Where to Scan on Xiaomi: A Complete Search Guide

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Often faced with a situation where it is urgent to scan the document, QR-code or text, but there's no separate application called "Scanner" on the desktop. It's not a system bug, it's a shell feature. MIUI And the new HyperOS, where the scanning functions are deeply integrated into the system utilities, and understanding this logic saves time and doesn't clog the device's memory with third-party programs.

Finding a tool depends on what you want to scan, whether it's translation text, a barcode of a product, or a full PDF document. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, these different tasks can be performed by completely different modules scattered across the menu. Let's figure out where exactly the functionality you want to hide.

In most cases, you don't have to download anything. QR-It's already active by default in a standard camera or system security application, and you just need to know the right sequence to access powerful optical text recognition tools (OCR) and link-generation.

Search for the scanner in the Camera app

The fastest way to find a scanner on any Xiaomi device is to use the standard Camera app, which the developers have put in the most accessible place, since the scan is most often done on the go. You don't need to search for individual icons if your goal is to quickly click on a link or pay.

When you start the camera, look at the top panel or side menu (depending on the firmware version). There's often a shooting mode switch. Find an icon that resembles a square with lines inside, or a text label "Scanner." In newer versions of HyperOS, this mode may be called "Google Lens" or "DocScanner."

If you don’t see a separate mode, try just pointing the camera at the camera. QR-The system automatically recognizes the code and prompts you to click on the link. However, it is better to use a special mode to scan documents (translation of text into an editable file.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Russia and CIS countries), the built-in text translator may not be available in camera mode due to Google’s licensing restrictions, in which case the system will offer third-party solutions or the Documents mode".

For a good text scan, it is important to ensure good lighting and keep the phone parallel to the sheet. The aufocus function will determine the boundaries of the document itself, but manual adjustment is sometimes necessary to remove glare.

Scanner in the Security app

If you don't find the right settings in the camera, the second major scanning hub is the system application Security. MIUI, And that's where all the utility tools are assembled. QR-codes that many are looking for.

To get to it, open the app with the shield icon (green or blue). In the top row of the icons, find a symbol that represents a square with a zigzag inside. This is the scanner. It works faster than the camera, because it doesn't take a picture, but immediately analyzes the data stream.

The functionality of the module shall include:

• 📱 Scanning. QR-Wi-Fi codes for fast connection of guests.
• 🛒 Recognition of goods in stores by barcodes.
• 🔗 Clicking on links without opening the browser (with virus check).
• 💳 Scanning cards to add contacts.

It's important to note that this scanner is designed specifically for codes and links. If you need to scan a multi-page contract and save it as a PDF, you'd better use the other methods described below. Security first and foremost ensures that you can click on the scanned links.

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To make the scanner in the Security app work faster, give it permission to use the camera in your privacy settings. Sometimes the system restricts access to save energy.

Use of the Application Documents for Scanning

To work with paper media that need to be digitalized, Xiaomi smartphones pre-installed the Docs app, a full-fledged scanner that can align perspective, remove shadows and recognize text.

Run the app and find the scanner button or the camera icon in the corner of the interface, and it has a Packet Scan mode, which allows you to scroll through multiple pages of a contract in a row and then save them to a single file, which is critical for office work.

After you create a picture, the system will suggest you choose a filter: "Original", "Increase contrast" or "Black and white". For text documents, the best option is "Black and white" mode, as it makes the text as clear as possible and removes the gray background of the paper.

Comparison of the main scanning modes:

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Documents app is the only native way to create a multi-page PDF-file directly on the phone without installing additional software.

Hidden functions of Gallery and Google Lens

Many users don't know that the scanner worked when they just took a photo of the document. Xiaomi has a powerful recognition engine built in. Open a photo of the document, click the "More" button (three dots) and select "Recognize text" or "Copy text from the image."

This feature uses Google Lens technology that's built into the system, so you can highlight a specific paragraph, copy it to the clipboard, or translate it right away, which is ideal if you take a picture of a price tag or a sign and then decide you need to copy the text.

The gallery also has Documents mode, so if you select multiple photos of a single contract, the system can suggest combining them, but the functionality is simpler than in a specialized application.

⚠️ Attention: Handwriting recognition works worse than print. For a clear result, try to write legibly or use print fonts when scanning.

If you can't get text out by standard means, you can use the "Search by Image" button, and the system will analyze the image and find similar ones on the Internet, which sometimes helps you read indistinct fragments through other sources.

Set up and fix problems with the scanner

There are times when the Xiaomi scanner stops working or doesn't see the codes. Most often, the problem is lens contamination or app resolution failure. Wipe the camera with a soft cloth - even an inconspicuous finger can focus the light so that the code doesn't count.

Step two is to check permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find Camera, Security, or Scanner. Make sure they have access to the camera and, preferably, to storage (to save results).

Checklist for troubleshooting:

• 🧹 Wipe the lens of the main camera with a microfiber.
• 🔒 Check the permissions in the privacy settings.
• 🔄 Clear the cache of the Camera application in the application settings.
• 📶 Make sure that data transfer is enabled (for online translator).

If the scanner is slow, try closing the background applications. The pattern recognition process requires processor resources, and if there is a shortage of RAM, MIUI can prioritize other tasks.

Third-party alternatives from GetApps and Play Store

If built-in features aren't enough, the GetApps app store (Mi Store) offers a variety of alternatives. However, be careful: many "super scanners" are overloaded with ads. Xiaomi's native tools often run more stable and faster.

For professional document work (e.g., color correction scanning and emailing), you can install Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens. These integrate with cloud storage and allow you to edit scanned text (OCR) with high accuracy.

When installing third-party software, pay attention to the rating and downloads. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the best applications are those optimized for Snapdragon processors, which are used in most models of the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)