QR-Codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line, POCO And Mi are often challenged with how to quickly and safely read these codes. Unlike the iPhone, where the scanner is built into a standard camera, there are several alternative methods on Xiaomi Android devices — and not all of them are obvious.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to open QR-code on any Xiaomi smartphone running under control MIUI 12-15 Android 10-14. You will learn how to use the built-in scanner in the Camera app, why Google Lens sometimes doesn't work, and which third-party apps are the safest to install, and how to avoid fraudulent applications. QR-Codes that could steal your data.
If you are a user of POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13T, the instructions below will work for you, as the interface differences are minimal.
1. QR-codes in the standard camera Xiaomi
The fastest way to scan QR-Xiaomi code to use the built-in feature in the Camera app, available on all models starting with the Redmi 9 and Mi 10, but can be disabled in the settings. Here's how to activate it:
- Open the Camera app (camera icon on the home screen).
- Switch to Photo Mode (if you have another mode, such as Video or Portrait).
- Point the lens at QR-code - it should be at least 30% through the screen. 1-2 A notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
- Tap the notification to open the contents of the code in the browser or other application.
If the scanner doesn’t work, check if the feature is enabled in the camera settings:
- Open the camera → Settings (cogs) → Additional.
- Find the Scan item. QR-codes and activate the switch.
- On some models (e.g., POCO X5), this item may be called QR Recognition.
⚠️ Attention: If after scanning QR-When a suspicious website is opened (for example, asking for a username / password from a bank), do not enter data. Fraudsters often mask phishing pages as legitimate services. URL In the address bar of the browser – it should begin with https:// and contain the name of a known service (for example, sberbank.ru, not sber-pay.ru).
Xiaomi’s Scanner App: Where to Find and How to Use
Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added a separate Scanner app that recognizes more than just the Scanner app. QR-It's a code, but it's also a barcode, it's also a document, and it's got the advantage of being offline and not advertising.
To find this app:
- 🔍 Check the Tools folder on the home screen or in the app menu.
- 📱 If not, open the settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and type in the search "Scanner".
- 📥 On older models (for example, Redmi 8) the application may not be available – it can be installed through GetApps (brand store Xiaomi).
How to scan. QR-code through the scanner:
- Open the app and allow access to the camera.
- Select the tab QR-code (square icon with dots).
- Hover the camera over the code – the application automatically recognizes it and offers an action (open the link, save the contact, etc.).
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ It works without the internet.
- ✅ Can save scan history (in the application settings).
- ✅ Supports scanning from photos (galleries).
☑️ Preparation for scanning QR-code
3.Google Lens: universal scanner for Xiaomi
Google Lens is a tool from Google that can recognize objects, text and, of course, the use of the Internet, QR-It is preinstalled on most Xiaomi smartphones with Google services (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi 12).If it is not, install it through the Play Store.
How to scan. QR-code through Google Lens:
- Open the Google app (or Google Photos).
- Click on the Lens (stylized camera) icon in the search bar.
- Put the camera on QR-If the code contains a link, the Open button will appear.
Features of Google Lens:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| It recognizes codes even at an angle or in low light. | It requires an internet connection for some functions. |
| Can translate text from QR-code (e.g. in a foreign language). | On some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO M4 Pro) it is slower than the built-in scanner. |
| Integrated with Google Translate and Google Maps. | It can display ads when scanning some codes. |
⚠️ Attention: If you are scanning QR-The code for connecting to Wi-Fi, Google Lens may request permission to access the network. Do not confirm the connection if the code is obtained from an unreliable source (for example, a sticker in a public place). Fraudsters can create an access point with the same name as a legitimate network and intercept your traffic.
4 Third-party apps: which are safe for Xiaomi
If the built-in tools don't work, you can install a third-party scanner, but not all apps in the Play Store are safe -- some collect data or display intrusive ads -- and we tested 10 popular scanners and selected 3 reliable options:
- 🛡️ QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – no ads, works offline, has a history of scanning.
- 🔒 Kaspersky QR Scanner – checks links to viruses, blocks phishing sites.
- 📱 Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) - open source, supports all formats QR.
How to install and use:
- Open the Play Store and enter the name of the app.
- Check the developer (real apps have millions of downloads and a 4.5+ rating).
- After installation, open the scanner and allow access to the camera.
- Point the lens over the code - the result will appear instantly.
Important: Never install scanners from unknown developers with few reviews. Some applications (such as Super QR Scanner Pro) may contain malicious code that steals bank card details or contacts.
How to check the application for security?
Scanning. QR-code from the screen of another device
Sometimes you need to scan. QR-code that is displayed on the screen of another phone, tablet or computer, in which case a standard Xiaomi camera may fail due to the flicker of the screen:
- 📸 Take a photo of the code and open it in the Scanner or Google Lens app.
- 🔄 Use the screenshot mode. QR" in some scanners (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner).
- 🖥️ Send the code to the mail and open it to Xiaomi through the browser.
If the code flickers (for example, on an animation site), try:
- Reduce the brightness of the screen of the device from which you are scanning.
- Enable HDR mode in the camera on Xiaomi (sometimes helps stabilize the image).
- Use the scanner with the function of Freeze frame (available in Kaspersky QR Scanner).
💡
If QR-The code is not scanned from the iPhone screen, try to turn on True Tone mode on it. → Screen and brightness. This reduces flickering, and the code will become clearer for the Xiaomi camera.
6.Scanning problems: what to do if QR-code won't open
If Xiaomi’s smartphone does not recognize QR-code, causes can vary from technical malfunctions to errors in the code itself:
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The camera is not focusing. | Wipe the lens, check if it is covered with a cover. Try scanning from another distance (15-30 cm). |
| QR-code damaged or blurred | Try scanning from a different angle or increase the contrast of the code in the graphics editor. |
| The app is making an error | Update the scanner app or reboot your phone. On Xiaomi with MIUI, it sometimes helps to clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Scanner → Clear the cache). |
| Reference from QR-code doesn't open | Check your internet connection. If the site is blocked, try opening it via a VPN. |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- 🔧 Reset camera settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings.
- 📲 Update firmware: sometimes scan bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI.
- 🛠️ Check the camera for hardware damage (for example, after a phone crash).
💡
If QR-The code contains important information (e.g. ticket or pass), always take a screenshot of the scan result. Some codes are limited in time and re-scanning may not work.