How to scan. QR-Xiaomi Redmi phone code: full guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the popular Redmi and POCO series, have built-in functionality for reading two-dimensional barcodes. Users no longer need to search and install individual applications from the Google Play store, since the necessary tools are already integrated into the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. This greatly speeds up the process of connecting to Wi-Fi, paying for purchases or clicking on links.

However, many device owners do not know where exactly this feature is, or experience problems when first used. Often the default settings can be changed, or the user simply does not notice the corresponding icon in the interface. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods of scanning, from a standard camera to specialized system utilities.

You'll learn how to activate the scanner mode if it's accidentally disabled, and what alternative methods exist for older firmware versions. QR-The codes may contain malicious links. Understanding the principles of this module will help you to use the capabilities of your gadget more effectively.

Use of built-in scanner in the Camera application

The fastest and most obvious way to read code is to use the standard Camera app. In the latest versions of Xiaomi shells, recognition algorithms are built directly into the viewfinder. You don't have to switch modes or open additional menus, just point the lens at the image.

To successfully scan, make sure the function is activated in the settings. Open the app, click on the three horizontal bars in the corner of the screen and select Settings. QR-And then when you hover over the code, the system automatically recognizes it and suggests action.

⚠️ Attention: If the camera is focusing but not recognizing the code, try changing the distance to the object or rubbing the lens. Fat spots can distort the reading of small parts of the matrix.

Importantly, automatic recognition works best in good lighting. If you're in a dark room, turn on the flash by clicking on the appropriate icon in the camera interface, which will highlight the code and improve contrast for the sensor.

The system can offer different actions depending on the content of the code, which can be a visit to a website, adding a contact to a phone book or connecting to a wireless network, all of which are performed instantly after the user is confirmed.

Settings → Camera. → Scanner. QR-code

Separate application "Scanner" in the Tools folder

If the built-in camera is not working for some reason or you need more detailed analysis, use a dedicated app. All Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones have a standard Tools folder called Scanner, which has advanced functionality compared to the normal camera mode.

Now, when you run this app, you get access to different modes of operation, and in addition to the standard scanning, you can recognize text, translate it, and check the security of links before you go, which is especially useful if you're in doubt about the origin of the code.

• 📸 Scanner – the main mode for fast reading of any types QR and barcodes.
• 📄 Documents – a feature for digitizing papers that aligns perspective and improves text readability.
• 🌐 Translation – instant translation of text from a photo or through a viewfinder into the selected language.
• 🛒 Products – search for product information by barcode in online stores.

Using a separate application ensures that the reading process is not interrupted by random switching of shooting modes. The interface here is sharpened specifically for working with codes, so focus and backlighting work in priority mode.

⚠️ Warning: Do not follow links from unknown sources immediately after scanning. URL-Address that appears on the screen for suspicious characters or domains.

The app also has a scan history, and if you accidentally close the result window or forget to copy the link, you can always come back to it later, which is a convenient feature for those who work with a large amount of labeled products or documents.

Configure and activate the scan function

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the camera stops responding to codes, this can be due to updating the system or resetting the settings to factory settings, in which case you need to manually check the activation of the corresponding module in the system.

Go to the general settings of your smartphone and find the system applications section. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. You need to find System Apps or directly Camera.

Inside the camera settings menu, look for the smart recognition option, which can be called Code Scanner, Google Lens, or Text Recognition. Make sure the switch is green. If it's off, the camera will only work in photo mode.

After making the changes, remember to completely close the camera app and start it again. This is necessary to apply new configurations. If the problem persists, try clearing the app cache through the Apps menu in the phone's settings.

Alternative methods: Google Lens and widgets

In addition to Xiaomi’s native tools, Android has a deep-seated Google Lens service that is available directly from the Google search widget on the desktop or through the Google app, which is universal and works the same on all firmware versions.

To use this method, click on the camera icon in the Google search bar. The lens interface will open, which will automatically try to find the camera. QR-The advantage of this method is that Google's powerful artificial intelligence algorithms often do better than standard solutions.

You can also add the Scanner widget directly to your desktop for quick access. Press and hold your finger in the free space of the screen, select "Widgets" and find "Scanner" in the list. Drag it to the screen, and you have a button to start instantly.

⚠️ Note: When using Google Lens, image data can be sent to Google servers for processing. If you are scanning sensitive documents, use the offline mode of the built-in scanner.

Another option is to use a sidebar, where you can add the scanner app to the side menu in the Advanced Features settings, and it will be available by swipe at any time, even when you are using other programs.

Problem Solving: Code can't be read or camera freezes

Despite the high reliability of the system, there are sometimes failures, and if the camera is got stuck over the code but nothing happens, the problem may be in the format of the code itself or contamination of the optics, and it is worth checking whether the camera is not closed to system processes.

A common cause is damage to the surface of the code, and if it's glued to a glossy surface, glare can interfere with reading, try changing the angle of the phone or covering the light source with your hand to remove the reflection.

In case of software errors, when the scanner application crashes or freezes, follow the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot – Turn off and turn on your smartphone completely, this will reset temporary memory errors.
• 🧹 Cache Clearing - Go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → Camera. → Memory and press "Clear».
• 📱 Update – Check for updates for Camera and Scanner through the GetApps store or Google Play.

If nothing helps, the camera module may have been damaged at the hardware level, check if the phone takes normal photos, and if the photo shows stripes or distortions, you will need to be diagnosed at the service center.

Security when scanning unknown codes

QR-Codes are a convenient tool, but also a potential attack vector. Attackers can place codes leading to phishing sites or initiating malware downloads. Xiaomi owners should be especially careful, since Android gives applications broad rights.

Modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS have built-in security guards, and when you scan a link, it checks it against a database of secure sites, and if a site is labeled as dangerous, you'll see a warning, and it's strongly discouraged from ignoring it.

Always pay attention to the address of the site that appears after scanning. If you scanned the code in the cafe for the menu, and the link leads to a strange domain with a set of characters, you better refuse to go. APK-file.

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Use the Security feature in the Scanner app to pre-check links, and it works even if you don't click on the link by analyzing the domain name.

For maximum security, set up your browser so that it always asks for confirmation before opening external links, which will give you an extra second to think about the action and check the address bar.

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Xiaomi’s built-in antivirus and Google Protect provide basic protection, but critical user thinking remains the main barrier against scammers.