The Xiaomi smartphone scanner is a versatile tool that many users underestimate. It allows you to read more than just fast. QR-codes for payment or authorization, but also to work with barcodes of goods, use NFC For contactless payments, and even scanning documents through a camera, but not everyone knows how to make the most of these features or solve typical problems, from reading errors to lack of response to codes.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with the scanner on Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi models, POCO and the flagship Mi/Xiaomi 13/14) series, starting with the basic setup and ending with advanced features like scanning through Google Lens or third-party applications. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden features of MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise – for example, how to include the scanner in the quick settings panel or use it without the Internet.
What types of scanners are available on Xiaomi and why they are needed
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with several types of scanners, each of which solves its own problems.
- 📱 Camera scanner QR/Barcodes: the most versatile option, works through the standard Camera or Scanner app (in the MIUI). Supports format codes QR, Data Matrix, UPC, EAN others.
- 💳 NFC-chip: used for contactless payments (Google Pay, Mi Pay), tag readers, data exchange (via Android Beam) The module depends on the model - it is not in the budget Redmi A or POCO C.
- 🔍 Document scanner: built into Notes app or Google Drive, allows you to digitize texts, business cards, checks with automatic recognition.
- 🛒 Specialized applications: for example, Mi Home for scanning codes of Xiaomi smart devices or AliExpress for authentication of goods.
It is important to understand that the functionality of the scanner depends on the version of the MIUI and the model of the smartphone. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, code recognition is available directly from the lock screen, and on the old Redmi Note 8, you will have to open the Camera application to do this.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) scanner QR-The default codes are turned off to save battery power. To activate it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Camera. → Permissions and enable the Scanner option QR.
How to turn on and configure the scanner QR-Xiaomi codes
Basic scanning method QR-And then you go through the standard Camera, and here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point the lens at QR-The distance must be 10–30 cm (the code is not recognized at too close or far distance).
- Wait for the notification with a suggestion to click on the link or save data.
- Click on the notification to confirm the action.
If the scanner does not work automatically, check the settings:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → System and device → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-code.
- 🔄 Make sure that the Automatic Recognition option is enabled.
- 📱 If there is no item, update it. MIUI before the latest version or use a third-party application (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play).
☑️ Preparation for scanning QR-code
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for the European market), the QR scanning function may be restricted due to privacy policy.
- Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher).
- Use Google Lens (available via Google Photos or Google Assistant).
- Download specialized software like Barcode Scanner from ZXing Team.
Barcode scanning: where it comes in handy and how to use
Barcodes (aka barcodes) are found on packages, books, tickets, and scanning them on Xiaomi will help:
- 🛒 Verify the authenticity of the product (for example, on AliExpress or in electronics stores).
- 📚 Quickly find information about the book in Google Books or LitRes.
- 🎟️ Save your e-tickets with Google Pay or PassWallet.
- 📦 Tracking parcels through the Russian Post or CDEK.
The same tools are suitable for scanning barcodes as for QR:
- Standard Camera (if it supports EAN-13/UPC format)
- Google Lens (recognizes most barcodes)
- Specialized utilities: Barcode Scanner (verifies the authenticity of goods), ShopSavvy (compares prices in online stores), Yandex.Checki (scans fiscal checks for money back).
Example: To verify the authenticity of an item from AliExpress, open the AliExpress app, click on the scanner icon in the upper right corner, and hover the camera over the barcode on the box, and the system will show whether the code matches the declared item.
⚠️ Warning: Some fraudsters forge barcodes on fakes, replacing them with real product codes. Always check the information obtained with the data on the manufacturer's website.
NFC on Xiaomi: how to set up and use for payments and more
The NFC module on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to make contactless payments, read tags, share data, but it needs to be activated and configured first.
- Check for NFC: Go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → NFC. If no point, your model does not support NFC (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3).
- Activate the NFC switch.
- Select the default payment app: Google Pay, Mi Pay or Bank (e.g. SberBank Online).
- Add the card to the selected application (you will need to link the bank card).
In addition to payments, NFC on Xiaomi supports:
- 🔖 Label readers (e.g., to automate tasks via Tasker or Automate).
- 📱 Sharing contacts or files with other devices (via Android Beam, but removed in newer versions of Android).
- 🚗 Using a smartphone as a car key (on supported models, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
| Xiaomi model | Support for NFC | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Mi Pay support, virtual keys for cars |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | Basic payments only, no virtual key support |
| POCO X5 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Works with Google Pay, but may require manual setup |
| Redmi 10C | ❌ No. | Budget model without NFC module |
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If NFC doesn’t work after the MIUI update, try resetting your network settings: go to Settings → System & Device → Resetting → Network Settings Reset. This often solves contactless payment problems.
Xiaomi Scanner Problems and Their Solutions
Even on Xiaomi’s flagship models, users face typical scanning problems, and we’ll look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
1. The scanner does not recognize QR/barcodes
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔦 Low light: code should be well lit. Use a flashlight or natural light.
- 📱 Dirty camera: wipe the lens with a soft cloth.
- 🔧 Disabled resolution: check camera settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Permits).
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI last-minute.
2.NFC doesn't work on payments
What to do:
- 💳 Make sure that the map is added to Google Pay/Mi Pay and activated.
- 📶 Check that NFC included in the settings and in the quick action panel.
- 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode - it can block background work NFC.
- 🛠️ Reset the settings. NFC: Settings → Connections → NFC → Reset.
3.The scanner app flies off or freezes
Decisions:
- 🗑️ Clear the Camera or Scanner app cache in Settings → Annexes.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
- 📥 Install an alternative scanner (for example, QR Code Reader by Scan).
What if the scanner is not working after the MIUI update?
Hidden Scanner Features on Xiaomi You Didn’t Know About
The manufacturer doesn't always talk about all the features of the scanner. Here are some life hacks for power users:
- 🔍 Lock screen scanning: some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13) can be read QR-codes without unlocking your phone. → Lock screen → Additionally. → Scanner. QR.
- 📄 Text recognition from photos: Notes or Google Lens can scan documents with automatic conversion to editable text (OCR).
- 🎵 Scanning codes for music: apps like Shazam or Yandex Music can recognize QR-codes on posters or album covers for quick playback of tracks.
- 🔑 Use of the NFC To unlock doors: Some smart locks (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock) support unlocking through the door NFC-smartphone.