 🌐 Instant translation of inscriptions with preservation of formatting of the original.

⚠️ Note: When using Translation or Search mode, the image may be sent to the service provider's servers for processing. Do not scan sensitive documents (passports, cards) through cloud-based translation modes.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to keep the application updated through the GetApps store or Google Play, as it is through updates that new language packages and image recognition algorithms come.

Biometric fingerprint scanner

The question of where the scanner is often not about the software codes, but about the physical fingerprint sensor, which is a feature that Xiaomi smartphones use to determine the price segment and the year of the model’s release.

In the low-end models of the Redmi Note or Poco M series, the scanner is most often located on the back, on the top of it, next to the camera block. In more expensive flagships and mid-range models, Under-Display technology is used, when the sensor is built directly under the screen.

Comparison of scanner location types:

If your scanner is no longer responsive, try to clear the area of the scan from fat and moisture. In the case of screen scanners, re-registration of the finger with a strong press helps, which calibrates the sensitivity of the sensor.

Document scanner and text recognition (Google Lens)

In addition to Chinese tools, global firmware is also actively integrating with Google services, and the Google Lens scanner is often a more accurate tool for working with Latin and complex fonts.

It is available through the Google Search widget on the desktop (the camera icon in the search bar) or through the Google Photos app. This tool is ideal for digitizing business cards, spreadsheets and handwritten text.

Advantages of using a third-party engine:

• 📝 High accuracy of handwritten text recognition.
• 🛒 Search for products by photo in online stores.
• 🏛️ Definition of attractions and breeds of animals.

This method is especially useful if the built-in MIUI tools do not properly handle specific fonts or make an error when reading corrupted codes.

NFC scanner for payments and cards

Another overlooked kind of “scanner” is the NFC module, which reads data from contactless cards, passes and payment systems. Physically, the antenna in Xiaomi phones is usually located at the top of the case, next to the camera block.

To work, you need to turn on the module in the notification curtain or through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → NFC. Once turned on, the phone can read the tags automatically when the screen is unlocked.

Setting up the NFC:

• 💳 Insert the "Use" switch NFC».
• 📱 Select the default payment app (e.g. Google Wallet or Mi Wallet).
• 🔒 For safety, you can set the requirement to unlock the screen before reading.

⚠️ Note: Do not carry a phone with it on NFC A constant reading can drain the card or cause a bank to lock it because of suspicious activity.

This feature turns your smartphone into a universal key and wallet, allowing you to pay for purchases at terminals or pass through subway turnstiles if your card supports such technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Xiaomi’s system offers three main scanning paths: through a widget in the curtain (universal), through a camera app (fast), and through a separate scanner app (professional).