How to read quickly QR-code on the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi has become so commonplace that many users don't even think about its capabilities, POCO And Mi offers several ways to read. QR β€” built-in MIUI This article will help you understand all the available methods, including hidden firmware chips and solutions for old models.

Xiaomi’s ecosystem features that the manufacturer has integrated the QR scanner directly into the system utilities, eliminating the need to install third-party programs. However, not everyone knows where exactly this functionality is hidden in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15. We will look not only at standard Camera paths and Quick Settings, but also at alternative options for cases where the basic methods do not work.

It's important to understand that the scanning algorithm can vary depending on the smartphone model and the firmware version. For example, on POCO F5 with Android 13, the path to the scanner will be one, and on Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 12.5 - quite different, we took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most devices of the brand.

1. built-in QR scanner in the Camera app

The most obvious and quick way is to use the standard Camera app, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones since MIUI 9 and does not require an Internet connection.

  1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Switch to the photo mode (if you were in a different mode).
  3. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully into the viewfinder.
  4. Wait for the notification with a suggestion to click on the link or save data.

On newer models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12), the system automatically recognizes QR and shows a pop-up with action. On older devices (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), you may need to click on the screen in the code area to activate the scan. If the function does not work, check the camera settings:

  1. Open the camera β†’ Settings (cogs) β†’ Additional.
  2. Make sure the switch scans. QR-the codes are in the position of.

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12 Lite), the QR scanner in the camera only works in good light. If the code is not recognized, try highlighting it with a flashlight or turning on Night Mode in the camera settings.

2. Quick scan through the notification panel

The manufacturer has added a convenient scanning feature right from the notification panel, which saves time, which is especially useful when you need to quickly read the code without starting the camera.

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the QR Scanner icon (usually located in the front row of quick settings next to the flashlight and Wi-Fi).
  3. Tap the icons and the scanner interface will open.
  4. Point the camera at the code and wait for recognition.

If the scanner icon is not in the quick settings, you can add it:

  1. Open the full notification bar (swipe down twice).
  2. Click on the icon. ✏️ Edit (pencil).
  3. Find the QR scanner in the list and drag it to the active area.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 12.0-12.5) The scanner icon may be called «QR-Xiaomi scanner or Code Reader, if it's not on the quick setup list, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware.

πŸ“Š What kind of scanning method QR You use it more often?
Through the Camera app
From the notification panel
Special annexes
Another way.

3.Scanner app from Xiaomi: advanced features

For users who need to not only read QR but also create or work with barcodes, Xiaomi offers a separate app called β€œScanner” (com.xiaomi.scanner), which is pre-installed on most new models, but may not be available on older devices, in which case it can be downloaded from Google Play or the Mi App Store.

The functionality of the annex shall include:

  • πŸ” Reading QR and barcodes (including damaged or fuzzy codes).
  • πŸ“₯ Preserve scan history (up to 100 last codes).
  • πŸ”„ Generation QR from text, contacts or Wi-Fi passwords.
  • πŸ”¦ Flash for scanning in the dark.
  • πŸ“Ά Autodetermining code type (QR, EAN, Code 128 and others.).

How to use:

  1. Open the Scanner app (a magnifier icon on a blue background).
  2. Allow access to the camera at the first start.
  3. Hover the lens over the code - the data will be displayed automatically.
  4. Click on the result to perform the action (open the link, save the contact, etc.).
How to return the Scanner app if it is missing after the update?
If the Scanner app disappeared after the MIUI update, try: 1. Check the Service folder in the app menu. 2. Install it from Google Play at the request β€œXiaomi Scanner.” 3. Reset the launcher settings: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Launcher β†’ Reset. 4. In extreme cases, rollback to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader).

4. scanning QR via Google Lens and Google Assistant

If standard methods don't work (like custom firmware), you can use Google's services, both of which require an Internet connection, but offer additional features like translating text from codes or searching for product information.

Method 1: Google Lens in the Camera app

  1. Open the camera and switch to β€œMore” β†’ β€œLens” mode.
  2. Put the camera on QR-code.
  3. Wait for the highlight of the code area and click on the prompt that appears.

Method 2: Google Assistant

  1. Activate Google Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
  2. Say, "Scan it. QR-code" or "Open the scannerΒ».
  3. Allow access to the camera and point the lens to the code.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones for China (the C-suffix version in the model), Google Lens and Assistant can be disabled by default. To activate them, you will need to install Google Play Services manually via the Google Play Services. APK or flash global firmware.

MethodInternet is requiredIt's offline.Additional functionsSupported models
Xiaomi camera❌ No.βœ… Yes.Basic scanning.All of MIUI 9+
Notification panel❌ No.βœ… Yes.Quick accessWith MIUI 11+
Appendix "Scanner"❌ No.βœ… Yes.QR generation, historyWith MIUI 12+ (pre-installed)
Google Lensβœ… Yes.❌ No.Translation, search for goodsWith Google Play Services
Google Assistantβœ… Yes.❌ No.Voice controlWith Android 8+

5. Third-party applications for QR scanning

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't suit, you can install specialized applications that are useful for working with non-standard codes (for example, Aztec or other codes). PDF417), It's also for business purposes.-3 tested solutions:

  • πŸ“± QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – supports more than 20 code formats, has night mode and export history to the Internet CSV.
  • πŸ” Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks links from QR Security before opening, blocks phishing sites.
  • πŸ’Ό Barcode Scanner Pro – for inventory and work with barcodes of goods (integration with Excel).

How to install and use:

  1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (for models without GMS).
  2. Open it and give access to the camera and storage (to save history).
  3. Point the camera at the code - the result will be displayed instantly.
  4. In the settings, enable the options β€œVibration on scanning” and β€œAutofocus” for convenience.

πŸ›‘οΈ Make sure the code is not pasted over the original (check the edges)

πŸ”— Do not open links from suspicious domains (for example, with typos)

πŸ“± Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner)

πŸ”„ If the code requires data entry, check it out. URL manually before shipment-->

6. QR scanning on older Xiaomi models (up to MIUI 10)

On devices like the Redmi 4X, Mi A1 or Redmi Note 5 with older firmware versions (MIUI 8/9), there may not be a built-in scanner, in which case one of the solutions will help:

Method 1: Updating firmware

The most reliable way is to upgrade to the current version of MIUI via Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update. After the update, the scanner will appear in the notification panel and the camera.

Method 2: Application "Mi Remote"

Unexpectedly, the app for control equipment (com.duokan.phone.remotecontroller) on old firmware can scan QR.

  1. Open the Mi Remote (remote).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Scan QR.
  3. Point the camera at the code.

Method 3: APK manually

Download the APK app β€œScanner” from Xiaomi from the APKMirror site (the version must match your firmware). Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Security.

πŸ’‘

On older Xiaomi smartphones (until 2018 release) scanner QR It may not work due to lack of support Camera2 API. In this case, only installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) or using an external scanner through a custom firmware will help. OTG-port.

7. Solving QR scanning problems

If QR-The code is not recognized, check the following points:

  • πŸ“Έ Clean lens – wipe the camera with a soft cloth (greaty spots or scratches interfere with focusing).
  • πŸ’‘ Lighting – In low light, turn on the flashlight or use an external source.
  • πŸ“ Distance – Keep the camera 10 to 20 cm away from the code.
  • πŸ”„ Focus – tap the screen in the area of the code so that the camera is focused.
  • πŸ› οΈ Updates – Check the relevance of the firmware and the Camera app.

If the code is corrupted or unclear, try:

  • Use the QR Repair app (recovers up to 30% of damaged pixels).
  • Take a photo of the code and upload it to an online decoder (e.g. zxing.org).
  • Try reading code from another device (sometimes a different camera helps).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with an infrared camera (for example, Redmi) K30 Pro Zoom) scanning QR The main camera can be blocked due to driver conflict, so the solution is to disable the IR camera in the settings or use the front camera.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi

Can I scan it? QR-screencode?
Yes, but there are nuances: AMOLED-On screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro), the code can flicker β€” reduce the brightness to 50%. If the code is not recognized, take a screenshot and show it to the scanner. QR β€” In this case, use the second phone.
Why does the scanner in the notification panel disappear after the reboot?
This is a well-known MIUI 13 error for some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11). Solutions: Add the scanner icon again through dashboard editing. Clear System UI cache: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Show everything β†’ System UI β†’ Storage β†’ Clear cache. Update the firmware to the latest stable version.
How to scan. QR-code for connecting to Wi-Fi without entering a password?
Generate. QR-Code for your network: Open Settings β†’ Wi-Fi. Tap your network name. β†’ Share it. Enter it. PIN-Device code (if required) Show the received QR-code to another scanning device. MIUI 14+ can be created QR Directly from the notification panel: swipe down β†’ Hold the Wi-Fi icon β†’ Share the web.
Can I scan it? QR-front-camera codes?
Yes, but with limitations: Front camera resolution is usually lower - keep the code closer (5-15 cm). On models with a pop camera (Xiaomi Mi 9T), scanning may not work due to software limitations. In the Scanner app, you can manually switch to the front camera (switch icon in the upper right corner).
How to protect yourself from harmful QR-code?
Follow the rules: Do not scan codes from suspicious sites or stickers in public places. Use Kaspersky, Bitdefender. Before opening a link, check its preview (should match the expected address). Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection via QR in Settings β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additional. If the device behaves suspiciously (advertising, overheating), immediately check for viruses via Google Play Protect or Mi Security.