Xiaomi Redmi 7 Scanner: How to Enable, Configure and Scan QR-codes, documents and barcodes

Introduction: why you need a scanner on a smartphone and what it can do

Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication β€” they have become universal assistants in life, work and even finance. Xiaomi Redmi 7, despite the budget position, is equipped with a built-in scanner that allows you to read QR-Codes, barcodes, even text from documents without installing third-party apps, which saves time by pointing the camera at the code to instantly open a link, add a contact, or pay the bill.

Many users don't even know that their Redmi 7 supports scanning out of the box β€” you don't have to download Google Lens or other services. Xiaomi's built-in solution is faster and more stable, especially in a weak Internet environment. But how do you activate it? Where do you look for settings? And what do you do if the scanner doesn't recognize the code? The answers to these questions are in our guide.

Where is the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 ways to launch

Unlike the flagship models, where the scanner is included in a separate application, on Redmi 7 the function is integrated into standard tools. It can be run in several ways - choose the most convenient for you.

  • πŸ“± Through the Quick Settings Panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain.Look for the Scanner icon (pictured as an eye or a snippet). QR-If there is no icon, add it manually (see next section).
  • πŸ” From search: swipe down the main screen to open the search bar. Type "scanner" and the system will prompt to run the tool.
  • πŸ“· Through the camera: Open the standard Camera app, go to "Advanced" (or "More") and select "Scanner" QR-code".

If none of these methods worked, check the firmware version: the scan feature appeared in MIUI 10 and later. You can update the system from the Settings menu β†’ About the phone β†’ System Update.

πŸ“Š Like you normally scan. QR-code?
Through the built-in scanner.
With Google Lens
I use third-party apps.
I'm not scanning at all.

Scanner setup: Adding notifications to the panel and optimizing

By default, the scanner icon can be hidden in the notification curtain to add it:

  1. Deploy the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
  2. Slap the icon "βš™οΈ Edit" (or "Tune") in the upper right corner.
  3. Find the scanner list (or "QR-code and drag it to the active area.
  4. Click "Ready" to save the changes.

To speed up the scanner, it is recommended:

  • πŸ”¦ Enable autofocus: Go to Camera Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Autofocus and activate the option, which will help you read codes faster from close range.
  • πŸŒ™ Disable power saving: in Battery mode, add the Camera app to exceptions so that the scanner works without delay.
  • πŸ“Ά Allow access to the Internet: some QR-codes require connection to open links (for example, for payment or authorization).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation of the scanner for operation

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Warning: If the scanner still doesn't recognize the codes after setting up, check if the cover or the protective glass is covering the camera lens. Even a small obstacle can interfere with focusing.

How to scan. QR-Codes: step-by-step instructions with examples

QR-codes are found everywhere, from menus in cafes to transportation tickets and payment details, to scan them on Redmi 7:

  1. Run the scanner in any of the ways described above.
  2. Put the camera on QR-code so that it fits fully into the frame on the screen. The optimal distance is 10-20 cm.
  3. Wait for automatic recognition (vibration or sound signal will appear).
  4. Follow the hint on the screen: for example, open a link, save a contact, or confirm a payment.

Examples of use QR-code:

Type of codeWhere do you meet?Action after scanning
Link to the siteBanners, business cardsOpens a page in the browser
Wi-FiRouter stickerConnects the phone to the network without entering a password
ContactBusiness cardsSave the number and email in the phone book
PaymentChecks, terminals.Redirects to the bank’s application (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.)

Important: Some QR-codes contain malicious links. Check before opening URL β€” It should start with https:// and belong to a trusted source (e.g. sberbank.com, not sberbank-payment.com).

πŸ’‘

If QR-code is not scanned, try to turn on the flashlight (icon) πŸ’‘ in the scanner interface – this will help in low light.

Barcode scanning: where it comes in handy and how it works

Barcodes are more commonly associated with stores, but they can be read with Redmi 7.

  • πŸ›’ Authentication of goods (e.g. medicines or electronics).
  • πŸ“¦ Quick search for goods in online catalogs (Wildberries, Ozon).
  • πŸ“Š Price comparisons in different stores through apps like ShopSavvy.

Scanning instructions:

  1. Open the scanner and select the Barcode mode (if not, upgrade to MIUI 12+).
  2. Bring the camera to the code at a distance of 5-15 cm, the barcode should be parallel to the screen.
  3. Wait for recognition. If the code is corrupted, try scanning it from a different angle.

After scanning, the system will suggest:

  • Open a product card online (if the code is recognized as EAN-13 or UPC).
  • Copy the code number for manual search.
  • Keep the information in your notes.

⚠️ Note: The built-in Redmi 7 scanner does not support all types of barcodes (e.g. Code 39 or Code 128). For rare formats, install the Barcode Scanner app from ZXing Team.

Scanning documents and text: how to save a passport or business card

The Redmi 7 scanner not only reads codes, but also recognizes printed text, such as a passport, driver's license or business card.

  • πŸ“„ Quickly save data without manual input.
  • πŸ” Search for information in digitized documents.
  • πŸ“§ Sending scans by email or messenger.

How to scan the document:

  1. Open the scanner and select Text or Document mode.
  2. Point the camera at the text so that it fits fully into the frame. Avoid glare!
  3. Press the capture button (or wait for automatic recognition).
  4. Edit the allocated area if you need to trim the edges.
  5. Save the result in PDF or JPG format, or copy the recognized text.

To improve the quality of the scan:

  • πŸ“Έ Use good lighting (natural light or flashlight).
  • πŸ“ Keep your phone parallel to the document, avoiding curvatures.
  • πŸ”Ž If the text is recognized with errors, try the Black and White modes or Improve contrast".
How to scan multi-page documents?
To scan several pages in a row, use the "Bundle in the Scanner App (available after updating to MIUI 12.5) mode. After capturing each page, click "Add" and after completing it, "Save as PDF".

Problem Solving: The scanner doesn’t work, doesn’t recognize codes, or issues errors

If the scanner on Redmi 7 refuses to work, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Scanner's not starting.Icon removed from curtain or disabled functionAdd the icon back (see the β€œSettings” section) or update the firmware
Codes are unrecognizable.Poor lighting, dirty lensWipe your camera, turn on your flashlight, try another corner.
App flies outConflict with other programmesClear the camera cache in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Camera β†’ Storage
No sound on the scan.System sounds disabled.Check the volume in Settings β†’ Sound β†’ System sounds

If the problem is not resolved:

  1. Reboot your phone (hold the power button and select β€œReboot”).
  2. Reset the camera settings: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Camera β†’ Reset.
  3. Install an alternative scanner (e.g., Gamma Play’s QR & Barcode Scanner).

πŸ’‘

In 90% of cases, scanner problems are solved by cleaning the camera cache or updating the firmware. If the code is still not read, try scanning it from another device β€” perhaps the code itself is corrupted.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 7

Can I scan it? QR-codes from another phone screen?
Yes, but with reservations. The built-in Redmi 7 scanner recognizes codes from the screen if: The brightness of the source screen is maximum. The code occupies at least 30% of the screen. No glare or flicker (turn off automatic brightness control at the source). For reliability, use Screen QR mode in applications like QR Code Reader.
How to scan the code if the camera is damaged?
If the main camera doesn't work, try: Use the front camera (in some firmware it supports scanning); install a third-party app that works through a selfie camera (for example, a QRbot); take a photo of the code with another phone and transfer the photo to Redmi 7, then recognize it through Google Lens.
Can I scan the codes in the dark?
Yes, but with limitations. The built-in scanner uses a flashlight to illuminate, but: Maximum distance in the dark is 5-10 cm. The code must be contrasting (black on a white background). Color or transparent codes may not be recognized. For best results, point the flashlight at an angle of 45.Β°, avoid glare.
How to protect yourself from fraudulent QR-code?
Attackers can replace legitimate codes with fake ones (for example, at payment terminals).To avoid risks: Check URL before opening (click and hold the link to see the full address). Do not enter logins / passwords on sites opened through the QR (Use the official applications of banks. Turn off autoloading files in the browser (Chrome Settings) β†’ Site settings β†’ Autoboot).
Why does the scanner ask for access to contacts and location?
These permissions are requested for: Contacts: Automatically save business cards after scanning the QR with data. Location: determine the nearest Wi-Fi points (if scanning the network code) or geolocation services (for example, for transport tickets). You can refuse access, but some features will become unavailable. To revoke permissions later, go to Settings β†’ App β†’ Scanner β†’ Permissions.