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.
- π± 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).
- π From search: swipe down the main screen to open the search bar. Type "scanner" and the system will prompt to run the tool.
- π· 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.
Scanner setup: Adding notifications to the panel and optimizing
By default, the scanner icon can be hidden in the notification curtain to add it:
- Deploy the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
- Slap the icon "βοΈ Edit" (or "Tune") in the upper right corner.
- Find the scanner list (or "QR-code and drag it to the active area.
- Click "Ready" to save the changes.
To speed up the scanner, it is recommended:
- π¦ Enable autofocus: Go to Camera Settings β Additionally. β Autofocus and activate the option, which will help you read codes faster from close range.
- π Disable power saving: in Battery mode, add the Camera app to exceptions so that the scanner works without delay.
- πΆ Allow access to the Internet: some QR-codes require connection to open links (for example, for payment or authorization).
βοΈ Preparation of the scanner for operation
β οΈ 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:
- Run the scanner in any of the ways described above.
- Put the camera on QR-code so that it fits fully into the frame on the screen. The optimal distance is 10-20 cm.
- Wait for automatic recognition (vibration or sound signal will appear).
- 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 code | Where do you meet? | Action after scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Link to the site | Banners, business cards | Opens a page in the browser |
| Wi-Fi | Router sticker | Connects the phone to the network without entering a password |
| Contact | Business cards | Save the number and email in the phone book |
| Payment | Checks, terminals. | Redirects to the bankβs 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).
π‘
If QR-code is not scanned, try to turn on the flashlight (icon) π‘ in the scanner interface β 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.
- π Authentication of goods (e.g. medicines or electronics).
- π¦ Quick search for goods in online catalogs (Wildberries, Ozon).
- π Price comparisons in different stores through apps like ShopSavvy.
Scanning instructions:
- Open the scanner and select the Barcode mode (if not, upgrade to MIUI 12+).
- Bring the camera to the code at a distance of 5-15 cm, the barcode should be parallel to the screen.
- 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.
β οΈ 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.
- π Quickly save data without manual input.
- π Search for information in digitized documents.
- π§ Sending scans by email or messenger.
How to scan the document:
- Open the scanner and select Text or Document mode.
- Point the camera at the text so that it fits fully into the frame. Avoid glare!
- Press the capture button (or wait for automatic recognition).
- Edit the allocated area if you need to trim the edges.
- Save the result in PDF or JPG format, or copy the recognized text.
To improve the quality of the scan:
- πΈ Use good lighting (natural light or flashlight).
- π Keep your phone parallel to the document, avoiding curvatures.
- π If the text is recognized with errors, try the Black and White modes or Improve contrast".
How to scan multi-page documents?
Problem Solving: The scanner doesnβt work, doesnβt recognize codes, or issues errors
If the scanner on Redmi 7 refuses to work, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner's not starting. | Icon removed from curtain or disabled function | Add the icon back (see the βSettingsβ section) or update the firmware |
| Codes are unrecognizable. | Poor lighting, dirty lens | Wipe your camera, turn on your flashlight, try another corner. |
| App flies out | Conflict with other programmes | Clear 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:
- Reboot your phone (hold the power button and select βRebootβ).
- Reset the camera settings: Settings β Apps β Camera β Reset.
- Install an alternative scanner (e.g., Gamma Playβs QR & Barcode Scanner).
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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.