Modern Xiaomi smartphones have become universal tools for interaction with the world, where barcoding plays a key role. QR-The codes are used everywhere, from paying for purchases in stores to logging in to messengers and getting menus in restaurants, and users no longer need to search for special applications, since the functionality is built directly into the operating system. MIUI or hyperos.
However, despite the simplicity of the technology, device owners often have difficulty in initially configuring or updating the firmware. Sometimes the standard camera does not respond to the tag, and sometimes the user simply does not know where to look for the desired feature. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods of scanning and fix possible problems.
The variety of models from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi means that the location of settings can be slightly different. We will look at universal methods that work on most current versions of the shell, which will allow you to quickly access the information you need without installing third-party software.
Built-in scanning function in the Camera app
The fastest and most obvious way to read code is to use the standard Camera app. In recent versions of MIUI firmware, object recognition algorithms work automatically. You don't have to switch modes or search for individual buttons, just point the lens at the image.
If automatic recognition didn't work right away, it's possible the feature is disabled in the settings.This often happens after resetting or updating the system to a new version. Check the shooting settings to make sure the scanner module is active.
To activate, open the app and find the settings icon, which usually looks like three horizontal bars or a gear in the corner of the screen. QR-Now, if you hover over the tag, you'll be asked to click on the codes, and you'll be able to move the switch to the active position.
⚠️ Warning: If the camera is focusing but not reading the code, try changing the distance to the subject.
Sometimes cleaning the camera lens helps, as greasy spots can distort the image for the sensor, and also make sure that the lighting is sufficient for proper recognition.
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For best results, keep the phone parallel to the surface of the code, avoiding strong tilts that create promising distortions.
Use of a separate application Scanning
If a standard camera doesn’t work properly or you need more data analysis, Xiaomi has a separate system application called Scanning, often hidden in the Tools folder on the desktop, which has more functionality than a regular camera.
And when you run the app, you'll see the viewfinder ready to go. QR-It's also codes, but also barcodes, and it's also text recognition and translation, which makes it a useful tool for buying or working with documents.
Unlike the camera, here you can manually select mode of operation if the automation is wrong, such as switching to Documents mode for scanning text or Translation mode for instant foreign language conversion. The system also keeps a history of all scanned codes, which is convenient for reusing links.
- 📱 Access to scan history in recent days.
- 🛒 Automatic recognition of goods in stores.
- 📄 Ability to copy text from paper media.
- 🌐 Built-in translator for foreign signage.
The application consumes minimal resources and works even when there is no Internet, if it is a question of reading data, and it will naturally require an active network connection to click on links.
Scan through the control center and side panel
For maximum convenience, Xiaomi engineers have implemented quick access to the scanner through the system menu, which allows you not to search for an app icon every time you need to quickly pay for a fare or log into the Wi-Fi network.
To add a scanner icon to the notification curtain, lower the top edge of the screen down. Find the menu edit button (usually a pencil icon or three dots). In the list of available widgets, find the Scanner and drag it to the active zone.
Now, when you swipe from top to bottom, you'll see a shortcut that's going to instantly trigger the scanning mode, which saves you time and eliminates the need to unlock your phone and search for an app.
Alternatively, you can use the app sidebar if it's activated in the settings, and by calling the swipe bar from the edge of the screen, you can add the scanner to your favorite tools list for quick access in any application.
Setting up and activating the scanner in the MIUI interface
The interface of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS may hide some of the default settings. If none of the above methods work, you need to check system permissions and configuration. Often the problem is that access to the camera for system services is limited.
Go to the phone settings section and look for Apps. In the installed program list, look for Camera or Scanner. Click on Permissions and make sure that the camera is allowed. It's also worth checking if the camera's Do Not Disturb mode is on, which can block pop-up notifications about the read code.
In some regions or firmware versions, the feature may be hidden in the “Additional Settings” menu, where you should look for the language and input section, where the system scanner settings are sometimes located.
| Parameter | Standard value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the camera | Ask | Permission. |
| Notifications | Off. | Included. |
| Autofocus. | Included. | Included. |
| Object recognition | Included. | Included. |
After making changes to the settings, it is recommended to restart the device so that all system services update their configurations, especially after major operating system updates.
The solution to the problem: why the camera can't see the code
A situation where Xiaomi phone stubbornly ignores QR-The first thing you need to do is to rule out the commonplace causes of lens contamination or poor lighting.
If the phone is physically OK, the problem may be software, the camera app cache may overflow or get damaged, and cleaning the cache often solves the problem of freezes and modules malfunctioning.
To do this, go to the settings, select Apps, search for Camera, then Memory, and click Clear Cache. Don't worry, your photos won't be deleted, only temporary files of the program will be cleared.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse cache cleaning with data cleaning.Resetting will return camera settings to factory settings, requiring reconfiguring all shooting settings.
It's also worth checking for updates to the system and the applications themselves, and developers regularly release patches that fix bugs in computer vision algorithms.
☑️ Diagnostics of camera problem
Security when scanning unknown codes
Use of the QR-Not only is it convenient, but it also carries risks: Attackers can create fake tags that redirect users to phishing sites or initiate malware downloads. Xiaomi is implementing security mechanisms, but user vigilance remains the main factor of security.
When scanning code from an unverified source, always pay attention to the URL-If the address looks suspicious or contains strange characters, it is better to refrain from the transition. The system can warn about the danger, but it is not always able to recognize a new phishing resource.
Especially careful is the use of codes placed in public places on stickers on top of the original plaques, a common method of fraud known as "quishing."
- 🔒 Always check your domain name before entering passwords.
- 🚫 Do not allow installation of applications from unknown sources.
- 🛡️ Use the built-in antivirus to check links.
- 👀 Visually evaluate the integrity of the code sticker.
If the phone offers to download and install APK-The file immediately after scanning is almost always a sign of a potential threat. Official apps are distributed through the Google Play store or GetApps.
What is quishing?
Third-party alternatives and their features
Despite the powerful built-in functionality, some users prefer third-party solutions. The Play Market store features many applications that offer additional features such as creating your own code, scanning from an image from a gallery or an advanced story.
Popular applications like QR & Barcode Scanner or Bixby Vision (on Samsung devices, but there are analogues) may run faster in certain scenarios, but it’s worth remembering that installing third-party software requires additional permissions, which can affect privacy.
Xiaomi's built-in scanner is integrated deeper into the system, allowing better optimization and less battery consumption.Third-party apps often contain ads that can be annoying with frequent use.
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The built-in MIUI/HyperOS system provides the optimal balance between functionality, speed and security of user data.
If you need to scan codes from a computer screen or from screenshots, the built-in Scanner feature in the gallery or through Google Lens (lens) will do the job better than any specialized application.