Where to look for a scanner in the Xiaomi Redmi phone: all the ways and hidden features

You're trying to scan. QR-A code, barcode or document on your Xiaomi Redmi, but can't find the built-in scanner? This problem is familiar to many users - despite the fact that the user has a very good idea of how to use it. MIUI It has several built-in scanning tools, often hidden in non-obvious places or requiring additional adjustments. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate the scanner on Redmi devices (including Note 12, 11 Pro models, 10C, 9T Others, and how to circumvent restrictions if standard methods don’t work.

It is important to understand that the functionality of the scanner depends on the version. MIUI regional firmware, for example, in global versions (Global) ROM) Some features can be disabled by default, whereas in Chinese (China) ROM) We'll take these nuances into account and provide solutions for all cases, from basic to advanced.

If you are looking for a scanner, QR-a tool for digitizing documents (for example, to create a PDF), Xiaomi Redmi has some of these features, but they're hidden deeper, and then you'll learn how to find them, and what third-party apps can be an alternative if the built-in tools don't suit you.

1. Built-in scanner QR-code MIUI: Where to look and how to turn on

The easiest way to scan QR-Xiaomi Redmi code is to use the built-in tool in the Quick Settings Bar, but many users don't know it's there because by default, this feature can be disabled. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Settings) in upper right corner.
3. Find Control Panel (or Quick Settings in Older Versions) MIUI).
4. Scroll through the list of available tiles and find the scanner QR (or QR Scanner).
5. Drag this tile into the active area (up the screen).

Now the scanner will be available directly from the notification bar.An important nuance: on some Redmi models (for example, Redmi). 9A or Redmi 8) this feature may not be available in the global firmware. MIUI before the latest version or use alternative methods described below.

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If the tile scanner QR not listed, try resetting the control panel settings: go to Settings → Control panel → Reset to standard. Then check the list again.

Another way to run the scanner is through the camera. Many people don't know, but the Camera app is in the camera. MIUI discernible QR-real-time code:

• 📷 Open the Camera app.
• 🔍 Point the lens at QR-code (no need to press the button of the descent).
• 🔗 If the code is recognized, a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.

This method works on most Redmi models, but may not work on very old devices (such as the Redmi 5 or Redmi Note 4) due to hardware or firmware limitations.

2.Barcode scanner: Where it's hidden in Xiaomi Redmi

Unlike in the past. QR-codes, barcode scanning (e.g. from in-store products) is not always supported by built-in tools MIUI. However, there are several ways to circumvent this limitation:

Method 1: Through the Mi Browser app

• 🌐 Open the Mi Browser browser (included in the standard set) MIUI).
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter a request (for example, the name of the product).
• 📦 Next to the search box will appear the Scanner icon – click on it.
• 📱 Point the camera at the barcode.

Method 2: Google Lens (if installed)

If your Redmi has a Google app installed (or Google Lens separately), you can use it to scan the barcodes:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Click on the Google Lens icon (near the search box).
3. Select the Shopping mode (Shopping).
4. Point the camera at the barcode.

If none of these methods work, your Redmi model may not support software-level barcode scanning, and you may need to use third-party applications (we’ll discuss them in one of the following sections).

3. Document scanner: how to digitize papers on Xiaomi Redmi

Many users do not know that Xiaomi Redmi has a built-in tool for scanning documents and then saving them in the future. PDF. This function is hidden in the Notes app and works as follows:

1. Open the Notes app (an icon in the form of a notebook).
2. Create a new note (click on the following). + bottom-line).
3. Choose an icon 📷 (Camera) in the toolbar.
4. Click on the Scan of a document (or Document Scan).
5. Take a picture of the document, follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Click Ready - the scan will remain in the note in the form PDF.

This tool supports automatic edge trimming, perspective correction, and text readability improvements, but it has limitations.

• ❌ Does not work on models with less than 3 GB of RAM (e.g. Redmi) 8A).
• ❌ In some regional firmware, the function may not be.
• ❌ Maximum scan resolution — 1920×1080 (Not suitable for professional digitization).

If you need to scan a multi-page document, it is best to use specialized applications (such as CamScanner or Adobe Scan), since the built-in tool is a very useful tool. MIUI does not support batch processing.

4. Hidden functions of the scanner in MIUI: He can, but he doesn't show.

MIUI It has some hidden scanner capabilities that are not covered in the official documentation:

One of the most useful hidden features is Wi-Fi scanning QR. It allows you to connect to the network by simply scanning code from another device (like a router or someone else's phone), which saves time, especially if the password is complex:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the icon. QR near the name of your network.
3. Ask another user to scan the code, and it will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi.

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Wi-Fi scanning function QR It works even if the device is disabled mobile Internet – the main thing is that the camera was good.

Another little-known possibility is to extract text from photos (OCR). This feature is available in the Gallery and allows you to copy text from images (for example, from a photo of a document or signage), but it does not work on all models and requires an Internet connection to process data.

5.Why the scanner doesn't work: Common problems and solutions

If the built-in scanner on your Xiaomi Redmi is not working, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI — Some of the scanner's functions only appear in MIUI 12 and newer.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions in global firmware (Global) ROM) part-function off.
• 📵 Lack of camera permission – check your privacy settings.
• 🔋 Battery savings – some features are turned off in power saving mode.

Let’s look at the solutions for each of the problems:

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), built-in scanner MIUI It won't work, and then you'll have to install third-party apps.

Problem 1: The scanner is missing from the Quick Settings panel

Decision:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. If the update didn’t work, try resetting the control panel settings (as described in the first section).
3. For models on MIUI 11 and below download the official Mi Remote app – it has a built-in scanner.

Problem 2: The camera doesn't recognize QR-code

Decision:

• 📱 Make sure that the camera settings are on mode AI-Recognition (Camera settings) → Additionally. → AI-scene-recognition).
• 🔍 Check if the camera covers the cover or film.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes it helps to reset recognition errors.

Problem 3: Document scanning in Notes does not work

Decision:

• 📝 Make sure the Notes app has access to the camera (Settings) → Annexes → Permit management → Notes → Camera).
• 🗃️ Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Notes → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Update the Notes app through the Play Market (if it is updated separately from the Play Market) MIUI).

6.The Best Third-Party Scanning Apps on Xiaomi Redmi

If embedded tools MIUI You don't like it, you can use third-party apps.-5 Proven solutions optimized for Xiaomi devices:

If you are choosing between CamScanner and Adobe Scan, pay attention to the following nuances:

• 📄 CamScanner is better suited for fast digitization (e.g. checks or schedules).
• 📑 Adobe Scan is preferred for multi-page documents (contracts, books).

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party scanners, check the permissions they request. For example, if an application requests access to SMS or Contacts without an obvious reason, this is a reason to be wary.

For users who are interested in privacy, we recommend QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play – it does not require registration and works completely offline.

7.Scanner in Xiaomi Redmi for business tasks: what to choose

If you use Xiaomi Redmi for work and you need to scan a large number of documents, barcodes or other documents. QR-codes, embedded tools MIUI In this case, pay attention to the following solutions:

To scan barcodes in trading:

• 🛒 Zebra Scanner – Supports scanning EAN-13, UPC, Code 39 and other formats.
• 📦 Barcode to PC — Allows you to transfer scanned data to your computer over Wi-Fi.

To digitize documents in the office:

• 📑 Office Lens (from Microsoft) – Integration with OneNote and Word.
• 🖼️ Scanbot supports OCR for 60+ languages, exports JPEG/PNG/PDF.

If you need to automate scanning (for example, for inventory), consider buying an external scanner that connects to Redmi over Bluetooth.

• 📱 Zebra DS2208 — compatible with Android, scans from up to 30 cm.
• 🔍 Honeywell Voyager 1450g — supportive 1D/2D codes, working with MIUI driverless.

Install the latest version MIUI|Check the permissions for the scanner app|Turn off the power saving mode|Set up the camera's autofocus|Make a backup copy of important data-->

For business purposes, it is also useful to set up quick access to the scanner:

1. Add the scanner app shortcut to the desktop.
2. Set up a gesture for quick start (such as double tapping the screen).
3. Use Do Not Disturb mode so that notifications do not interfere with the scan.

8. Alternative scanning methods without applications

If for some reason you can’t install additional apps, there are a few alternative ways to scan a code or document on Xiaomi Redmi:

Method 1: Through Google Search

1. Open your browser and go to google.com.
2. In the search bar, click on the Google Lens icon (near the microphone).
3. Put the camera on QR-code.

Method 2: Through Yandex (for users from Russia)

The Yandex application has a built-in scanner that works even without installing additional programs:

1. Open the Yandex app.
2. Click on the scanner icon in the lower right corner.
3. Select the code type (QR or the barcode).

Method 3: Through Telegram

If you need to scan quickly QR-code, you can use the bot:

1. Open Telegram and find the bot @QRScannerBot.
2. Send the bot a photo. QR-code.
3. The bot will send you the decrypted information.

These methods are suitable for one-off tasks, but if you need to scan codes regularly, it is best to install a specialized application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the scanner in Xiaomi Redmi