Modern smartphones have become universal tools that allow you to instantly access information, pay for purchases in supermarkets or connect to the Wi-Fi network of a restaurant simply by getting stuck the lens on a special black and white cipher.
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, despite the fact that the model was released several years ago, often faced with the question of how to quickly activate this feature, as the interface of the shell MIUI has its own unique features.
Unlike pure Android, here the scanner can be integrated into the system camera, be in a separate app “Scanner” or be hidden in the quick access menu, which sometimes causes confusion among users who have switched from other brands.
Built-in scanning methods in the MIUI system
The MIUI shell installed on Redmi 5 Plus offers several native graphic code reading methods that do not require third-party software installation.
The most obvious and often used method is to launch a standard Camera application, which in new versions of firmware received a built-in recognition algorithm.
However, on older versions of Android that are relevant to this model, this mode can be disabled by default or require manual switching.
The second option, which is the gold standard for the Xiaomi ecosystem, is to use the system application Scanner.
It has advanced functionality: it can not only read links, but also translate text, recognize goods in stores and even scan documents.
The third way is to use the notification curtain, where you can quickly access the function if you use it daily.
The choice of a particular method depends on your firmware version and personal preferences in the ease of device management.
Use of the Scanner application
The most reliable tool for working with codes on Redmi 5 Plus is a pre-installed application called “Scanner” (the icon usually looks like a square dot frame).
This software is deeply integrated into the system and has access to the necessary permissions without additional requests, which guarantees stable operation.
At the first start, the application can request permission to use the camera and geolocation – this is necessary for the correct operation of augmented reality functions and search for goods nearby.
The application interface is divided into several tabs, between which you can swipe left or right, or click on the corresponding icons at the bottom of the screen.
Basic regime «QR-code is designed for links, Wi-Fi networks and text data, and the Documents mode allows you to take even pictures of papers with automatic border alignment.
For quick activation of the function, you can use a widget on the desktop, which launches the scanner with one touch, bypassing the search in the menu.
- 📱 Open the app menu and find the Scanner icon with a distinctive logo.
- 🎯 Point the camera at the code, holding the phone still for a while 1-2 seconds.
- 🔍 Wait for vibration and pop-up notification with scan result.
- 🌐 Click on the link that appears or copy the text to the clipboard.
It is important to note that the application "Scanner" on MIUI It can work even without an Internet connection, if it is a simple read or URL-address.
However, to click on a link or search for information about the product, a connection to the network will still be required.
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Add the Scanner widget to the home screen for quick access: clamp the empty space on your desktop, select “Widgets” and drag the scanner icon to a convenient location.
Automatic recognition setting in the camera
Many users prefer not to open unnecessary applications, but to use the regular “Camera” for quick access to information.
On the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, this feature can be hidden in settings or require switching to a special mode.
To activate the ability to read codes through the main camera module, you need to go to the shooting settings.
To do this, open the Camera app, click on the three bars in the upper right corner and select Settings.
In the menu that opens, look for the item “Recognition” QR-codes" or "Google Lens" (depending on version) MIUI and firmware region).
If the switch is active, then when the lens is got stuck over the code, the system will automatically prompt you to click on the link or copy the data.
☑️ Checking camera settings
It is worth considering that on older versions of Android, which are on the Redmi 5 Plus, the built-in algorithm can run slower than a separate application.
Also in photo mode, recognition may not work if a special mode "Documents" or "Text" is not enabled.
In some cases, the system suggests using a “Google Lens”, which is a more powerful tool from the search giant.
If a standard camera doesn’t see the code, try switching to Video or Portrait mode, sometimes this helps focusing algorithms.
Make sure the camera lens is clean, as greasy spots from the fingers significantly reduce contrast and interfere with reading.
⚠️ Warning: When scanning codes through the camera, always check the site address in the pop-up window before you go to avoid getting into the phishing resource.
Scanning through Google Lens and Google Photos
Alternatives to Xiaomi’s standard tools are Google services, which are often already built into the system or available through widgets.
Google Lens is a powerful computer vision tool that not only reads code, but also analyzes its contents.
On Redmi 5 Plus, it can be run through a desktop widget, through the Google app (search bar), or through Google Photos.
If you have a saved image with a code in the gallery, open it through the Google Photos app and click the Lens or Lens button at the bottom of the screen.
The system will analyze the picture and highlight QR-code by suggesting actions: open a link, save contact or find similar products.
This is especially convenient when the code is on a screenshot, in the messenger correspondence or in the document photo.
To use the widget on the desktop:
- 🖱️ Clutch an empty area on the desktop.
- 📥 Select the "Widgets" item in the lower menu.
- 🔍 Find in the list “Google” or “Google Lens».
- ➕ Drag the widget onto the screen and use the camera icon to scan.
Using Google services often yields more accurate results when dealing with corrupted or poorly printed codes thanks to cloud-based processing algorithms.
Google Lens can translate text in real time by overlaying the translation over the image, which can be useful when traveling abroad.
Why does Google Lens require more resources?
Troubleshooting: The camera doesn't focus or see the code
Despite the reliability of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, users may encounter situations where the camera does not respond to code or the image remains blurry.
One of the most common causes is contamination of the optical element of the camera or the protective glass, which is critical for macro-capture of small code details.
Wipe the lens with a soft microfiber, avoiding the use of aggressive chemicals that can damage the oleophobic coating.
The second common problem is insufficient lighting or, conversely, glare from the glossy surface on which the code is printed.
Try changing the phone’s tilt angle or turning on the flash if the code is in a dark room.
It is also worth checking whether the system has third-party software that blocks the camera or imposes filters.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Blurred image | Dirt on the lens or hit autofocus | Wipe the camera, touch the screen for focus |
| Code is not readable | Code damage or bad light | Improve lighting, try Google Lens |
| No reaction to pressing | Hanging of the annex | Clear the app cache in the settings |
| Permission error | Prohibition of camera access | Check access rights to Settings → Applications |
If software methods do not help, there may be mechanical damage to the camera module, which requires contacting the service center.
For diagnostics, you can run an engineering menu and check the operation of the camera modules.
Enter the code ##6484## to enter the test mode.
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by simply rubbing the lens or improving the lighting of the scene.
Security when scanning unknown codes
Use of the QR-codes carry not only convenience, but also certain security risks, which should be aware of the owner of Android-smartphone.
Attackers can create codes that lead to phishing sites that mimic bank or social media pages.
The main rule: never enter personal data, passwords or card data on sites opened through an unknown QR-code without a thorough address bar check.
Some codes may contain commands to automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network or add a contact, which can also be used to collect information.
The MIUI system has a built-in security guard that alerts you to dangerous sites, but it can’t always recognize a new threat.
Be especially careful with codes placed on street billboards that someone might have taped with their sticker.
- 🛡️ Always check the domain name of the site before entering any data.
- 🚫 Do not scan codes from suspicious sources or unknown senders.
- 🔒 Use antivirus software for extra real-time protection.
⚠️ If after scanning the code, the phone began to behave strangely (advertisements appeared, money was lost), immediately turn off the Internet and run a full security check.
Digital hygiene will allow you to safely enjoy all the benefits of technology on your Redmi 5 Plus.
Remember that technology is safe in itself, and the danger is the content it leads to.