How to use the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with secrets

Xiaomi Redmi 9 scanner is not just a reading tool QR-A full-fledged assistant in everyday tasks: from paying for purchases to quickly connecting to Wi-Fi. Many users do not even suspect that the standard application β€œScanner” from Xiaomi can recognize not only the user’s computer. QR, But also product barcodes, business cards, and hidden features like scanning documents with automatic text translation, and in this article, we'll look at all the features of the Redmi 9 scanner, from basic setup to advanced life hacks that save time.

It is important to understand that the functionality of the scanner depends on the version. MIUI: on old firmware (below) MIUI 12) some options may not be available. We tested all features on the current version of the software and collected only working solutions. If your scanner is unstable, check the system updates in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Update MIUI. Also in the article you will find a table of compatibility of functions with different versions. MIUI.

For those who prefer alternative solutions, we compared the standard Xiaomi scanner with popular third-party apps (like Google Lens or Kaspersky). QR Scanner) and revealed their pros and cons.Spoiler: 80% of the time native scanner Redmi 9 enough, but there are nuances with safety and speed.

Where is the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and how to open it

On Redmi 9, the scanner is built into the Scanner system application (an icon with a square and a magnifier), but it can be launched from several places at once:

  • πŸ“± Through the notification bar: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and find the Scanner icon (if not, add to Settings). β†’ Notification panel β†’ Quick setups).
  • πŸ” Search the system: pull down on the home screen and type in the β€œscanner” – a link to the app will appear.
  • πŸ“¦ From the App Menu: Look for the Scanner icon in the Tools folder or on the home screen.
  • πŸ“· From the camera: open the camera, point to QR-code and tap the pop-up prompt Open the link (does not work on all firmware).

If the scanner is not on the menu, it's probably turned off in the settings.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Turn on the system applications display (three dots in the upper right corner).
  3. Find the Scanner, open its settings and click Enable.
πŸ“Š How to usually open a scanner on Xiaomi?
Through the notification panel
From the app menu
Through search.
From the cell.
Other

On some firmware, the scanner may be called QR Scanner or Xiaomi Scanner. If the app still doesn't start after you turn it on, try updating Google Play services to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Play Services β†’ Update.

Basic Scanner Functions: What a Standard Application Can Do

The standard scanner on Redmi 9 supports 5 main modes of operation, which switch in the bottom bar of the application:

Regime.What's scanning?Examples of use
QR-codeLinks, Wi-Fi, Contacts, TextPayment in the store, network connection, opening websites
BarcodeEAN-13, UPC, Code 39 and others.Verification of authenticity of goods, search for prices on the Internet
TextRecognition of printed textCopying information from documents, business cards
TranslationAutomatically translated textReading foreign menus, signs
DocumentsScanning of multi-page documentsCreation PDF receipts, contracts

The most popular function is scanning QR-For example, in Redmi 9, the scanner automatically recognizes the codes of SBP (Fast Payment System), AliPay and WeChat Pay, if the corresponding applications are installed. The standard Xiaomi scanner does not save the scan history for security reasons – this distinguishes it from many third-party applications.

To scan the barcodes of goods, price search is useful: after recognizing the code, the scanner will offer to compare prices in online stores (works through Xiaomi Shopping).

  1. Open the scanner and go to Settings β†’ Additional functions.
  2. Activate the switch Search for prices on the Internet.
  3. Choose your preferred stores (AliExpress, Wildberries, etc.).

πŸ’‘

If the scanner doesn’t recognize the barcode the first time, try turning on the flashlight or increasing contrast in the camera settings (Brightness section).

Hidden Scanner Features: 5 Chips You Didn't Know About

Few people know that the scanner on Redmi. 9 It's much more than just reading code.-5 latent:

  • πŸ”— Creating your own QR-code: you can generate code for Wi-Fi, contacts, or text. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the scanner and select Create QR.
  • πŸ“„ Scanning in PDF: Documents scanner automatically aligns perspective and saves files in format PDF signable.
  • 🌐 Real-time signage translation: hover over foreign text and the scanner will show the translation directly on the screen (internet connection required).
  • πŸ” Image search: if you hover the scanner over the brand logo or product packaging, it will offer to find analogues on the Internet.
  • πŸ”’ Safe Mode: You can enable virus link verification via Xiaomi Security.

One of the most useful features is a Wi-Fi scan. QR-Many routers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router) generate QR-It's a code with the network data on the sticker. Instead of manually entering the password, just scan the code, and the phone automatically connects to Wi-Fi. It works even if the network is hidden (SSID broadcast).

Another life hack: the scanner can recognize serial numbers of equipment, for example, if you scan the barcode on the box from Redmi Note 10, the application will show the model, release date and even offer to download the firmware for this device (if it is from Xiaomi).

How to scan codes in total darkness?
Turn on the flashlight before the scanner starts: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and activate the flashlight icon. Then open the scanner - the light will burn automatically while the application is active.

Scanner configuration: optimize for your tasks

By default, the scanner on Redmi 9 is set to basic functionality, but it can be customized to specific needs. For example, if you scan documents often, it makes sense:

  1. Open Scanner Settings β†’ Default modes and select Documents.
  2. Activate Auto-Save in PDF and specify the folder for export (for example, Documents/Scans).
  3. Enable Text Improvement for better fine print recognition.

For those who use the scanner for payment, we recommend:

  • πŸ’³ Disable Link Preview in Security Settings (so that payment system codes are opened immediately in the banking application).
  • πŸ” Enable Phishing Link Checker (Xiaomi Security version 5.0 required)+).
  • πŸ“± Add the scanner label to the home screen for quick access.

If the scanner is slow, try:

  1. Clear the application cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Scanner. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  2. Disable unnecessary modes (e.g. Translation if you do not use it).
  3. Reboot the phone – sometimes background processes slow down recognition.

β˜‘οΈ Optimizing the scanner for speed

Done: 0 / 5

On the firmware MIUI 13+ And we got a quick scan, which speeds up recognition by 30 percent, to activate it:

  1. Go to Scanner Settings β†’ Productivity.
  2. Turn on the Accelerated Mode switch.
  3. Allow the app to use the camera in the background.

Scanner errors and how to fix them

Even on Redmi 9, the scanner sometimes crashes, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
I couldn't recognize the code.Poor lighting, dirty cameraWipe the lens, turn on the flashlight, increase contrast.
The scanner won't open.Application disabled or damagedEnable in the application settings or reinstall the update
Hanging on scanningLack of RAMClose the background apps, restart the phone
Translation of text does not workNo Internet or outdated version of MIUIConnect to the network, update the firmware

If the scanner detects an error, the camera is busy, probably another application (such as Google Lens or TikTok) blocks access. Close all programs through the recently used (the box button at the bottom of the screen) and try again.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI scanner stopped recognizing the codes of banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), check the security settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Visual assistants should be disabled Simplified scanning mode – it interferes with the recognition of complex codes.

Another common problem is that the scanner opens the browser links instead of the banking application.

  1. Open the scanner settings.
  2. Go to Link Processing β†’ Priority annexes.
  3. Select the desired application (for example, SberBank Online) for payment processing QR.

Comparing a standard scanner with alternatives: which is better?

Xiaomi’s standard scanner covers 90% of tasks, but in some cases, third-party apps may be more convenient.

AnnexPlusesConsWhen to use
Google LensRecognizes objects, plants, animalsRequires Google Play Services, Slowly Scans QRTo identify unknown objects
Kaspersky QR ScannerChecks links to viruses, has a scan historyAdvertising in the free versionFor secure payments
QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play)It's offline, supports 50.+ codeformThe interface is overloadedTo work without the internet
Xiaomi Scanner (standard)Fast, integrated with MIUI, no advertisingLimited functionality on old firmwareFor everyday tasks

If you need to scan codes from another device’s screen (like a PC monitor), Xiaomi’s standard scanner may not be able to handle it due to the screen flicker. QR & Barcode Scanner – It has image stabilization mode.

For scanning documents and then editing (for example, signing or adding text), we recommend CamScanner. It automatically trims the fields, improves contrast and allows you to export to the region. Word/Excel.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid the little-known Google Play crawlers, many of which collect data from scanned codes (especially payment codes). QR Scanner is safer than Scanner.

Security: How to avoid scams through QR-code

QR-Codes are a handy tool, but also a great way for scammers to steal data. Here are 5 safety rules when scanning on Redmi 9:

  • πŸ”’ Do not scan codes from suspicious sources: stickers on street poles, messages from unknown numbers.
  • 🌐 Check the links before opening: Xiaomi's standard scanner shows URL before switching – pay attention to the domain (for example, sberbank.ru vs sberbank-promo.ru).
  • πŸ’³ Do not enter map data on sites opened through QR, if not HTTPS (lock-mark).
  • πŸ“± Use two-factor authentication in banking applications – even if scammers gain access to the code, they will need confirmation on the code. SMS.
  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI: New firmware versions close vulnerability associated with processing QR-code.

In the Xiaomi scanner settings, there is a Safe Mode option that blocks clicking on potentially dangerous links.

  1. Open the scanner and go to Settings β†’ Security.
  2. Enable Link Checker through Xiaomi Security.
  3. Activate Blocking Phishing Sites.

If you have scanned a suspicious code and opened the link:

  1. Close the tab in the browser immediately.
  2. Check your phone for viruses through Xiaomi Security or Dr.Web.
  3. If you entered the card data - block it through the banking application and contact the support service.

πŸ’‘

Xiaomi’s standard scanner doesn’t save scan history, which reduces the risk of data leakage.But if you need a history (for example, for work), use Kaspersky. QR Scanner with encrypted logs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I scan it? QR-codes from another phone screen?
Yes, but there are nuances: On Redmi 9 s MIUI 12+ This works stably if the brightness of the source screen is reduced to 50-70%. Old firmware may require a third-party application (for example, QR & Barcode Scanner. Avoid screen flickering - turn on No Animation mode in special features settings.
How to scan the code if the camera is broken?
There are 3 ways: Connect an external webcam through OTG-Take a photo of the code with another device, upload it to Redmi 9 and recognize it through Google Photos (Lens function). If the code is text (e.g. Wi-Fi), enter it manually in the corresponding partition of the scanner (Create a photo). β†’ Text).
Why can't the scanner see the codes in a dark room?
The problem is the camera settings. β†’ Camera, turn on the backlit autofocus, set the sensitivity. ISO 800+. Manually turn on the flashlight before the scanner starts (from the notification panel). If it does not help, wipe the camera lens with an alcohol wipe (the dirt scatters the light of the flashlight).
Can I scan the codes through the lock screen?
Yes, but for this you need: Add the scanner widget to the lock screen: Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Widgets β†’ Scanner: Allow access to the camera in locked state: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Scanner. β†’ Permits β†’ Camera (always) Please note: for security reasons, payment scanning QR-Lock screen codes are prohibited (unlocking required).
How to transfer the scan history to a new phone?
The standard Xiaomi scanner doesn’t save history, but if you’ve used a third-party app (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner, do this: Export your history to a file (usually.csv or.json) through your application settings. Transfer the file to a new phone (via Mi Cloud, Google Drive or cable). Import the data to the same application on a new device. QR-Transfer of history codes is not recommended for security reasons.