Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face a situation where it is necessary to quickly calculate the data. QR-code or save a copy of a document, but standard applications don't offer an obvious solution. Many users search for a separate Scanner app, unaware that the scanning functionality is deeply integrated into the system. MIUI The built-in tool is able to recognize not only barcodes of goods, but also text, Wi-Fi networks and even translate inscriptions in real time.
Understanding how a universal scanner works on your device saves time and avoids installing dubious third-party software. Xiaomi’s security system blocks many untested apps from stores, so using native tools is the safest option. In this article, we’ll take a look at the full capabilities of the built-in module, how to activate it through various interfaces and privacy settings.
The modern smartphone has evolved into a powerful handheld computer, where the camera acts as the eye and artificial intelligence algorithms act as the brain processing visual information. For Redmi Note or Poco users, this feature is available out of the box and does not require root rights or complex manipulation. Let's look at what tasks your phone can solve without installing additional software.
⚠️ Note: In some regions or firmware versions, the name of the feature may differ. If you don't find "Scanner," look for "Google Lens" or "Mi Scan" in system applications.
The main purpose of the built-in scanner
The main task of the system scanner is a quick readout. QR-When you point the camera at an encoded image, the phone's processor decodes the information and suggests that you do something, which could be clicking on a link, adding a contact to a phone book, or connecting to a wireless network. The speed of the built-in module’s reaction is often higher than that of third-party counterparts, thanks to direct integration with camera drivers.
But it's not just codes. Xiaomi's built-in algorithms can recognize text (OCR), translate it, and even copy it to the clipboard, and this is especially useful when you're working with documents or foreign signage, and you can point the camera at the text, and the system will suggest highlighting or translating it using built-in dictionaries or online services.
Another important feature is document scanning, which allows you to take photos of pages, automatically aligning perspective and removing shadows, and the resulting image is saved in PDF or JPEG format, making your smartphone a great replacement for an office scanner for household needs. The processing quality depends on your Redmi model and the version of the operating system.
Where to find and how to start the scanner
There are several ways to find the scanning tool on Xiaomi devices, because the developers have envisaged different use cases. The most obvious method is to search for a separate application in the menu. It can be called simply the Scanner or have an icon with a picture of a square and a beam. Launching this application puts the camera in a special code waiting mode.
A faster way is to use a widget in the notification curtain. If you swipe down from top to bottom, there's often a "Scanner" button in the control buttons (lightlight, bluetooth), which you can add to the quick access bar through the button editing menu, which allows you to start scanning in one second without unlocking the phone completely or any app.
The third option is to use a widget on the desktop. Long taps on the empty screen space allow you to choose the "Scanner" or "Scan QR" widget. By placing it on the home screen, you get instant access to the function. Also, in many versions of MIUI, the scanner is built directly into the interface of the Camera application, often as a separate mode or button in the corner of the screen.
☑️ Checking the scanner's availability
Setup and basic interface functions
When you start the app, you'll see the viewfinder interface, and you'll see the mode switches at the top of the screen. QR-When you hover over the code, the system automatically recognizes it and will give you a pop-up notification or action button.
Documents mode allows you to scan multipage files. Once you press the shutter button, the phone will take a picture, trim the extra fields and improve the readability of the text. You can scan several pages in sequence, and then save them as one. PDF-This is ideal for creating digital copies of contracts or training materials.
In Text or Translation mode, the scanner works in real time, overlaying text on top of the camera image. You can choose the original language and the translation language. Image allows you to simply take a photo and recognize the text on it later, which is convenient if you can't hold your phone still.
Hidden capabilities of the scanner
Comparison of built-in scanner and third-party applications
Users often wonder if additional apps from the Play Market should be installed if the basic functionality is already there. Xiaomi's built-in scanner has a number of advantages, such as no advertising, deep integration with the system and no unnecessary permissions. Third-party applications often require access to contacts, microphone and geolocation, which poses risks to data security.
On the other hand, specialized applications can offer advanced features, such as cloud-scan history or support for rare code formats. However, for 95% of household tasks, the standard tool is more than enough. It works faster, because it does not load unnecessary advertising modules.
Below is a table comparing the capabilities of the native solution and popular third-party analogues:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi's built-in scanner | Third-party annexes |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising | Absent. | Often present. |
| Access to data | Minimum | Wide (contacts, GPS) |
| Speed of operation | High (systemic level) | Depends on optimization |
| Text recognition | Basic / Through Google | Expanded |
| Save in PDF | Available (in Documents mode) | Eat (often paid) |
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Using a built-in scanner ensures the absence of intrusive advertising and reduces the risk of personal data leakage through third-party services.
Safety problems during scanning
Using a scanner carries certain risks that every Redmi owner should be aware of. QR-The code is just a coded link or command, and the attackers can place malicious code in a public place, which, when scanned, will redirect you to a phishing site or initiate a virus download. MIUI It usually warns of danger, but the human factor remains a weak link.
Never follow links from unknown sources, especially if they lead to password or bank details pages. URL-Addresses in red or with a warning message, and ignoring such warnings can result in loss of money or account theft.
Also be careful with codes that offer to automatically add a contact or connect to a Wi-Fi network. Check the contents of the code before confirming an action. In the scanner settings, you can enable the confirmation option before clicking on the link, which will add an additional layer of protection.
⚠️ If after scanning the code, the phone begins to behave strangely (advertisements appear, unknown sites open), immediately run a full check with the antivirus "Security" and change the passwords from important services.
Setup of Permits and Privacy
The scanner needs certain permissions to work properly, first of all, access to the camera, without it, the function will not physically work, and may also require access to storage to save scanned documents and photos, which are basic and secure.
However, some features may request access to geolocation or contacts, geolocation can be used to find nearby stores when scanning goods, and contacts can be used to quickly save a number, and you have every right to reject these requests in application settings if you do not use these options, which will increase the level of privacy.
Permissions are managed through the phone's settings menu. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Scanner → Application Permissions. Here you can customize in detail what data the program has access to. It is recommended to leave only the camera and storage if you are not using specific features.
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For maximum privacy, disable the scanner's access to the microphone and location if you use it for reading only. QR-link-code.