How to scan. QR-Xiaomi phone code: all methods (including hidden ones)

Scanning the QR- codes on Xiaomi smartphones has become so simple that many users are not even aware of all the available methods. While most are limited to the standard camera application, the MIUI system offers at least 5 in various ways - from embedded tools to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions. This article will not just list all the options, but also reveal the nuances of their work on different models (from Redmi Note ZXQPH0003QXXXXXX to Xiaomi ZXPH), and sometimes refuses to fix the code, as well as it does not explain the code.

Xiaomi phones are not only feature-based, but also firmware-based, and the functionality of QR scanning is different, for example, MIUI 14 has a separate fast-access widget that doesn’t exist in earlier versions, and owners of infrared-ported devices like the Redmi Note 8 Pro may encounter sensor conflicts when scanning, and we’ll look at all of these cases and give you specific recommendations on what settings to change for stable operation.

1. scanning QR through a standard camera (fastest method)

In 90% of cases, Xiaomi users don’t need to install additional apps — a standard camera is enough. QR scanning is built into the Camera app on all devices with MIUI 9 and newer (this is almost all smartphones released after 2017), the main advantage of this method is speed: the code is recognized in a fraction of a second, and the link opens automatically.

To take advantage of this method:

• 📷 Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
• 🔍 Hover the lens over the QR- code so that it fits fully into the preview frame.
• 🔗 Wait for the notification to appear at the top of the screen (usually 1-2 seconds).
• 👆 Tap the notification to click on the link or save data (such as a contact or Wi-Fi password).

If the scan is not working, check the following settings:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Permissions and make sure that access to the camera is enabled.
2. In the same camera settings, find QR- code Scan (some versions of the MIUI call it Code Recognition) and activate it.
3. If you use GCam (a modified Google camera), go back to the standard app – in third-party versions, the crawl feature can be disabled.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a screen cut out (e.g., Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K50), there is sometimes a problem when the camera is not focusing on closely spaced QR- codes. The solution is to move the phone 15–20 cm away from the code or enable Macro Mode in the camera settings.

2. built-in QR scanner in the notification curtain (MIUI 12 and later)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added quick access to the QR scanner directly to the notification panel, a method that is convenient when you need to scan the code as quickly as possible - for example, to pay in store or connect to Wi-Fi.

How to turn on and use:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain.
2. Find the QR Scanner icon (usually hidden under the Edit or Add Tile button).
3. If there is no icon, click Edit, find the QR Scanner in the list and drag it to the active area.
4. You tap the icon, the camera will open in scan mode, point it to the code.

This method works even on a locked screen (if the appropriate setting is enabled) to activate the scan without unlocking:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Lock screen → Additional settings.
• 🔍 Enable the Scanner option QR on the lock screen (not available on all models).

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If the scanner icon disappeared from the curtain after the MIUI update, try resetting the notification bar settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → System Applications → Notification Panel → Storage → Clear Data.

3. Special applications from Xiaomi: Mi Scanner and Security

For users who need to not only scan but also create QR- codes, Xiaomi offers two official applications: Mi Scanner (formerly Scanner) and the built-in module in Security (Security), these tools support additional features such as barcode recognition, saving scan history and generating native codes.

Mi Scanner (available on the App Store for Xiaomi):

• 🔍 Scans QR and barcodes (including EAN-13, UPC-A).
• 📥 Stores scan history (up to 100 last codes).
• 🔄 Allows you to create your own QR- codes for text, contacts, Wi-Fi.
• 🔦 Includes a flashlight for scanning in the dark.

The module in the Security app:

• 🛡️ Checks link security before opening (blocks phishing sites).
• 📊 Shows detailed information about the code (type, size, content).
• 🔄 Integrated with Cleaner to delete unnecessary files after scanning.

To find these tools:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Tools tab (or Utilities in older versions).
3. Find a QR scanner or Code Checker.

⚠️ Warning: On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the Security app may be a simplified version without the scan module. In this case, install Mi Scanner from GetApps (the official Xiaomi store).

4. Hidden function: scanning through the Mi Browser browser

Few people know, but the Mi Browser has a built-in QR scanner that works even without the Internet, a method that is useful if the standard camera refuses to recognize the code (for example, due to a damaged module) or if you want to immediately open a link in the browser without unnecessary clicks.

How to scan QR through the browser:

1. Open the Mi Browser (Blue Globe icon with the white letter Mi).
2. In the upper right corner, click on three dots (⋮) and select Scanner QR.
3. Point the camera at the code. The browser automatically recognizes it and opens the page.

Advantages of this method:

• 🌐 Opens links immediately in the browser (no unnecessary transitions).
• 📱 Works on devices with damaged main camera (using an alternative module).
• 🔒 Blocks dangerous links through Xiaomi’s built-in antivirus.

If the QR Scanner option is not on the menu, upgrade your browser to the latest version or clear its cache:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear cache

5. Alternative ways: Google Lens and third-party apps

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t fit for some reason, you can use third-party solutions, the most reliable options are Google Lens (built into Google Photos or Google Assistant) and specialized applications like Gamma Play’s QR & Barcode Scanner, which often deal with corrupted or complex codes that a standard scanner doesn’t recognize.

Google Lens (available on all Xiaomi with Google Play Services):

• 📸 Open Google Photos or Google Assistant (hold the Home button).
• 🔍 Press the Lens icon (stylized letter G with a dot).
• 📱 Hover the camera over the QR- code. Lens recognizes it and suggests actions (open the link, save contact, etc.).

Third-party annexes (recommended):

• 🛡️ QR & Barcode Scanner supports more than 20 code formats, including Aztec and PDF417.
• 🔗 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks links to viruses before opening.
• 📱 NeoReader – works without the internet and saves the scan history.

When choosing a third-party scanner, pay attention to:

• 📥 Application size (some "light" scanners weigh less than 5MB).
• 🔒 Having a link checker (important for security)
• 📊 Support for formats (e.g. Micro QR or MaxiCode for industrial codes).

⚠️ Warning: Some scanning apps (especially from unknown sources) may collect data about your codes. Before installing, check permissions in Google Play - trusted crawlers should not have access to SMS, contacts, or geolocation.

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Google Lens is better than Xiaomi’s standard scanner for recognizing codes on curved surfaces (such as bottles or packages) thanks to AR Core technology, which corrects distortions.

6. Solution: Why Xiaomi phone doesn't scan QR-

Even new Xiaomi smartphones sometimes have problems with scanning QR. Most often this is due to software failures, but in 10-15% of cases hardware limitations (for example, a damaged camera module or a protective film on the lens) are to blame.

Common causes and solutions:

Specific Mistakes on Xiaomi:

• 🔴 Camera error: 0xA00F4244 — occurs on infrared port devices (e.g., Redmi Note 8 Pro). Solution: Turn off the IR port in Settings → Connected Devices → Infrared port.
• 🔴 I couldn't read the code, which is often when I scan codes from another device's screen, so you can either turn down the brightness of the source screen or turn on Read mode in the display settings.
• 🔴 Halting in recognition phase — may be caused by conflict with MIUI Optimization. Solution: Go to Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI, tap 7 times on version, then to Advanced Settings → For developers, disable MIUI Optimization.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the camera settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Storage → Clear data

7. QR scanning on older Xiaomi models (MIUI 8 and below)

Owners of devices running MIUI 8 or earlier (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi 5) may not have a built-in scanner, and may need to use third-party solutions or update firmware, but there are workarounds, such as Google Assistant scanning or special applications optimized for weak devices.

Ways for old models:

• 📱 QR Droid is a lightweight app (weight ~3 MB), running on Android 5.0+.
• 🔍 Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team is open source, no ads.
• 🌐 Web-based scanning (e.g. webqr.com) is suitable if the phone’s camera is damaged but the screen is working.

If you decide to update the firmware, consider:

• 📲 On Redmi 3S/4A, the latest official version of MIUI is MIUI 11, but it can be upgraded to MIUI 12 via custom firmware (e.g., xiaomi.eu).
• ⚠️ Before updating, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
• 🔧 To install custom firmware, you will need to unlock Bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Warning: On 1GB of RAM devices (e.g., Redmi 3S), the newer versions of MIUI may not work as well, in which case it is better to use lightweight third-party scanners or web versions.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi