How fast to scan. QR-code on the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi has become so simple that many users are unaware of all available methods, while some out of habit install third-party scanners, others miss the built-in features. MIUI, This article will cover all possible ways, from standard camera scanning to obscure features like quick access through the notification bar or using Google Lens to recognize codes in photos.

The feature of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices is that the manufacturer has integrated the QR scanner directly into the firmware, but its location and functionality may vary depending on the version of the MIUI (12, 13, 14) and the smartphone model. For example, on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra scanner supports code recognition in the dark thanks to an infrared sensor, and on the budget Redmi Note 12 you will have to turn on the flashlight manually. We will analyze the nuances for all cases – from old devices on MIUI 10 to the latest devices with HyperOS.

1. Standard QR scanner in the Camera app

The most obvious and versatile way is to use the built-in scanner in the standard Camera app, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones since MIUI 9 (2017) and does not require an Internet connection. The code recognition algorithm here is optimized for the Qualcomm and MediaTek hardware, so the scanning happens almost instantly.

To take advantage of this method:

• 📱 Open the Camera app** on the home screen or in the app menu.
• 🔍 Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder. 10-30 cm (for small codes - closer).
• 🔗 Wait for a notification with a link or text to appear. Click on it to go to the address or copy the data.

If the scanner fails:

• 💡 Make sure that QR-code is not damaged (no blurring, scratches or overlapping elements).
• 🔦 Turn on the flashlight if the lighting is weak: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and tap the flashlight icon** (or say with a voice, “OK Google, turn on the flashlight»).

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On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+, the QR scanner in the camera supports code recognition even at an angle of up to 45°. Just tilt the phone - you do not need to strictly center the code!

2. Quick scan through the notification panel

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in QR scanner widget that can be called directly from the notification panel, which is convenient when you need to scan the code as quickly as possible - for example, to pay in a store or log in to Wi-Fi. The widget works independently of the Camera application and often recognizes codes even better than the standard method.

How to turn on and use:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Swipe down again to deploy the full panel (where Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. switches are displayed).
3. Find the QR Scanner icon** (usually located to the right of the switches) and tap it.
4. Point the camera at the code - the result will appear in the form of a pop-up notification.

If the scanner icon is not available:

• 🔍 Find in the list "Scanner" QR»** Drag it to the active area (top of the screen).
• 📱 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) widget may be called «QR-code** or “Scan».

3. Scanning through Google Lens (for codes in photos and on the Internet)

Google Lens is a tool from Google that can recognize not only objects in photos, but also the objects in photos. QR-It works even with saved images (for example, if you have a code sent in a messenger) or codes on web pages. The feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with Google services preinstalled.

How to Scan QR with Google Lens:

• 📷 For photos in the gallery: open the image with QR-code → Click the Google Lens icon** (usually at the bottom of the screen or in the Share menu»).
• 🌐 For codes in the browser: open the page with QR → pinch the code → In the context menu, select “Find with Lens».
• 🔍 For live scanning: Open the Google app → Tap on the Lens icon** (near the search bar) → code-point.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Google Lens may not recognize dynamic QR-codes (the ones that change contents with each scan), for example, for one-time passwords.

4. Third-party applications: when embedded methods do not work

While Xiaomi’s built-in tools cover 90% of scenarios, specialized applications are sometimes required.

• 🛡️ Link security checks are required before transitioning (e.g. to Kaspersky) QR Scanner).

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Warning: Do not install scanners QR Attackers often disguise spyware as such, which steals bank card details or passwords. Always check the number of downloads and reviews!

5. QR scanning on older Xiaomi models (MIUI 8-11)

If you have a Xiaomi smartphone released before 2018 (e.g. Redmi Note 4X, Mi A1, Mi Max 2), then the built-in scanner in the camera may be missing or unstable.

Method 1: Update the firmware

Check the availability of updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If MIUI 12+ is available, upgrade to the scanner automatically.

Method 2: Manual addition of function

On MIUI 9-11 firmware, you can activate the hidden scanner through the settings editor:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.


2. Open it and find it in the list of com.android.camera.




3 Slip on CameraActivity → select QR_CODE_MODE.




4. Now, when the camera is opened, a separate item “QR-code” will appear in the mode menu.

⚠️ Note: Some older models (Redmi) 3S, Mi 5) after manual activation of the scanner, autofocus may disappear in the main camera mode. To return it, reset the camera settings in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

6. Special cases: QR scanning in Xiaomi apps

The manufacturer has integrated QR scanning into several proprietary applications, which is convenient for specific tasks:

1. Security Appendix (Security)

• 🔒 Used to log in to Mi Account or link Mi Home devices.

2. the application "Mi Home" (for a smart home)

• 🏠 Needed to connect Xiaomi devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, cameras).
• 🔗 The code is usually located on the device body or in the instructions.

3. "Mi Pay" application (for payments)

• 💳 Scanning. QR Payment in stores (only in supported countries, such as China or India).
• 📲 Alternative: Link the card to Google Pay and scan the codes through it.

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On Xiaomi smartphones for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware), the built-in scanner in "Mi Home" can block the connection of devices purchased in other regions.

7.Solving the Problem: Why Xiaomi Doesn't Scan QR-code

If none of the methods work, check the following points:

Camera problems:

• 📸 Clean the camera lens of dirt or scratches (wipe with a soft cloth).
• 🔧 Restart the Camera app or reset its settings to Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🛠️ If the camera isn’t focused, check it for other apps (like Google Camera).

Firmware problems:

• 📥 Install the latest updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 If the scanner is missing after the update, reset the camera settings (see above).

Problems with QR-code:

• 🖼️ Make sure the code is not corrupted (try scanning another code for the test).
• 🌐 If the code leads to the site, check the Internet connection (the scanner may not show the result without the network).

1. Check the purity of the camera lens

2. Update the firmware to the latest version

3. Clear the Camera app cache

4. Test scanning through Google Lens

5. Install a third-party scanner for diagnosis-->

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi