How to turn it on QR-Xiaomi scanner: all the ways to MIUI 14 and 15

Scanner. QR-Xiaomi is one of the most popular tools that makes it easier to access websites, Wi-Fi networks, payment systems and even authorization in applications. The function is either hidden in the depths of the menu or not at all in the usual sections. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to include the function. QR-scanner on Redmi devices, POCO and Mi with firmware MIUI 14/15, including alternative methods for older models.

It’s important to understand that the location of the option depends on the shell version and the phone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the scanner is integrated into the Quick Settings Panel, and on the Redmi Note 10 you have to search for it in the Camera app. We will look at universal solutions that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, and also tell you what to do if the scanner is not in the default system (this happens after resets or software updates).

1. Quick access via notification panel

The easiest way to activate QR-The scanner is to use a quick setup panel, which works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the first one). MIUI 12), but requires pre-setting:

1. Turn the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil) in the lower right corner.
3. Find the scanner tile in the list. QR-The code (may not be there) is section 3).
4. Drag it to the active area (up the screen).

Now the scanner will be available in one tap, and if the tile is not on the list, then your model does not support this method, move to the next section.

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On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) The scanner tile only appears after the first run through the Camera app. QR-manually code, then check the notification bar again.

Scanner in the Camera app

Xiaomi’s built-in camera has a hidden scan feature QR-It's activated automatically when you hover over the code, but on some firmware, you have to manually enable it:

• 📷 Open the Camera app.
• 🔍 Point the lens at QR-code (not necessarily press the screen).
• ⚡ If the scan does not begin, touch the screen and hold your finger for 2 seconds – a prompt will appear. QR-code.
• 🔄 On old models (MIUI 11 and below) go to Camera Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-codes and activate the option.

This is a universal method, but it has a limitation: the camera must be good, and the code must be well lit, and if the scanning doesn't work, clean the lens of the contamination, or try another light source.

3.Scanner app from Xiaomi

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi added a separate Scanner app that integrates features QR-scanner, text recognition, document recognition:

• 🔎 Through search by system (swipe down on the main screen) → enter "scanner»).
• 📁 In the Tools folder (if you have it on your device).
• 🛒 Google Play for “Mi Scanner” (only for certain regions).

When you first run the app, you'll ask for permissions to access the camera and storage. Make sure you provide them, otherwise the scan won't work. The interface is intuitive: just point the camera at the code and the link will open automatically.

4. Alternative methods for older models

If your smartphone is running MIUI 10/11 or older (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus, Mi A1), there may not be a built-in scanner.

1. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Use Google Lens: 🔍 Keep the Google icon on the home screen → Choose Lens. 📷 Put the camera on QR-code – the link will appear at the bottom of the screen.
3. Install third-party software, such as QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) and Kaspersky QR Scanner (with link security check).

Third-party scanners often offer additional features, such as scan history or virus link verification, but they require more permissions and can show ads.

1. Check the lighting (the code should be clearly visible).

2. Make sure the camera is clean (wipe the lens).

3. Turn off the energy saving mode (it can block the camera).

4. Update the Camera or Scanner app to the latest version.-->

5. Solving the scanner problems

If QR-The scanner is not working, and the causes can range from software failures to hardware limitations:

If none of the methods worked, reset the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Reboot the phone.

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On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) the scanner can be disabled by default. Enable it in Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-code.

6.Safety in scanning QR-code

QR-codes are convenient but can be dangerous: scammers often disguise phishing links or malicious sites as them:

• 🔒 Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (stickers on the streets, messages from strangers).
• 🛡️ Use link verification crawlers (e.g. Kaspersky) QR Scanner or Google Lens built-in).
• 📱 Before clicking on the link, check her address (should start with the https://, not http://).
• 🔄 If the code requests authorization (for example, in social networks), make sure that the domain is official (for example, vk.com, not vk-verification.ru).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with firmware below MIUI 12 built-in scanner can automatically open links without warning. To avoid risks, install third-party software with manual confirmation of transitions.

If you scan payment codes frequently (e.g. in stores), set up two-factor authentication in banking applications, which will protect your funds even if scammers intercept the session.

7. Hidden functions QR-scanner on Xiaomi

Few people know, but Xiaomi's built-in scanner does more than just open links. Here are some useful tips:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Connection: Scan the code with network data – the phone will automatically connect without entering a password.
• 📱 Contact exchange: generate QR-Your number code in Contacts and share it.
• 🔑 Authorization in applications: some services (for example, Telegram or VKontakte) allow you to log into your account through the QR-code.
• 📄 Scanning documents: in the Scanner application, you can save the code as an image or PDF.

Nana MIUI 15 there is a function Smart scanner, which automatically recognizes not only QR-codes, but also barcodes of goods, phone numbers on business cards, and even texts in foreign languages (with translation) to activate it:

1. Open the Scanner app.
2. Go to Settings. → Text recognition.
3. Turn on the Smart Recognition option.

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If you often have to scan codes in dark rooms, turn on the flashlight option in the camera settings when scanning (available on MIUI 14+).

FAQ: Frequent questions about QR-Xiaomi scanner