Modern smartphones have become universal tools that can read information from a variety of media. QR-Codes are everywhere today, from restaurant menus to Wi-Fi routers. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often wonder where to look for built-in scanning to avoid clogging memory with unnecessary software.
Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer a lot of built-in solutions for working with two-dimensional barcodes. You don't need to download third-party programs, which are often overloaded with advertising. System tools are faster, safer and already integrated into the interface of your gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can read data, look at standard applications, desktop widgets, and even hidden system features, and learn how to quickly click on links, pay for purchases, and connect to wireless networks in one touch.
Use of the built-in "Scanner" application
The most reliable and functional way is to use a regular system application, which on Xiaomi smartphones is usually pre-installed in the Tools folder and is simply called the Scanner or Scanner, which is not only able to open links, but also recognize products, translate text and even solve mathematical examples through the camera.
To start the check, look for the Tools folder on your desktop and click on the barcode icon. Once you open the app, point the lens at the image. Automatic recognition is instantaneous if it's coded and well lit. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the scan result.
The app supports various modes of operation, which can be selected manually or left on automatic determination.
- 📷 Universal mode - reads any codes and barcodes of goods.
- 🌐 Translator – recognizes the text in the image and translates it.
- 🛒 Shopping – looking for products by barcode in online stores.
- 📄 Documents – scans the text and saves it in an editable format.
⚠️ Note: When using the Translation or Purchase mode, the application may request Internet access and geolocation for the correct operation of services.
Importantly, this app supports Mi Pay and Mi Credit, which allows you to read payment codes for quick replenishment of balance or payment of services, making the Scanner one of the most important system utilities in the user’s arsenal.
Scanning through the “Scanner” widget on the desktop
For those who value their time, MIUI has designed the ability to display the scan feature directly to the desktop, eliminating the need to search for an app in menus or folders. The widget is a handy button that, when you click on it, immediately opens the camera interface to read the codes.
To add this element, you need to pinch an empty area on your desktop or pinch with two fingers to go into editing mode. Next, select "Widgets" in the bottom menu. In the list of available widgets, find the category "Tools" or immediately "Scanner".
Drag the scanner icon to the free screen space, and now you just need one tap to start the function, which is especially convenient when you need to quickly pay for a checkout or show a pass.
☑️ Quick access settings
Some users prefer to use larger widgets that display scan history or have additional buttons.The widget size can be changed by holding it on the screen and selecting the "Resize" option if your shell version supports it.
Scanning function in the Camera app
Many users do not even suspect that the standard application “Camera” on Xiaomi already knows how to read QR-This feature is often enabled by default, but can be hidden in settings or require activation via Google Lens.
Open the Camera app and hover over the code. If a link or action button appears in the viewfinder, it means that the function is active. If nothing happens, click on the Eyes or Lens icon in the corner of the screen (usually in the upper right or left corner), which will trigger intelligent analysis of the image.
You can force code recognition to be enabled in the camera settings, and go to the settings menu (three bars or gears) and find "Code recognition" or "Google Lens" and make sure the switch is active.
Why can't the camera see the code?
Using a camera is the fastest way to do this, as it doesn’t require you to switch to other apps, but it’s worth remembering that in some regions or on global firmware versions, this feature can work through Google services, which requires the availability of appropriate services.
Use of Google Lens (Google Lens)
In global firmware versions and on Google Mobile Services (GMS) certified devices, the primary computer vision tool is Google Lens, a powerful tool that is integrated into the system and offers enhanced functionality over a standard scanner.
You can run Google Lens in a number of ways: through the Google search widget on your desktop, through the Google app, or directly from the camera interface if it's activated there. The icon is a multicolored square with a circle inside.
The main features of Google Lens include:
- 🔍 Instant translation of text from photos in real time.
- 👗 Search for products by photo (visual search).
- 📝 Copying handwritten or printed text from an image.
- 📚 Solving homework and recognizing dog or plant breeds.
To work with QR-The system will determine the type of code and suggest the appropriate action: open the site, add a contact or connect to Wi-Fi. The accuracy of recognition in Google Lens is often higher than in standard tools, especially in poor lighting.
💡
Use the Update button in the Google Lens interface if the camera doesn’t focus on the code the first time.
Scanning Wi-Fi codes for fast connection
One of the most useful features in the Android ecosystem and MIUI It is possible to connect to the Wi-Fi network by scanning a special QR-This eliminates the need to manually enter complex passwords, especially if they contain many special characters.
To connect to the network, simply scan the code provided by the router or cafe owner in any of the ways described above (Camera, Scanner, Lens). The screen will display a notification "Connect to Wi-Fi"Name Network" click on it and the smartphone will automatically log in.
Interestingly, Xiaomi allows you to not only read, but also create codes for your network, which is convenient if you often come to visit. Go to the Wi-Fi settings, click on your network name or icon (share), and the system will generate a unique QR-code.
The process of creating a guest code is as follows:
- Open Settings and go to the Wi-Fi section.
- Click on the arrow next to your network name or select Share.
- The system will request proof of identity (print or pin).
- It'll appear on screen. QR-code that guests can scan.
| Method | Speed of operation | Advertising | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix "Scanner" | Tall. | No. | Translation, goods, documents |
| Widget on the table | Instant. | No. | Just scans. |
| Annex "Camera" | Tall. | No. | Integration with photo |
| Google lens | Medium | No. | Search, text, objects |
Problem Solving and Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users sometimes face difficulties: the camera may not focus, and the application may not respond to the image, most often the problem is the contamination of the lens or too close to the code. Move the phone 10-15 cm.
If scanning doesn't work in any application, check permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → Scanner (or Camera) → Permissions. Make sure that access to the camera is allowed. Without that system resolution, the function can't physically work.
⚠️ Note: Never follow the links from QR-codes obtained from unknown sources (street ads, suspicious flyers) may lead to a phishing site that mimics a bank or social media page.
In rare cases, cleaning the app cache helps, go to the app's settings and select "Clear Data" or "Clear Cache" to reset temporary files that may have caused the recognition module to malfunction.
💡
If the regular funds don’t work, installing Google Lens from Play Market solves the problem 99% of the time, because it uses the most current code databases.
Understanding how to scan QR codes on Xiaomi makes it much easier to interact with the digital world: Use built-in tools for maximum security and speed, turning to third-party software only in exceptional cases.