How to use a barcode scanner on your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Scanning of barcodes and QR-Xiaomi has become an integral part of everyday tasks, from paying for purchases to quickly navigate to the web, but not all users are aware that modern devices of the brand support this feature out of the box, without installing third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze all available scanning methods, including hidden features. MIUI, We also tell you how to solve typical problems, such as when the camera does not see the code or when it makes an error.

Xiaomi’s feature is that the scanner’s functionality depends on the firmware version and the device model. For example, the flagships of the Xiaomi 13 and Redmi Note 12 series support code recognition directly in the standard Camera application, whereas budget models like the Poco M5 may require manual activation of the function. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS to provide accurate instructions.

1.Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera

The fastest way is to use the built-in Camera app, which works on most devices starting with MIUI 12, but it may not be on older or custom firmware.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point the lens over the barcode or QR-The distance must be 10–30 cm – too close or far away may interfere with recognition.
3. If the code is recognized automatically, a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on a link or view the information.

If the scan doesn't start, it's possible that the function is disabled in the settings to activate it:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Camera. → Camera settings.
• 📱 Find the Scan item. QR-codes (or code recognition) and switch on the switch.
• 🔄 Restart the Camera app.

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If the camera focuses on code for a long time, try to turn on Macro Mode (the flower icon in the camera interface) – this will help when scanning small barcodes.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The scanning function in the camera may not be available due to hardware limitations, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Google Lens: universal scanner for Xiaomi

If a standard camera doesn’t work, use Google Lens, a service from Google that is integrated into most Android devices, which not only recognizes codes, but also provides additional information about products, text and images.

How to use:

1. Open the Google (search engine) or Google Photos app.
2. In the search bar, click on the Google Lens icon (a stylized lens image).
3. Hover the camera over the barcode. The service will automatically determine the type of code and suggest actions (for example, open a link or show prices for goods).

The advantages of Google Lens:

• 🌍 It works even on older Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi). A2 Android One).
• 🛒 Not only does he recognize QR, but also barcode formats EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128.
• 🔍 Offers contextual information: product reviews, analogues, prices in online stores.

3. Specialized scanning applications

If the built-in tools don't fit, install one of the apps we've tested.-3 Xiaomi solutions that work smoothly and without advertising (or with minimal restrictions in the free version).

How to choose an application:

• 🔒 For safety (e.g. scanning) QR-Payment codes: use Kaspersky QR Scanner.
• 📦 For working with a large number of barcodes (for example, inventory) is suitable QR & Barcode Scanner.
• 🛠️ If you need an offline mode, install Barcode Scanner from ZXing.

Install the application from the official store|Provide access to the camera in the settings|Disable battery optimization for the app|Check your internet connection (if you need an online search)-->

4. scan through MIUI Scanner (hidden function)

On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS, there is a hidden system scanner that runs faster than a standard camera and supports more code formats.

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. Find the Quick Start Scanner (or Double Press Power button).
3. Select the action Code Scanner and save the settings.

Now, to scan the code, double-press the power button, and the scanner interface will open, and this feature is available on the following models:

• 📱 Xiaomi 12/13/14 (modifications).
• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12 Pro+.
• 📱 POCO F4/F5.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, this function may be called MIUI Scanner or Fast QR. If the item is not in the settings, update the system to the latest version.

5. Solving scanning problems

If the scanner is not working, check the following points:

If the problem persists, reset the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reset the device.

6.Safety in scanning QR-code

QR-Codes and barcodes can contain malicious links or commands. Here's how to protect your device:

• 🔐 Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner or Bitdefender Mobile Security).
• 🚫 Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (such as street pole stickers or unofficial promotional materials).
• 🛡️ Before clicking on the link, check her address – it should start with https:// and contain the name of a known service (e.g., youtube.com, ali.express).

Signs of fraudulent QR-code:

• 🔗 The link leads to a shortened address (for example, bit.ly/xxxx) non-explanatory.
• 💳 The code prompts you to enter card data or personal data immediately.
• 📱 After scanning, a request for the installation of the unknown appears APK-file.

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Never scan. QR-Codes that promise “free gifts” or “instant wins” are a sign of phishing. Official promotions are always held on verified venues (for example, in the Mi Community app).

7. Alternative methods: scanning without a camera

If your smartphone camera is faulty, you can recognize the barcode in other ways:

1. Photo: Take a photo of the code with another device, save the image, and upload it to an online service like ZXing Decoder.
2. Manual: If the code contains numbers (e.g. EAN-13), type them into Google’s search box – the system will automatically identify the product.
3. Voice input: In Google Assistant, say, OK, Google, scan. QR-code, then show the front camera code.

To recognize barcodes from goods (for example, books or products) you can also use:

• 📚 Yandex.Check scans checks and finds goods in stores.
• 🛒 Wildberries/Ozone – built-in scanner in official applications for searching for goods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi