Scanning of barcodes and QR-Xiaomi Redmi has become an integral part of everyday tasks: from paying for purchases to fast access to websites or Wi-Fi networks. However, not all users know that modern Redmi models (starting with the Redmi Note 5 and later) support this feature out of the box - without installing additional applications. MIUI, Google Lens and third-party programs, as well as reveal the nuances that are not written in the official instructions.
The Xiaomi Redmi feature is that the scanner is dependent on the MIUI firmware version and regional settings. For example, in Chinese versions of the software, there may be no option, but in global versions it can work with restrictions. We tested all methods on current models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C, POCO X5 Pro) and identified the most reliable solutions. If you encounter a camera that does not see code or gives an error, here you will find the reasons and ways to fix them.
Built-in barcode scanner in MIUI: how to enable and use
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have a built-in scanner integrated into the Camera app, and you don't have to download anything to use it, you just open the camera and point the lens at the code.
- 📱 Supported models: all devices on MIUI 12+ (including Redmi 9A, Redmi Note 11, POCO F4 On older versions (MIUI 11 and below) the function may not be.
- 🔍 Types of code: the scanner recognizes QR-codes, barcodes EAN-13/UPC-A (Used on products) and DataMatrix (less commonly used).
- 🌐 Regional restrictions: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The crawler can block clicks to external sites (e.g. google.com).
To activate the scan:
- Open the Camera app.
- Hover the lens on the code - a notification will appear on the screen with a suggestion to click on the link or copy the data.
- If the code is not recognized, tap the scanner icon (icon in the form of a scanner). QR-(in the upper right corner of the camera screen.
💡
If the built-in scanner doesn’t work, try turning on the Scan option. QR-Codes in camera settings: Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-code.
Important: the built-in scanner does not store the history of the scanned codes. If you need to keep records (for example, for inventory), use third-party applications, which we will discuss below.
Scanning through Google Lens: Pros and cons
Google Lens is an alternative scanning method available on all Xiaomi Redmi services with Google, and its advantage is that it not only recognizes codes, but also analyzes content: for example, it can identify goods by barcode and show prices in online stores.
How to use:
- Open the Google app (or Google Photos).
- Click on the Google Lens icon (a dot-in-a-circle icon) in the search bar.
- Point the camera at the code. In 1-2 seconds, a pop-up will appear with the result.
| Function | Integrated MIUI scanner | Google Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Barcode recognition | ✅ Yes (EAN-13, UPC-A) | ✅ Yes (+ search) |
| QR-code | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Preserving history | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (at Activity") |
| Offline work | ✅ Partially. | ❌ No. |
| Additional functions | ❌ Just scans. | ✅ Product search, text translation, plant recognition |
Google Lens can block clicks on suspicious sites (such as shortened links like bit.ly) by issuing a security alert. The built-in MIUI scanner has no such restriction.
Third-party applications: when they are needed
Built-in tools are suitable for most tasks, but sometimes advanced features are required: scanning PDF417 (used in tickets), generating codes, maintaining history or working with damaged labels, in which case specialized applications will help.
Top.-3 Proven programs for Xiaomi Redmi:
- 📌 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – supports 20+ code formats, works without the Internet, there is a flashlight and scan history.
- 🛒 ShopSavvy – scans barcodes of goods and compares prices in online stores (including Wildberries, Ozon, Amazon).
- 🔗 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks link security before switching, blocks phishing sites.
How to install and configure (as in QR & Barcode Scanner):
Download the app from Google Play|Open and allow access to the camera|Turn on the flashlight in the settings (for scanning in the dark)|Set up history saving in Settings → The history of scanning-->
Warning: Some applications (e.g. Barcode Scanner Pro) request geolocation and contacts access - this is not necessary for scanning.
Why doesn't the scanner recognize the code?
Scanning barcodes to pay for goods
Many stores (e.g. Pyaterochka, Magnet, Auchan) allow you to pay for purchases through scanning the barcode from your smartphone. On Xiaomi Redmi, this works through bank applications or services like SberPay, Tinkoff or Yandex Go.
Instructions for payment through Sberbank Online:
- Open the bank application and select the Payment section QR/kode.
- Hover the camera over the barcode of the check (usually it is at the bottom).
- Confirm the amount and complete the payment.
⚠️ Warning: Never scan barcodes from checks found on the street or received from strangers. Fraudsters can swap codes by redirecting to phishing sites to steal card data.
If the bank application scanner does not work:
- 🔄 Try restarting the app.
- 📱 Make sure you have the latest version (update to Google Play).
- 💡 Enable High Accuracy in geolocation settings (sometimes required to confirm the store).
Problem Solving: The scanner is not working
If the Xiaomi Redmi built-in scanner has stopped recognizing codes, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera is not focusing. | Contaminated lens or software failure | Wipe the camera; reboot the phone |
| Code's unrecognizable. | Poor lighting or code damaged | Use a flashlight; try another app |
| No scanning option. | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware in Settings → About the phone → System update |
| App flies out | Conflict with other programmes | Clear the camera cache in Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage |
If the problem persists, try resetting the camera settings:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Storage → Clear data⚠️ Warning: After cleaning the data, the camera will reset all user settings (for example, shooting modes or filters).
💡
Before resetting the camera settings, check if the power saving mode is turned on - it can limit the scanner.
Hidden functions: scanning without the Internet and code generation
Few people know that Xiaomi Redmi can scan some types of code without an internet connection.
- 📦 Product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A) — The phone recognizes the numbers but does not show the product information.
- 🔗 QR-codes with text (for example, business cards or Wi-Fi passwords).
- 📱 Application codes (e.g, whatsapp:// or tg://).
Google Lens also has a generation function. QR-To create your own code:
- Open Google and go to Lens.
- Click on the icon. QR-bottom-menu.
- Select the type of data (link, text, contact) and enter the information.
- Save or share the generated code.
V MIUI 14 An experimental generation function appears QR-You can use the codes directly from the notification panel. To activate it, hold your finger on the blank space of the panel and select Edit. → QR-code.