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

QR-codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line and the Wi-Fi line). POCO) They often don't realize that their devices can already scan these codes out of the box without additional applications. In this article, we'll look at all the methods available, from built-in functions. MIUI to specialized utilities, as well as reveal the nuances that are not obvious at first glance.

The thing about MIUI is that QR scanning can be hidden in different menus depending on the OS version and the phone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the algorithm differs from the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We took these differences into account and collected universal instructions that will work on 90% of the brand's devices, and you will also learn how to get around typical errors, such as when the camera "can't see" the code or sends a message "failed to recognize the QR."

1. built-in QR scanner in the Camera app

The fastest way is to use the standard Camera app, and the QR scanning function has been integrated since MIUI 9, but newer versions (like MIUI 14) have changed the algorithm. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Switch to Photo mode (if there was Video or Portrait).
3. Point the lens at QR-Code – it should occupy at least 30% of the screen.
4. Wait for notification: at the top, a pop-up will appear with a suggestion to click on the link or copy the data.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) Scanning function is disabled by default to activate it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Camera → Camera settings
2. Turn on the "Scanning" switch QR-codes” (or “Recognition of codes” QR» older).

If the camera doesn’t see the code, check:

• 🔦 Lighting: QR-The code should be well lit (but without glare!).
• 📱 Distance: optimally - 15-30 cm from the camera.
• 🔄 Focus: Tap the screen in the code area so that the camera is focused.

💡

If QR-code on the screen of another device, reduce the brightness of this screen – so the Xiaomi camera better recognizes the code.

QR scanner in the notification panel (MIUI 12 and later)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added quick access to the scanner directly from the notification panel, which works even if the Camera app is blocked or removed.

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the QR icon (usually next to the flashlight and In-Airplane mode) and if it's not, click Edit (pencil) and add the QR scanner widget.
3. Tap the icons and the scanner interface will open.
4. Point the camera at the code and wait for recognition.

🔹 The advantage of the method: works without the Internet and does not require unlocking the phone (if the notification bar is available on a locked screen).

🔹 Disadvantage: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The scanner widget may not be available due to the limitations of the lightweight version. MIUI.

3. QR scanner in Mi Browser browser

Few people know, but the standard browser Mi Browser (installed on all Xiaomi smartphones by default) also can scan. QR-It's convenient if the code contains a link, the browser will immediately open it in a new tab:

1. Open the Mi Browser (Blue Globe Icon)
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (menu) → choose «QR-code».
3. Allow access to the camera (if requested).
4. Hover the camera over the code – the browser automatically recognizes it and prompts you to open the link.

⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party browser (such as Chrome or Firefox), this method will not work» QR-Short-link codes (such as bit.ly) – in which case a security alert will appear.

4.Using Google Lens to Recognize QR

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work (like the code is corrupted or too small), Google Lens, Google's image recognition service, not only reads QR, but translates text, identifies objects, and even copies phone numbers.

1. Make sure that the phone has a Google app installed (usually preinstalled).
2. Open Google Photos or Google Assistant (hold the Home button).
3. In the search bar or on the Assistant’s home screen, look for the Google Lens icon (a stylized “G” with a dot).
4. Put the camera on QR-code – the service will automatically read it and offer actions (open a link, copy the text, etc.).

🔹 The benefits of Google Lens:

• 🔍 It recognizes even partially erased or curved codes.
• 🌐 Translate text with QR on the fly (useful for foreign menus or instructions).
• 📋 Stores scan history (you can return to the code later).

🔹 Cons:

• 📶 Requires an Internet connection for full-time work.
• 🔒 Some Xiaomi users complain that Google Lens is not running due to conflict with the Internet MIUI — In this case, it will help to reinstall the Google application.

5. Special applications for scanning QR

If the built-in tools don't work, you can install third-party apps, and they offer advanced features like scan history, generation of your own. QR-codes, phishing protection.-3 Verified utilities for Xiaomi:

• 📱 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – minimalist interface, works without ads, supports Wi-Fi QR (network-connect).
• 🔒 Kaspersky QR Scanner – checks links to viruses and fraud, blocks dangerous sites.
• 🌐 Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) is open source, supports all barcode formats, including Data Matrix and Barcode Scanner. PDF417.

🔹 If you only need a scanner, go to Gamma Play. If security is important, go to Kaspersky. If you want to use non-standard codes, like on products or tickets, ZXing is good for you.

⚠️ Avoid apps with names like “Super” QR Scanner Pro or "Fast" QR Reader – they often contain hidden ads or collect data. Check reviews and permissions before installation (access to the camera and storage should be justified!).

Scanning QR-codes from the screen of another device

Often QR-You don't have to read it from paper, you have to read it from another phone, tablet, or monitor, and you have the typical problems, glare, flicker, low contrast, to successfully scan the code from the screen:

1. Reduce the brightness of the screen with the code to 50-70% – so the camera Xiaomi better focus.
2. Turn off Adaptive Brightness on both devices (it can change backlight during scanning).
3. Use Read Mode (if any) to remove blue light that interferes with recognition.
4. Try another angle: sometimes it helps to tilt the screen with the code at 30-45 degrees.

🔹 If the code flickers (like on an animation site), take a screenshot and scan it through Google Photos or Galery (in some versions). MIUI There's built-in recognition on screenshots).

🔹 For codes from websites (such as Wi-Fi) QR It is better to use specialized services like qifi.org – they generate static codes without animation.

💡

Screened QR-codes often contain short links (t.me, bit.ly). Before you go, check the address for suspicious characters - scammers can mask phishing sites as legitimate.

7. Solving problems: QR-code not scanned

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is persistently failing to recognize QR, check out these points:

🔹 Blurred or printed? Try to improve clarity:

• 📸 Enable Document mode in the Camera app (if any).
• 🔎 Use manual focus: tap the code on the screen and hold until a yellow square appears.
• 💡 Increase exposure (swipe your finger up the screen after focusing).

🔹 Code on a curved surface (like a bottle)? Take a picture of it and process it in Google Photos using the Trip and Turn tool to align perspective.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi