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

Scanning. QR-The problem with code from another Xiaomi phone is that it seems simple at first glance, but it is often difficult. The problem is that most standard scanners cannot read codes from smartphone displays due to glare, low contrast, or screen flickering. This is especially true for devices with AMOLED-Matrices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro, where brightness and color reproduction distort the perception of the code by the camera.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including little-known functions MIUI, scanner QR-code even from the screen of another Xiaomi phone - without installing additional applications, POCO F5) android devices 13/14, So if you've seen the error before, "Code recognition failed," here's the solution.

Why the standard scanner can't see QR-Xiaomi screen code?

The main reason is the technical limitations of the cameras and the features of the display QR-And these are the key factors:

  • 🔹 Screen flicker: Display refresh rate (e.g. 120Hz on Xiaomi) 12T) Creates a “stroboscope” effect that prevents the camera from focusing.
  • 🔹 Low contrast: On AMOLED-The black pixels are completely turned off, which is why the boundaries are QR-“merge».
  • 🔹 Autobrightness: Even with manual brightness adjustment, the system can adjust it to lighting, distorting the code.
  • 🔹 Limitations of the FS: B MIUI 14 Scanning algorithm ignores dynamic objects (including screens) by default).

Also, if you’re trying to scan code from a locked screen (like for messenger authorization), the standard Xiaomi scanner just won’t start.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with infrared port (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) scan QR-The code through the camera may conflict with the IR sensor. Before starting, disable the Infrared Port function in the Connection and Sharing settings.

Method 1: Built-in MIUI scanner (fastest)

Modern versions MIUI (starting MIUI 12) have a built-in scanner QR-It's a code that can be run without any additional applications, but it's going to require the right setup to scan from the screen:

  1. Open the Camera and go to Additional (Icon) mode «⋯» Or "More»).
  2. Select the Scan option QR-code (on some models — QR-scanner).
  3. Hold the camera to the screen with the code at a distance of 10-15 cm and hold 2-3 seconds.
  4. If the code is not recognized, tap the screen and manually focus on it.

On devices with MIUI 14 (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite), the scanning algorithm is improved, but it may be necessary to disable HDR in the camera settings.

  1. In scan mode, tap the icon. ⚙️ (setting).
  2. Turn off the Image Improvement or HDR option.
  3. Repeat the scan attempt.

Turn off autobrightness in the display settings

Set brightness to 80-90%

Turn the screen to Read Mode (if any)

Turn off the dark theme (for contrast)

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Important: If you scan the code from another Xiaomi phone, you will also turn off Adaptive Update Rate (Settings → Display → Update Rate).

Method 2: Screenshot + Google Lens (for complex cases)

If the built-in scanner fails (e.g., on the POCO X5 Pro with MIUI 13), use Google Lens through a screenshot. This method works even with code on a locked screen:

  1. Take a screenshot of the screen with QR-code (at the same time press the volume down) + Nutrition).
  2. Open Google Photos and find the screenshot.
  3. Slip on the Google Lens icon (bottom of the screen or in the “More” menu).
  4. Select the area with QR-code - the system automatically recognizes it.

The advantage of this method is that it's 100% static, without flickering or distortion, but keep in mind:

  • 📌 Google Lens may not recognize low-resolution codes (less than the 300x300 pixel).
  • 📌 On some models (for example, Black Shark 5), Google Lens is disabled by default – you need to install it from Google Play.

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If QR-The code on the screen is too small, zoom in with a pinch gesture before you create a screenshot, which will increase the chances of successful recognition.

Method 3: Screen Mirror Mode (for MIUI 14+)

MIUI 14 introduced a hidden screen mirror feature that allows you to “fix” an image from a screen for scanning, a technique that is particularly useful for codes on animated banners or applications with dynamic content (such as Mi Home).

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Special features → Utilities.
  2. Activate the Screen Mirror option (may be called Screen Fixing).
  3. Go back to the screen with QR-code and make a triple tap gesture with three fingers.
  4. The screen will freeze, after which it can be scanned in a standard way.

Limitations of the method:

Xiaomi modelSupport for Screen MirrorNotes
Xiaomi 13/13 ProYes.It works steadily, without delay.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Yes.May require rebooting after activation
POCO F4 GTPartially.The screen is fixed, but the scanner may not see the code.
Black Shark 4/5No.Function is not available in firmware

⚠️ Note: On some devices, after using Screen Mirror, the swipe up gesture for the home may temporarily turn off.To return it, restart the phone.

Method 4: Xiaomi’s Scanner app (for older models)

If you have a device on MIUI 11 or older (like the Redmi Note 9 or Mi 9T), a standard scanner may not be able to handle the code on the screen, and Xiaomi’s official Scanner app, which is often preinstalled but hidden in the Tools folder, will help.

How to use it:

  1. Find the Scanner app (a green magnifying glass icon) if it's not available, install it from Google Play.
  2. Launch the scanner and point the camera at the screen with the code.
  3. If the code is not recognized, click on the icon ⚙️ Enable the option of Improved Recognition.

Features of the annex:

  • 🔍 It recognizes codes even in low light (useful for the use of light). AMOLED-screen).
  • 🔍 Supports dynamic QR-codes (e.g. in banking applications).
  • 🔍 In some models (POCO X3) Requires permission to Overlay on top of other applications.
How to enable improved recognition in older versions of MIUI
In Scanner, go to Settings → Additional and activate High Precision Mode. Then restart the application. This mode increases scan time, but increases the chances of recognizing code from the screen.

Method 5: Alternative applications (if nothing works)

If all of the above methods didn’t work, use third-party scanners. We tested the top 3 apps optimized for scanning from Xiaomi screens:

AnnexAdvantagesDeficiencies
QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play)Recognises codes with AMOLED, supports 120 HzAdvertising requires permission to the camera
Kaspersky QR ScannerChecks security codes, works offlineSlow scanning on weak devices
NeoReader QRSupports dark theme, no advertisingPlugins for Extended Functions

Recommendations for use:

  • 📱 Check reviews before installing – some scanners conflict with MIUI (For example, it can cause overheating of the chamber).
  • 📱 Configure permissions: Give the app access to the Camera and Warehouse (to save scan history).
  • 📱 For codes with animation (for example, in TikTok or AliExpress), use Continuous Scanning mode.

Built-in camera

App "Scanner" from Xiaomi

Google Lens

By Party Annexes

In other ways.-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right method, users often face typical problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

  1. The code is not recognized the first time. Reason: Screen flickering or camera autofocus. Solution: Turn off Adaptive Brightness and tap the focus across the screen.
  2. The scanner gives an error "Incorrect format: QR-Solution: Ask to send the code in the original resolution or use Google Lens.
  3. The camera doesn't focus on the code Reason: Too close/long distance or dirt on the lens Solution: Keep the camera 10 to 20 cm away, wipe the lens.
  4. The scanner does not start on the locked screen Reason: MIUI security restrictions Solution: Unlock the phone or use the screenshot method.
  5. The code is recognized but does not open the link Reason: browser restrictions or ad blocker Solution: Copy the link manually or disable AdGuard.

A critical feature for Xiaomi owners with an infrared port: if the scanner is not working, check if the Remote DU mode is activated in the notification curtain. the IR sensor can block the camera.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I scan it? QR-Xiaomi screen code on another Xiaomi without internet?
Yes, if you use a built-in MIUI scanner or Xiaomi’s Scanner app, but Google Lens recognition requires a network connection (to download code data).
Why does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra scanner not see the codes from the iPhone screen?
The problem with different display technologies: iPhone uses OLED s P3-Profile that distorts colors QR-Solution: on iPhone, turn off True Tone → Screen and brightness) and set the brightness to maximum.
How to scan. QR-Xiaomi screen code if the camera is broken?
If the main camera is not working, but the screen is intact, use: Front camera (in some models supports scanning). USB-Debugging and using a scanner on your computer (e.g., ZXing Decoder) take a screenshot of the code and process it through Google Lens on another device.
Is it safe to scan? QR-Codes from random sites on Xiaomi?
MIUI It has built-in phishing code protection, but it's not perfect: 🛡️ Use Kaspersky. QR Scanner – It checks for links to malware. 🛡️ Do not scan codes from suspicious banners (e.g., “You won an iPhone!»). 🛡️ Before clicking on the link, check it out via VirusTotal.
Can I scan it? QR-Xiaomi screen code on the Mi TV TV?
Yes, but with nuances: On the Mi TV 4S/5, open the Mi Home app or Scanner (if any). Hold the Xiaomi phone screen 30 to 50 cm away (due to the low resolution of the TV camera). If the code doesn't recognize, take a screenshot on the phone and send it to TV via Mi Share.

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On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ most reliable way of scanning QR-Using Screen Mirror or Google Lens mode through a screenshot. The camera's built-in scanner may not be able to handle the problem. AMOLED-flicker-like.