Where is the scanner hidden on Xiaomi Redmi: QR, prints, NFC and other sensors

You bought a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, but can't find where the scanner is hidden? Don't be surprised - depending on the model and version MIUI Scanning functions can be hidden in different menus, and sometimes even turned off by default. In this article, we will discuss all possible options: from a standard scanner. QR-codes in the camera to the fingerprint sensor and module NFC contactless.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi regularly updates the interface, and the path to settings can be different even on devices of the same line. QR-The code is turned on through a quick menu, and on Redmi 12, it's only through the camera app. MIUI 12th MIUI 15 (2026) and added instructions for the rare cases where features are hidden or disabled.

1. QR-Codes: Where to look and how to turn on

The most popular type of scanner is recognition QR-On Redmi, it can be built into the:

• 📷 Camera app – automatically recognizes codes when getting stuck (works on most models after 2020).
• 🔍 Notifications panel – Scanner icon in quick settings (if not, read below how to add it).
• 🛠️ Additional tools - in the Settings menu → Special facilities → Convenience (for older versions) MIUI).

If the scanner is not working, check:

1. Update the Camera app via Google Play (sometimes Xiaomi disables the feature in older versions).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Permissions and enable access to the camera and storage.
3. On some models (for example, Redmi 9A) the QR scanner works only when connected to the Internet – this is a feature of firmware.

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If QR-code is not recognized, try to turn on the macro mode in the camera or increase the brightness of the screen – the sensor better reads contrasting images.

2. Fingerprint sensor: location and setting

The Redmi fingerprint scanner can be:

• 📱 In the power button - on the Redmi Note models 11/12/13, Redmi 10/11/12 (most common).
• 👆 On the back – on older devices (Redmi 8, Redmi Note 9).
• 🖥️ Under the screen – only on flagships (Redmi) K50, Redmi K60).

To add a print:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint Sensor.
2. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create a).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – press your finger against the scanner 6-8 times at different angles.

On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, the scanner supports up to 5 fingerprints, but only 3 of them can be used to unlock applications (for example, Mi Wallet or banking services).

NFC on Redmi: How to Check for and Activate

Not all Redmi models have NFC, but here is a list of devices with support (for 2026):

To turn on NFC:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Exchange → NFC.
2. Activate the NFC switch.
3. For contactless payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay), add a card in the Wallet app.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 for India) NFC physically absent, even if the characteristics indicate otherwise. CPU-Z (sensors).

4. Face Unlock: Limitations and settings

Face Unlock technology is available on most Redmi front-facing cameras, but it works in different ways:

• 🔓 2D-Scanning on budget models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 10A). It only recognizes from the photo, it is easy to deceive.
• 🛡️ 3D-scanning - on Redmi K60 It uses an infrared camera, it's safer.

To set up:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Unlock.
2. Create. PIN-Code (required, even if you have not used it before).
3. Follow the instructions – keep your phone at eye level, lighting should be uniform.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ The face scanner may fail if the power saving mode is on. → Battery.

5. Hidden scanner functions: what MIUI can do

In addition to the standard features, MIUI offers additional chips:

• 📄 Document scanner – in the application Camera (Document mode) automatically aligns the photo of the passport or receipts.
• 💳 Quick payments – double-press the power button on the locked screen to open the Mi Wallet (powered by the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ newer).
• 🔗 Links scanner – in the Mi Browser browser you can read QR directly from the address bar (the scanner icon on the right).

On models with MIUI 15, a smart scanner feature has been introduced, which automatically detects the type of code (QR, barcode, text) and suggests the appropriate action, for example, when scanning WiFi-QR, the phone immediately connects to the network.

6. Problems with scanners: causes and solutions

If the scanner stops working, check:

Redmi with MIUI 13 and older has a hidden biometric reset option.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 5 times on the MIUI version (the developer menu will open).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Reset biometrics.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, all fingerprints and facial data will be deleted, and the associated payments (for example, in Mi Pay) will also disappear, you will have to reconfigure them.

7. Models without scanners: what to do

Some budget Redmis are devoid of sensor parts.

• Redmi 9A – No NFC and no underscreen fingerprint scanner.
• Redmi 10A — only 2D-face scanner and fingerprint sensor on the back.
• Redmi Note 11 (India version) – NFC is missing.

Alternatives:

• 📱 For QR-codes use third-party applications: QR & Barcode Scanner (Google Play).
• 💳 For contactless payments, connect Google Pay via PIN-code NFC doesn't work).
• 🔒 To unlock, set up a pattern lock or PIN.

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Before buying Redmi, check the configuration of sensors on the official Xiaomi website - there may be discrepancies in the characteristics for different regions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanners on Redmi