How to find and use the scanner in the phone Xiaomi Redmi: 5 hidden ways

Why your Redmi doesn’t have a separate Scanner app — and where to look for it

You're trying to scan. QR-a code or document on Xiaomi Redmi, but don't find a separate Scanner app? MIUI The scanning features are integrated into the system tools and are not always obvious to the user. The manufacturer deliberately hides them so as not to clutter the main screen, but this creates confusion: many owners of the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or the Redmi Note. POCO X5 They don’t even know that their phone can be scanned without third-party software.

In this article, we will reveal all the ways to activate the scanner in Xiaomi smartphones – from the standard QR-Reader to hidden document scanning and barcodes, learn how to run the scanner through Camera, Quick Settings, and even Google Lens if the system tools don't work, and also explore why some Redmi models may not have a scanner — and how to fix it.

Important: instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi 13C, Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO F5, etc.). If you have an old firmware version (below MIUI 11), some of the features may be missing - update the system in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 1: QR-Scanning through a standard camera is the fastest method

The easiest way to scan QR-Redmi code is to use the built-in Camera, which works on all models starting with Redmi 9 and later, and doesn't require you to install any additional applications:

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Point the lens at QR-Make sure the code fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
3. Wait 1-2 seconds – a notification will appear on the screen with a suggestion to click on the link.
4. Tap the notification to open the link in the browser.

If the scanner fails:

• 🔍 Check if the scanning function is enabled QR-Codes in camera settings: Camera → Settings (⚙️) → Scanning. QR-code.
• 📱 Make sure you have the latest version of the Camera app installed (update via Play Store).
• 💡 Try to turn on the macro (flower) mode 🌸 In the camera interface – sometimes it helps to focus on small codes.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro and older, the scan function QR-codes through the camera works even without an Internet connection - the code is recognized locally.

Method 2: Scanner to the Quick Settings Panel – How to Add an Icon

MIUI 13/14 has a hidden feature called the scanner widget in the Quick Settings Panel (curtain), which you can add manually to access the scanner in one tap.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slap the icon. ✏️ Edit (pencil) in the lower right corner.
3. Find the scanner widget (icon) in the list QR-code and drag it to the active area.
4. Click Ready – now the scanner icon will always be at hand.

This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+, including Redmi 10A, Redmi Note 11S and POCO M4 Pro. If the widget is not in the list, then your firmware is outdated – update it.

Make sure the screen is clean (mud interferes with focusing)

Turn on sufficient brightness of the screen

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

Check the permissions for the Camera app in the settings-->

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Instant access to the scanner without starting the camera.
• 🔄 It works even when the camera is occupied by another app (like TikTok or Instagram).
• 📱 It supports scanning not only QR-codes, but also barcodes (for example, from goods in the store).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 8 or Redmi) 7A) The scanner widget may not be available due to iron limitations, in which case use Method 1 (camera) or Method 4 (Google Lens).

Method 3: Document scanner in the Files app - how to scan a passport or receipt

Few people know, but the standard File Manager app on Xiaomi Redmi has a built-in document scanner. PDF-files from photographs of checks, passports, contracts and other papers. MIUI 12.5+.

Instructions for use:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Tools tab (in the lower menu).
3. Select the Document Scanner.
4. Point the camera at the document – the application will automatically find the boundaries and take a picture.
5. Edit the result (trimming, turning, filters) and save as a PDF or image.

Tips for better scan quality:

• 📄 Place the document on a flat surface with good lighting.
• 🔦 Enable Document Mode in the scanner settings (removes shadows).
• 🖼️ For multi-page documents, use the button +, add new pages.

💡

If you need to scan a document from both sides, take two separate photos, then combine them into one PDF through the Files → Tools → Combine PDF app.

Method 4: Google Lens is a universal scanner for all codes and text

If standard MIUI tools don’t work (e.g., on older Redmi models or after resetting), use Google Lens. This app from Google can scan:

• 🔗 QR-codes;
• 📝 Text from photos (OCR);
• 🏷️ Product labels (with automatic search on the Internet);
• 🌍 Translation of text in real time.

How to use:

1. Install Google Lens from the Play Store (if not installed).
2. Open the app and point the camera at the scan object.
3. For QR-Codes – touch the link that appears.
4. For text, select the desired fragment and select the action (Copy, Translate or Search).

The advantages of Google Lens:

• 🌐 It works on all Redmi models, even the oldest.
• 🔍 Recognising text at 100.+ languages (including Russian, English, Chinese).
• 🛒 Can find the product by barcode and show prices in online stores.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi smartphones (especially in China), Google Lens may be blocked due to regional restrictions. VPN or install APK-manual file from apkmirror.com.

Method 5: Hidden mode "Professional scanner" in the engineering menu

For power users, Redmi has a hidden engineering menu where you can activate advanced scanning features, which is suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon-based models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down and find the Scanner (or Camera Test) item.
4. Activate the Enhanced QR Scanner option (if available).
5. Reboot the phone.

What does it mean?

• 🔍 Increases recognition speed QR-codes 2-3 times.
• 📊 Supports dynamic scanning QR-codes (for example, for payment in the subway).
• 🛠️ Unlocks the scan mode in low light (useful for clubs) QR-code).

Why the scanner may not work and how to fix it

If none of these methods worked, the problem may lie in the following:

Additional checks:

• 🔧 Make sure the Camera app has permission to use the camera (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 📵 Check if the scan is blocking Power Saving Mode or Battery Optimization.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it solves recognition problems.

💡

If the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the camera settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data. This will return the standard settings without losing photos.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi