Scanning. QR-codes on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line, POCO And Mi has become so intuitive that many users don't even know what the hidden features are, but it's not always going smoothly: the standard Camera app doesn't recognize the code, Google Lens gives an error, and third-party scanners require unnecessary permissions. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of scanning (including little-known ones), compare their speed and reliability, and solve typical problems - from blurred images to camera locking by the system. MIUI.
Feature of Xiaomi devices – built-in support QR-firmware-level MIUI, But it depends on the software version, the smartphone model, and regional settings. 12 Pro+ The scan is available directly in the Control Panel, and on older models like Redmi. 5A We'll have to install additional software. We've tested all the methods on the current versions. MIUI 14/15 And they highlighted those that work even without the Internet or with Google Play Services disabled.
1.Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera
The fastest and most obvious way is to use the built-in Camera app. on most modern Xiaomi models (starting with the latest ones). MIUI (12) recognition function QR-codes are activated by default, but there are nuances:
- 📱 Supported models: all smartphones on MIUI 12+ (including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13). On older versions (up to) MIUI 11) may require an update.
- 🔍 How to turn on: open the camera, point the lens at QR-code – in 1-2 seconds a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
- ⚡ Speed: Recognition occurs almost instantly (0.5–1.5 seconds) if the code is clear and the lighting is sufficient.
If the camera is not responding to QR-code:
- Check if the feature is enabled in the camera settings: go to the Camera → Settings (⚙) → Scan. QR-code.
- Make sure the code is not corrupted and takes up at least 30% of the screen.
- Turn off the energy-saving mode – it can block background image processing.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 Standard scanning may conflict with Google Lens. In this case, the priority is the system application - disable the lens in the camera settings.
Clean the lens of contamination
Turn on sufficient lighting.
Turn off the power saving.
Make sure that QR-code not inverted-->
2. Use of Google Lens (for complex codes)
Google Lens is an alternative tool that is installed by default on most Xiaomi smartphones with Google Play Services, and its advantage is the recognition of even partially erased or curved devices. QR-codes, as well as the ability to scan codes from the screen of another device (for example, from a PC monitor).
How to use:
- Open the Google app (or Google Photos).
- Click on the Lens icon (a stylized letter "G" with a dot) in the search bar or in the toolbar.
- Put the camera on QR-Lens will automatically identify it and suggest actions (clicking on a link, saving a contact, etc.).
| Parameter | Standard camera. | Google Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition speed | 0.5 to 1.5 sec. | 1-3 sec. |
| Working without the Internet | Yes. | No (connection required) |
| Recognition of damaged codes | Weak. | Strong. |
| Additional functions | Just scans. | Translation of text, search for images |
Google Lens is also useful for scanning codes in the PDF-Files or web pages: just take a screenshot, open it in Google Photos and click on the Lens icon.
Standard camera.
Google Lens
Party of annex
Another way.-->
3. Specialized applications for QR-code
If the built-in tools don’t work (for example, on older Xiaomi models or after resetting), it’s worth installing third-party software. We tested 5 popular scanners and selected the best ones:
- 🥇 QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play) - minimalist interface, no ads, offline.Ranked on Google Play: 4.7.
- 🛡️ Kaspersky QR Scanner - checks security links before opening, useful for scanning codes from unreliable sources.
- 📱 Barcode Scanner (ZXing Team) is open source, supports all formats (including Data Matrix and the ZXing Team). PDF417).
How to install and use:
- Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if Play Market is not available).
- Open the scanner and point the camera at the code. Most applications offer scan history and export results.
- For safety: Before clicking on the link, check it through VirusTotal or Kaspersky.
⚠️ Note: Some scanners (e.g, QR Scan Inc.'s Code Reader requests access to contacts and geolocation, which is redundant for basic functionality. MIUI.
How to Check Security QR-pre-opening?
4. Scanning. QR-codes from the screen of another device
Frequently: You have been sent QR-code in the messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) or it is displayed on the computer screen. Xiaomi's standard camera does not always cope with such scanning due to screen flickering or low resolution:
- 🖥️ For PC: Use Google Lens (as described above) or take a screenshot of the code and then scan it through the scanner app.
- 📲 For another smartphone: turn on the photo mode in the camera, take a picture QR-and scan it through the gallery (in the MIUI There is a built-in function of code recognition in the photo).
If the code flickers (for example, on AMOLED-Low-brightness screen, try it out:
- Increase the brightness of the source screen to the maximum.
- Turn off Adaptive Brightness on your Xiaomi (Settings → Display).
- Use the camera document shooting mode (if available).
💡
If QR-The code on your computer screen is not scanned, so try inverting its colors (e.g., through Paint or online tools), sometimes black and white code is recognized better than color code.
5. Solving scanning problems
Even new Xiaomi smartphones can have scanning errors, and let’s look at the typical cases and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Camera doesn't recognize. QR-code | Function disabled in settings | Scan it on. QR-codes in camera settings |
| The application gives an error "Can't read the code" | The code is damaged or too small | Use Google Lens or zoom in on it. |
| After the scan, nothing happens. | Ad Blocker or VPN | Disable AdGuard or change your VPN settings |
| Camera freezes while scanning | Conflict with other applications | Clear the camera cache in Settings → Apps |
If the problem persists:
- Check if there are any modified firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) that can remove MIUI system components.
- Upgrade Google Play Services to the latest version (even if you use a standard camera).
- Reset the camera settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data.
💡
On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ scan QR-It works even in incognito mode (no photo saving), which is useful for sensitive codes (for example, for authorization in banking applications).
6. Hidden functions QR-Xiaomi codes
QR-Xiaomi codes can be used for more than just link opening. Here are some non-obvious scenarios:
- 🔑 Authorization in Mi Account: when you log into your Xiaomi account on a new device, the system offers to scan QR-code from another gadget for quick synchronization.
- 📶 Wi-Fi connection: in router settings (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) you can generate QR-code for fast connection of guests without entering a password.
- 🎮 Smart Device Management: Codes are used to link Mi Band, Robot Vacuums or Yeelight lamps to the Mi Home app.
- 💳 Payment via Mi Pay: in some regions (e.g. China) QR-Codes are used for transfers between users.
To generate their own QR-Xiaomi codes:
- Use the Notes app: create a note, click More → Generate QR-code.
- In MIUI 15, the function of creating codes directly into the Control Panel (swipe down → QR icon) appeared.
Important: Don't scan. QR-codes from unreliable sources (such as street stickers or messages from strangers) may mask phishing links or malicious.apk files.
7. Alternative methods (without camera)
If your Xiaomi camera is broken or you are in poor light conditions, you can do without it:
- 📎 Screenshot. + Online Decoder: Take a Photo QR-So, upload it to a website like this. https://qr-code-scanner.online/.
- 💻 Terminal (for advanced): if the code contains text/link, it can be decoded via ADB or Termux with the help of the utility zbar-tools.
- 📱 Another smartphone: scan the code on the second device and send the result to your Xiaomi via Mi Share or Bluetooth.
Example of decoding via Termux:
pkg install zbar
zbarimg /sdcard/Download/qr.png⚠️ Note: Online decoders can save uploaded images. For sensitive codes (such as login data), use offline methods.