How to scan the barcode on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways of 2026

Scanning of barcodes and QR-Xiaomi has become so simple that many users do not even know about the built-in capabilities of their devices. You do not need to install third-party applications - just know a few hidden functions. MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current methods: from quick scanning through the Camera to specialized applications for code recognition in difficult conditions (for example, from the screen of another device or in poor lighting).

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have integrated scanning support right in MIUI firmware. This means that even on low-end models like the Redmi 12C or POCO M6 Pro, you can read code without any additional software. And on the flagship Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70 series, the process takes literally a second thanks to improved recognition algorithms. But what if the built-in tools don't work? We'll talk about alternative methods, from Google Lens to professional scanners for business tasks.

1.Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera

The fastest way is to use the built-in MIUI camera. This feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones starting with MIUI 10 (Android 8.0+) and works even without an Internet connection. The recognition algorithm runs automatically when got stuck on a barcode or QR, but there are nuances for different versions of the firmware.

To scan the code:

• 📷 Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
• 🔍 Hover your lens over the barcode so that it fits fully into the viewfinder. 10–30 cm (depending on the model).
• 🔗 Wait for a notification with a link or text to appear. Click on it to open the result (for example, a product page or a Wi-Fi network).
• ⚙️ If the scan doesn't work, check the camera settings: Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-codes (should be included).

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On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ scanning works even in Portrait or Night mode – the main thing is that the code is clear.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the scanning function can be disabled by default to activate it:

1. Open the camera → Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Scroll down to the Lab section or Additional.
3. Switch on Scanning. QR-Codes or Barcode Recognition.

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The built-in scanner in the camera Xiaomi recognizes not only QR-codes, but also barcode formats EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128 is the standard for goods in stores.

2.Using Google Lens for complex codes

If a standard camera doesn't work (e.g., the code is blurred or on a curved surface), Google Lens will help. This tool uses Google's cloud algorithms to recognize, which improves accuracy. Minus requires an Internet connection.

How to Scan Through Google Lens:

• 🔎 Open the Google app (search bar) or Google Photos.
• 📸 Click on the Lens icon (stylized camera) in the search bar or in the photo.
• 🎯 Hover your camera over the barcode. Google Lens will automatically determine the type of code and suggest actions (e.g., search for goods online).
• 🌐 If the code contains a link, the Open button will appear – tap it.

The advantage of Google Lens is that it supports code recognition from another device’s screen (like a PC monitor), which Xiaomi’s standard camera often fails to do because of the flickering screen, and Lens can also:

• 🛒 Find analogues of goods by barcode in online stores.
• 📄 Read text from codes (e.g. serial numbers).
• 🔄 Recognise inverted or partially closed codes.

3. Specialized scanning applications

If the built-in tools don’t fit (e.g., you need to scan hundreds of codes for inventory), installing third-party software will solve the problem. We tested 5 popular apps and selected the best ones for Xiaomi:

For installation:

1. Open the Play Store and enter the name of the app in the search.
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. Launch the app and give access to the camera (required!).
4. Point the camera at the code and the result will appear on the screen.

Clean the camera lens of contamination|Turn on good lighting|Turn off energy saving for the camera|Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes-->

One of the best solutions for business problems is Gamma Play's QR & Barcode Scanner, which supports:

• 📦 Packet scanning (up to 10 codes at a time).
• 📊 Exporting data to Excel or Google Sheets.
• 🔒 Encrypting the scan history.

4. Scanning barcodes through Mi Home (for smart devices)

If you need to tie a Xiaomi smart device (like a Yeelight light bulb or a Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaner) to a barcode, use the Mi Home app.This method is suitable for codes that come bundled with smart home gadgets.

Instructions:

• 🏠 Install Mi Home from Play Store (if not already installed).
• 🔑 Sign in to your Xiaomi account (or create a new one).
• ➕ Click Add the device (the icon"+" top-right).
• 📷 Select the category of the device (for example, Lighting or Cleaning).
• 🔍 Point the camera at the barcode from the box or instructions.

If the scan fails:

• 🔦 Increase the brightness of the screen to maximum.
• 📱 Try a different camera angle (sometimes the code is only read at right angles).
• 🔄 Re-launch the Mi Home app.

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If the barcode on the box is damaged, try manually entering it into Mi Home. To do this, click Enter manually (will appear after a failed scan attempt).

5. Recognition of codes from photos (offline method)

You can't always scan the code in real time, for example, if you've taken a picture of a product label before or got the code in a messenger, and Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) or Google Photos built-in tools will help.

Method 1: Through Google Photos

• 🖼️ Open a photo with the code in Google Photos.
• 🔍 Click on the Lens icon (bottom of the screen).
• 🔗 Wait for recognition – the link or text will appear at the bottom.

Method 2: Barcode Scanner

• 📁 Open the app and select Scan from the gallery.
• 🖼️ Select a photo with the code.
• 📋 The result will appear on the screen (you can copy or open the link).

This method works for both screenshots and low-resolution images, and the key is to keep the code clear, so if the photo is blurry, try cropping it so that the code is on the whole screen, and that will improve the accuracy of the recognition.

6.Problems and Solutions: Why the Barcode is not scanned

Even on new Xiaomi smartphones, scanning errors sometimes occur, and we've got a bunch of problems and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (at a discharge below 15%, the camera may not work stable).
• 📱 Firmware Updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Power saving settings: add the camera app to exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving for applications).

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On smartphones Xiaomi with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), scanning codes from another device's screen may not work due to flickering%.

7.Security: How not to run into scammers

Barcodes and QR-The codes can contain not only useful information, but also malicious links, and scammers often use them for phishing (data theft) or installing viruses to avoid problems:

⚠️ Warning: Never scan codes from suspicious sites, messages from strangers or stickers on the streets. QR-link codes to phishing pages that simulate the entrance to the bank or social networks.

Safe scanning rules:

• 🔒 Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner).
• 🌐 Before opening the link, check its address (should start with the https://, not http://).
• 📱 Do not give scanning apps access to contacts, SMS or files unnecessarily.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus (e.g. Xiaomi Security or Avast).

If you have already opened a suspicious link:

• 🚫 Close the tab in the browser immediately.
• 🔄 Do not enter logins, passwords or card data.
• 📲 Check your device for viruses (for example, through Settings) → Security → Scanner).

FAQ: Frequent questions about barcode scanning on Xiaomi