How to scan. QR-Android code Xiaomi: the full guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have become universal tools that can replace dozens of individual devices. QR-From paying in stores to connecting to Wi-Fi without entering a password, owners of Redmi and Poco devices often face the need to quickly read information, but do not know where exactly the desired feature is hidden in the shell. MIUI or hyperos.

It used to require downloading individual applications, which put a lot of stress on the system and took up space in memory. Now the situation has changed dramatically: the built-in system offers native support for scanning technology. You no longer need to search for dubious programs in the Play Market if you have a current Android smartphone, just set up the camera correctly or use system widgets.

In this detailed guide, we will take a look at all the available methods for reading graphic code on Xiaomi devices, how to activate hidden functions, what permissions are required for correct operation and what to do if the standard camera refuses to focus on the tag. We will look at the nuances of different versions of firmware and offer alternative solutions for complex cases.

Built-in scanning function in the Camera app

The most obvious and quick way is to use the regular Camera app, where Xiaomi engineers have integrated the image recognition module directly into the photo interface, which allows you to read data instantly, but by default, this feature can be disabled or not work properly due to software failures. To activate, you need to open the application and go to the Still mode, where the desired option is often hidden.

In some versions of the MIUI shell, the switch is right on the top or bottom of the screen as a squared icon, and if you hover the lens over the code, the system automatically recognizes it and prompts you to do something like open a link, add a contact, or copy text, and it's important to have good lighting and keep the phone parallel to the code plane 10 to 20 centimeters away.

If automatic recognition doesn't work, check the settings. Sometimes the system suggests using Google Lens instead of a native analyzer. It's a third-party but deeply integrated tool that often works more accurately in poor lighting or corrupted code.

⚠️ Note: Do not click “Open” on suspicious links from unknown sources. QR-The code can lead to a phishing site masquerading as a bank or social network authorization page.

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Use the ad blocking function in the browser, even when you click on QR-codes to avoid pop-ups with fraudulent content.

It’s worth noting that on older smartphones like the Redmi Note 8 or Xiaomi Mi 9, the recognition speed may be lower because of a less powerful image processor, and it’s better to keep the camera still for a few seconds, allowing the algorithms to focus and analyze the image.

Use of the Mi Scanner application (Scanner)

The separate Mi Scanner app is more powerful than a regular camera, not only reads codes, but it can also recognize text (OCR), translate it, and even identify products by barcode, and can be found in the Tools folder on your desktop or through a search in the app menu, which is the preferred option if you need to scan a document or product in a store.

The application interface is divided into tabs, which makes navigation easier. You can switch between Code, Document, Translation and Purchase modes. Document mode is especially useful for digitizing checks or handwritten notes, as it aligns perspective and increases text contrast.

To work with documents, the application requires permission to access the gallery and microphone (for voice input during translation). Make sure that these permissions are provided in the privacy settings. Without them, the functionality will be limited to only basic link reading.

• 📸 Code mode: Reads QR and barcodes of any format.
• 📝 Document Mode: Scans text and saves it in editable format.
• 🌐 Translation mode: translates text from the image in real time.
• 🛒 Purchase mode: looking for products by barcode in online stores.

Setting up the scanner widget on the desktop

For maximum convenience and speed of access to the scan function, it is recommended to display the Scanner widget directly to the desktop. This will save you from having to open folders with utilities or search for an application in the general list. The widget is a large icon, when you click on which the camera interface for reading immediately starts.

To add a widget, tap the long tap on the empty space on the desktop. In the bottom menu that appears, select Widgets. In the list that opens, find the Scanner or Code Scanner app. Drag the selected item to the free area of the screen. Now access to the function takes one second.

Some MIUI themes may hide standard widgets or change their appearance beyond recognition. If you can't find the widget, try temporarily switching to the standard theme "Classic" in the Themes app.

Scanning through Google Lens (Google Lens)

Google's ecosystem offers an alternative and often more efficient way of reading, Google Lens. This service is built into the Google app, Google Photos, and is often accessed through the desktop search widget. Google's algorithms are considered among the most advanced in the industry, allowing even corrupted or inverted codes to be read.

If you want to use this method, open a Google app or a search bar widget. Click on the camera icon on the right side of the search bar. Hub the camera at the code. The system automatically highlights the recognition area and suggests options. The advantage of this method is cross-platform: the crawl history is stored in your Google account and is accessible from any device.

Google Lens also works great with hybrid tasks, such as scanning a restaurant's code and then immediately using Search to find reviews about the place without switching between apps, making it an indispensable tool for travelers and hobbyists to explore new places.

Problem Solving: Why the Code is Not Scanned

Despite the technology's excellence, users sometimes face situations where the Xiaomi phone simply "can't see" the code, the camera focuses, but no action is taken, or there is an error message, most often the problem lies in the contamination of the optics or software conflict.

The first thing you do is wipe the camera with a soft cloth, and the fatty stains on your fingers create a light scattering effect that prevents algorithms from clearly seeing the boundaries of the black and white code modules, and even microscopic contamination can cause failure.

If physical cleaning didn’t work, it’s worth checking the software part. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Camera or Scanner and select Clear Cache. Don’t confuse it with Clear Data, as this will reset all your camera settings. Also make sure the app has permission to use the camera in the Permissions section.

⚠️ Attention: If the camera stopped focusing on anything at all, the autofocus module may have been damaged after the phone fell, in which case the software methods will not help, you will need repairs.

Comparison of scanning methods on Xiaomi

To make it easier for you to choose the best way to use it on a daily basis, we have developed a comparison table that will help you understand which tool will be most effective in your situation, and the choice depends on your goals: speed, functionality or integration with other services.

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For quick payment in the store, use the widget on your desktop, and for working with documents - the Mi Scanner application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)