Installation of applications through QR-codes on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) — This is a quick way to get around the limitations of Google Play or download it. APK-But many users are facing problems: the camera doesn't recognize the code, there's a "failed to open a link" error, or the system blocks the installation from unknown sources. MIUI 12/13/14, including avoiding common errors and setting up security.
Feature of Xiaomi devices – built-in scanning function QR It's right in the standard Camera app, but it doesn't work on all models and firmware versions. MIUI 13 this option is active by default, and POCO X3 NFC You may need to manually turn on. It is also important to consider that some of the QR-installer APK They have direct download links, and others are redirected to web pages with instructions.
1. Scanning. QR-code through a standard Xiaomi camera
The easiest way is to use firmware. The QR scanning feature is available on most Xiaomi devices starting with MIUI 10, but it depends on the regional firmware and model. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Camera app (not through the widget on the lock screen, but a full-fledged app).
- Switch to Photo Mode (not Video or Portrait).
- Point the lens at QR-code – if the function is active, a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
- Tap the pop-up banner to open the link in the browser.
If the camera is not responding to QR-code, check it out:
- 🔦 Lighting: the code should be clearly visible, no glare. Try turning on the flashlight (Swipe down). → Lantern).
- 📱 Distance: optimally 15 to 30 cm from the code. The camera may not focus too close or far.
- ⚙️ Camera settings: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) scan QR Deactivated by default. To enable: Settings → System applications → Camera. → Scan. QR-code
⚠️ Note: If after scanning opens a site with a suggestion to download APK, Don't press the buttons right away. First, check the site address, it should start with https:// (not http://) and belong to a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror, the official developer website).
2. Using Google Lens to scan for QR
If the standard camera doesn’t recognize the code, the alternative is Google Lens, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices with Google services, a method that is more reliable because Lens supports recognition of even partially corrupted codes.
Instructions:
- Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G” on a color background).
- In the search bar on the right, click on the Google Lens icon (a stylized image of the camera).
- Put the camera on QR-Lens will automatically identify it and suggest actions (e.g., “Open Link” or “Download File»).
- Confirm the transition – Chrome or Mi Browser will open.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔍 Recognizes codes even in low light or at an angle.
- 🌐 Supports translation of text into QR-code (if there are foreign symbols).
- 📱 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi 5, Mi). A1).
If Google Lens is not installed, download it from Google Play or through the official website. Alternatively, the Google Photos app (it also has a built-in Lens).
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If QR-lead APK-file, but the browser blocks the download, try opening the link in incognito mode (Chrome) → ⋮ → New tab incognito. This bypasses some of the restrictions on downloading files.
3. Third-party scanners QR-codes: TOP-3 apps
If the built-in tools don't work, use specialized scanners. We tested 10 apps and selected the best ones for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Rankings on Google Play | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play) | 4.7 (10M+ downloads) | ✅ It works without the internet.✅ Real-time scanner✅ The history of scanning | Download |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | 4.5 (5M+ downloads) | ✅ Verification of virus references✅ Blocking phishing sites✅ No advertising. | Download |
| Barcode Scanner (ZXing Team) | 4.4 (100M+ downloads) | ✅ Open source code✅ Support for all formats QR✅ Lightweight (3 MB) | Download |
Which scanner should I choose?
- 🛡️ For safety - Kaspersky QR Scanner (checks links to malware).
- 📱 For older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi Max 2) - Barcode Scanner (low weight, no lags).
- 🔄 For frequent code work — QR & Barcode Scanner (has a history of scanning).
⚠️ Warning: Do not install scanners QR From unknown sources (such as sites like apkpure.com without verification), attackers often disguise spyware as such applications.
4.Security setting before APK installation via QR
QR-codes for installing applications often lead to direct links for downloading APK. To install a file like this on Xiaomi, you need to allow installation from unknown sources. Here's how to do it safely:
- Scan with a scanner or camera QR-code and follow the link.
- Download. APK-file (usually uploaded to the Downloads folder).
- Before installation, open the settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ (three-point) → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.
- Select the browser you downloaded the file from (such as Chrome or Mi Browser) and enable permission.
- Return to the downloaded APK and click "Install".
Important: Once you install the app, turn off permission for unknown sources in your security settings, which will prevent the accidental installation of malware in the future.
What to do if the installation is blocked?
- 🔄 Check the version. APK: if the file is intended to ARM64, And your Xiaomi is on ARMv7 (Like Redmi. 5A), You can't install it. You can specify the processor architecture in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Full specification.
- 📦 Remove the old version: if the application is already installed, it may be necessary to uninstall it before updating via APK.
- 🛡️ Turn off Play Protect: Go to Google Play → ⚙️ → Play Protect → Settings → Scan applications and temporarily deactivate the check.
Check the source. QR-code (trusted site)
Download. APK only HTTPS-reference
Installation from unknown sources
Turn off Play Protect (optional)
Check the processor architecture (ARM64/ARMv7)-->
5. Common mistakes and their solutions
When scanning. QR-And the most common problems that people have with Xiaomi are the most common:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Camera doesn't recognize QR | Scanning in camera settings or poor lighting disabled | Enable the feature in Camera Settings → Scan QR or use a flashlight |
| Link won't open | The browser has blocked the transition by default (for example, Mi Browser). | Copy the link from the notification and paste it into Chrome in incognito mode |
| APK not installed | Incompatible with Android version or processor architecture | Check the APK requirements on the developer’s website (e.g. Android 8.0+) |
| A warning about the virus appears | Play Protect or antivirus (Mi Security) blocks the file | Check the APK on VirusTotal before installing |
If QR-The code leads to a CAPTCHA or redirect page, which could be a sign of a fraudulent site. Never enter personal data (phone number, email) on such resources. APK (For example, APKMirror does not require authorization to download.
How to distinguish a safe QR-code-driven?
6. Alternative ways to install applications without QR
If the QR scan fails, there are other methods to download the APK to Xiaomi:
- 📲 Direct download from the site: find the application on APKMirror or the official developer website, download the file and install manually.
- 💻 Transfer from PC: Download APK On the computer, connect Xiaomi to the USB (in File Transfer mode) and transfer the file to the Downloads folder.
- ☁️ Cloud storage: download APK Google Drive or Mi Cloud, then open the file on your phone.
- 📱 Through Telegram/VK: Send it. APK-file in your messages and download it to the device.
To transfer files from your PC to Xiaomi without USB, use:
- Mi Drop app (pre-installed on most devices)
- Snapdrop service (works through the browser).
- FTP-server FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
If you install APKs frequently, consider using alternative stores, such as:
- Aurora Store (anonymous access to Google Play)
- APKPure (Verified Applications Directory)
- F-Droid (open source without ads)
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QR-codes are convenient for single installation APK, But for regular use, it is better to set up an alternative app store (for example, Aurora Store) or sync downloads through the cloud.
7. features of scanning on different Xiaomi models
The functionality of the QR scan depends on the model and version of MIUI. Here are the key differences:
| Model/Lineak | MIUI version | Support for QR scanning in the camera | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | 12–14 | ✅ Yes, by default) | It works without additional settings. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | 12–14 (global) | ⚠️ Partially (must be included in camera settings) | The Chinese firmware may not be available. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | 13–14 | ✅ Yes. | Supports scanning in Document mode |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | 11–12 | ❌ No (required Google Lens) | On budget models, the function is disabled |
| Black Shark 4/5 | 12–13 (JOYUI) | ✅ Yes. | It uses its own shell, but the QR scans. |
On devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro Russian Federation), QR scanning in the camera works stable, and on global and Chinese firmware there may be restrictions. If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the scanning function depends on the build - in some cases it needs to be installed via Magisk (QR Scanner Enabler module).
To check the firmware version:
Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI