Scanning. QR-Xiaomi codes: why it is necessary and how it works
QR-Codes have long been an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line and the Wi-Fi line). POCO) They can scan them without installing third-party applications β built-in tools are enough. MIUI. But not everyone knows that the algorithm has changed on new versions of firmware, and some methods work only on certain models.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of scanning. QR-codes on Xiaomi phones in 2026 From the standard in-camera scanner to hidden features in the Quick Settings menu, we will focus on the nuances for Android devices. 13/14 firmware MIUI 14, We'll also find out why sometimes the scanner doesn't recognize the code and how to fix it.
If you use Xiaomi older than 2019 (e.g., Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9T), some methods may not work, as we will discuss below.
Method 1: Scanner QR-codes in a standard chamber
The most obvious and universal method is to use the built-in scanner in the Camera app, which works on all Xiaomi models since the Redmi 5 (2017) and does not require an Internet connection.
- Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
- Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
- Wait for the notification at the top of the screen with a suggestion to click on the link or copy the data.
- Tap notifications to perform the action (open the site, connect to Wi-Fi, etc.).
In the models with MIUI 12 and later (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X4 Pro) the scanner is activated automatically when getting stuck on QR-On older versions (MIUI 11 and below) you may need to manually enable the feature in the camera settings:
- Open the camera β Settings (cogs) β Additional.
- Activate the switch Scan QR-code.
π‘
If the camera doesnβt recognize the code, try to brighten the screen or turn on the flashlight β this helps in low light.
Important: Some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 with pure Android) donβt have a built-in scanner in the camera β use alternative methods from the following sections.
Method 2: Quick scan through the notification panel
V MIUI 13/14 There was a convenient scanning function QR-This method works faster than launching a camera and is suitable for frequent transactions (for example, payment in stores:
- Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Tap the QR Scanner icon (pictured as a three-corner square). If it's not there, click Edit (pencil) and add the widget manually.
- Point the camera at the code - the data will be displayed immediately on the screen.
The advantage of this method is that you do not need to open a separate application, and the scan takes less than 2 seconds. However, on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) this widget may not be available - check if there are shortcuts in the list of available shortcuts.
Method 3: The Scanner App from Xiaomi
Xiaomi phones preinstalled proprietary application Scanner (in English - Scanner), which can recognize not only the Scanner QR-It's codes, but it's also barcodes, documents, even text from photos, hidden in the Tools folder or searchable through the system.
How to use:
- π Find the Scanner app through search (swipe down the home screen and type in the name).
- π± Open it and select the mode. QR-bottom-menu.
- π― Point the camera to the code β the data will be displayed automatically.
- π If necessary, save the result to Scan History (available in the upper right corner).
This app supports night scanning (turns on automatically in low light) and can recognize codes even from the screen of another device. 12/13/14 It also has a translation function with QR-codes (for example, from Chinese to Russian).
What is the difference between the scanner and the camera?
Method 4: Scanning through Google Lens (for devices with Google services)
If your Xiaomi has Google services installed (most models, other than the Chinese versions), you can use Google Lens, a powerful image and text recognition tool that is integrated into the Google Photos app and Google Assistant.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Google Photos or Camera app (in photo mode).
- Click on the Google Lens icon (a stylized letter "G" with a dot).
- Put the camera on QR-code β Lens will automatically prompt actions (clicking on a link, copying text, etc.).
Advantages of this method:
- π Works with international codes (for example, for payment abroad).
- π It can recognize codes even on curved surfaces (e.g., on bottles).
- π Stores the scan history in your Google account.
Restriction: On devices without Google services (e.g., the Chinese version of Xiaomi for the domestic market), this method is not available.
Make sure the internet is turned on.|Update the Google Photos app|Clean the camera lens of contamination|Turn on sufficient brightness of the screen-->
Method 5: Third-party applications for advanced tasks
Xiaomi's built-in tools cover 90% tasks, but for specific scenarios (scanning corrupted codes, generating your own codes) QR, We're going to need third-party applications.-3 solution MIUI:
| Annex | Features | Suitable for | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) | Scans 50+ formats, scan history, night mode | Payment, authorization, inventory | Advertising in the free version |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | Checks security links, blocks phishing | Secure payments, login to accounts | Requires Internet access |
| QR Code Reader (by Scan) | QR generator, PDF export, cloud storage | Business challenges, marketing | Fees paid |
To install, go to the Google Play Store and enter the name of the app. After installation, grant permissions to access the camera and storage (if you need to save scans).
π‘
The app side is only relevant for rare tasks, and Xiaomiβs built-in tools will suffice for everyday use.
β οΈ Warning: Do not install scanners QR source (APK-Attackers often disguise viruses as viruses that steal bank card data. Use only verified applications from official stores.
What to do if Xiaomi does not scan QR-code
Sometimes, even on new devices (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the scanner refuses to recognize the code.
- π¦ Low lighting: Turn on the flashlight or move the code to a lighter place. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) can increase the brightness of the display to the maximum - this will help the backlight.
- π± Dirty lens: Wipe the camera with a soft cloth.dust or fingerprints distort the image.
- π Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings β The phone. β System Update: In versions older than 2022, there were bugs with the scanner.
- π« Damaged code: If QR-The code is torn or blurred, try scanning it from another angle or use the app QR Code Reader (it is better at recovering damaged codes).
If the problem persists, reset the camera settings:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the camera, open its settings.
- Select Warehouse. β Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
β οΈ Note: On devices with root rights or custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu), the scanner may not work properly. In this case, install a third-party application or return to the official firmware.
Safety in scanning QR-Xiaomi codes
QR-codes are convenient, but can be dangerous: scammers often disguise phishing links or malicious scripts as them:
- π‘οΈ Do not scan codes from street stickers (especially on ATMs or in transport) β they could be replaced.
- π Check links before clicking: If a site with an error in the address opens after scanning (for example, paypa1.com instead of paypal.com, do not enter data.
- π± Use secure applications: For payment purposes QR (For example, in SberBank Online or Tinkoff, use only official banking applications, not the built-in Xiaomi scanner.
- π Update: B MIUI 14 added the function of pre-checking links from QR-phishing.
On Xiaomi devices with firmware for the Chinese market (for example, Redmi K50 Gaming in the version for China), the built-in scanner by default blocks clicks to foreign sites. To fix this, you need to change the region in the settings for Russia or Global.
If you scan codes for work frequently (e.g. in warehouse or logistics), install specialized software with verification functionality, such as QR Code Security Scanner.