Scanning. QR-And the problem with this is that you can actually look at code from one Xiaomi smartphone to another, and it can seem like a trivial task, until you find that a standard scanner is refusing to recognize the code from the display. MIUI Optimized for printing on paper or static surfaces, not dynamic screens with backlighting, flickering and automatic brightness changes. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden features MIUI, workarounds through system applications and even little-known gestures that will work even on budget models Redmi or Poco.
Xiaomi’s ecosystem is very specific because it actively blocks third-party scanners in the background (due to MIUI security policy), so classic tips like “Install Google Lens” often don’t work here. We’ll focus on native solutions that don’t require superuser rights or disable protection. All methods are tested on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions) and are relevant for models from the Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Why a standard scanner MIUI see QR-screen-code
The problem lies in three technical limitations:
- 🔍 Focus algorithm: Built-in scanner in Camera or Quick settings is set to find contrasting boundaries on matte surfaces (paper, plastic).The smartphone screen reflects light, creating glare that the system perceives as interference.
- 📱 Screen refresh rate: On AMOLED-displays (e.g., Xiaomi) 12T) pixel flickering knocks down the recognition algorithm, especially critical at 120Hz.
- 🔒 Limitations MIUI: The system blocks camera access for applications in the background if they are not “system”; therefore, Google Lens or third-party scanners may not run on top of the interface.
The key is that on models with an infrared port (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), QR scanning from the screen is more stable — the IR sensor helps the camera adjust focus, but owners of devices without an IR port will have to use workarounds.
⚠️ Attention: If QR-The code contains a link to mi.com or xiaomi.com, MIUI It can automatically redirect you to the browser instead of showing the original content. URL, Use the method with Notes (described below).
Method 1: Scanner in Quick Settings (works on 80% of models)
The fastest method, but with limitations, is suitable for MIUI 13+ firmware:
- Open up. QR-The code on Xiaomi’s first phone and zoom it to its maximum size (with two fingers).
- On the second phone, swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the Notification Panel.
- Find the QR scanner icon, or the dot-in-the-square icon. If it's not there, click Edit and add the widget manually.
- Point the camera at the screen of the first phone. Importantly, keep the devices at an angle of ~45° to avoid glare.
If the code is not recognized:
- 🌓 Reduce the brightness of the screen of the first phone to 30-50%.
- 🔄 Turn the first phone downward (so that the backlight does not blind the camera of the second one).
- 📱 Activate Macro Mode (if any) in the manual camera settings on the second phone.
Increase. QR-full-screen
Reduce brightness to 50%
Turn off autobrightness
Activate the "Read" mode (in screen settings)
Turn the phone at an angle of 30-45°-->
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro) the scanner in quick settings may not recognize codes from the screen due to hardware limitations of the wide-angle camera. 2. Method 2: Through the Camera app with manual settings Standard Camera MIUI scanner QR, But to work with screens, you need to change the settings of the shooting: Open the camera on the second phone. Touch the icon "More" (three dots or lines) → Select Professional Mode. Set up: 📸 Focus: MF (manually - move the slider to the maximum value. 🔦 ISO: 100–200 (Minimum to reduce noise). ⚡ Excerpt: 1/1000 Or higher. Put the camera on the top. QR-The code on the first phone. Keep the distance. 15–20 centimeter. If the code is still not recognized: 💡Try covering the screen of the first phone with thin white paper (like a napkin) - this will reduce glare and improve contrast for the camera of the second device. Xiaomi Model Does the Redmi Note method work 12 Pro+ ✅ It's better to use the main camera (50 MP), not wide-angle. Xiaomi 13 Lite ⚠️ Partially required to be disconnected HDR in the manual settings of the camera. F5 ✅ It only works when the screen is brighter below. 60%. Redmi 10A ❌ No, the weak camera doesn't focus on the screens. Use the way 3. Method 3: Screenshot. + Recognition via Notes This method is suitable for any Xiaomi models, including the old Redmi 7/8 Or devices with a damaged camera. QR-The first phone (Loud buttons down) + Send a screenshot to the second phone via Bluetooth, Mi Share or messenger (e.g. Telegram). On the second phone, open a screenshot in the gallery, click "Share» → Notes. In Notes, click on the Scanner icon (top right) and the app automatically recognizes QR-Image code. Advantages of the method: 🔄 It works even with a damaged camera. 📲 No Internet (local recognition). 🔒 Bypassing restrictions MIUI How to speed up the transfer of screenshots between Xiaomi 1. Activate Mi Share in Settings → Connection and exchange → Mi Share on both phones. 2. On the first phone, hold your finger in a screenshot in the gallery → Select Mi Share. 3. The second phone should appear in the list of devices automatically (if Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled). 4. The received file will open immediately in the gallery, without confirmation. ⚠️ Attention: If QR-The code contains authorization data (e.g., sign in to Mi Account), never send a screenshot of it through cloud services (e.g., Google Photos). Use only local transmission over Mi Share or Bluetooth. Method 4: Three-touch gesture for quick scanning MIUI, firmware MIUI 14 and newer. It allows you to open the scanner. QR with one gesture, even if the screen is locked: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Gestures and movements → Three-touch. Select the "Scanner" action. QR-Tap the screen of the second phone three times (on the locked or unlocked screen). Point the camera at the screen. QR-The code on the first phone: ⚡ The scanner opens in 0.5 seconds, faster than the quick settings. 🔒 It works even if the phone is unlocked by fingerprint (does not require input) PIN-code). 📱 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) gesture conflicts with Google Assistant launch. In this case, disable the assistant in gesture settings. Scanner in Quick Settings Manual settings Screenshot Camera + Notes Gestures Three times touch Another way--> Method 5: Alternative applications (if nothing works) If all of the above methods fail, install one of these applications. MIUI Optimized recognition algorithms: Application Link Advantages Disadvantages QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) Google Play Recognises Codes from Screens AMOLED, It's in the background. Advertising requires permission to notify. QR Google Play Supports Video Scanning (Helpful for Dynamics) QR). Binary Eye Google Play Open-source, without ads, supports all formats QR. Interface in English, no Russian. How to install and use: Download one of the apps at the link above. Open it and allow access to the camera. In the application settings, enable the option Background scanning (if any). QR-The code on the first phone, for better results: 🔦 Turn on the flashlight on the second phone (if the code is dim). 📏 Keep the distance 10-15 cm. 🔄 If the code is not recognized, try turning the first phone down (to reduce glare). 💡Google Play apps are often blocked MIUI When you first start, to unlock access to the camera, go to Settings. → Annexes → Permit management → Camera and manually allow access for the installed scanner. Frequent Errors and How to Avoid Them Even with the Right Scanning Settings QR This is a typical Xiaomi user error and their solutions: 🔴 Error: "Code failed to recognize" Reason: Screen brightness too high or autobrightness turned on. Solution: Set brightness to 30-40% and turn off Adaptive brightness in screen settings. 🔴 Error: Camera doesn't focus Reason: Autofocus is lost due to glare. Solution: Wipe the second phone's camera with a dry wipe. Cover the first phone's screen with thin matte film (e.g., screen protector film). Use manual focus in professional camera mode. 🔴 Error: Scanner opens but closes immediately Reason: Optimization conflict MIUI. Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Scanner. QR. Choose the Battery. → No restrictions. Turn off AutoRun for other scanners (like Google Lens).If none of the methods worked, check: 📱 Camera status: Possibly damaged module (check if camera focuses on other objects). 🔄 Updates MIUI: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.0.3 for Redmi 9) scanner QR It's not stable. Update the system to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system. 🛠️ Developer Settings: If you have previously enabled Debugging USB or changed the camera settings, reset the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Reset). FAQ: Answers to popular questions Can I scan? QR-Yes, but there are nuances: On iPhone, use the standard Camera app - it better recognizes codes from the iPhone AMOLED-Xiaomi screens than MIUI. If it doesn’t work: Reduce the screen brightness of Xiaomi to 20% and turn on the iPhone flashlight mode (for code highlighting). QR (For example, in banking applications, use Google Lens on your iPhone, which updates the image more often than a standard camera. MIUI shows up wrong URL, languid QR-It's a feature. MIUI Browser and Security MIUI: If QR It links to mi.com, xiaomi.com, or partner domains (e.g. aliexpress.com), and it automatically redirects you through Xiaomi servers to check for security. URL: Scan the code through Notes (method 3) or use a third-party app (like Binary Eye). QR-Xiaomi screen code if camera is broken? options without using camera: 📸 Screenshot. + Notes: As described in Method 3. 🖥️ Through PC: Take a screenshot QR To Xiaomi and send it to your computer (e.g. by email). Open a screenshot on your PC and use an online scanner (e.g., ZXing Decoder). 🤖 Voice assistant: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13) you can say, OK, Google, scan. QR-code," and the assistant will suggest downloading the image from the gallery. QR Root rights are not needed for scanning on Xiaomi screen with root rights? QR, But they can help in rare cases: 🔧 If you have removed the system application Scanner QR, It can be restored through Magisk or ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.scanner 📱 With root, you can disable battery optimization for the scanner, which will eliminate accidental closure of the application. ⚠️ Risk: On rooted devices, some banking QR-codes (e.g. for SberPay or Tinkoff) may not be recognized due to the blocking of uncertified devices. QR-code from Xiaomi screen on another Android (Samsung, Honor, etc: 📱 Samsung: Use Bixby Vision (long-press camera icon) – it better recognizes codes from the camera AMOLED-screen. 📱 Honor/Huawei: Enable the camera settings option Improved recognition QR. 📱 Realme/Oppo: Use the built-in Smart Scan in quick settings. 🔄 Universal Tip: On Xiaomi (first phone), turn on Read Mode in screen settings – this will reduce flickering and improve recognition.