How to scan the barcode on the Xiaomi phone: all ways with a photo

Scanning of barcodes and QR-Xiaomi has become so simple that many users are unaware of the built-in capabilities of their devices. In 2026, you do not need to install third-party applications for this - you just need to know the hidden features. MIUI But how exactly does it work on different models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra?

In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to scan code, including the little-known tricks of the camera, Google Lens, and even the voice assistant, how to scan code from another phone's screen, from a photo gallery, or in low light conditions, and why sometimes a standard scanner doesn't recognize the code and how to fix it in 10 seconds.

1. Built-in scanner in the Camera app (fastest way)

All Xiaomi smartphones on the base MIUI 12 and later have a built-in code scanner right in the standard camera app, which works without the Internet and does not require the installation of additional programs. QR-codes in camera settings.

To activate the scan:

• 📷 Open the Camera app and switch to the main photography mode (not Portrait or Video).
• 🔍 Point the lens over the barcode or QR-The distance must be 10-30 cm (for small codes - closer).
• 🌐 Through 1-2 A notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link or view the information.
• 👆 Tap the pop-up banner to open the code contents.

Open the "Camera" → Push it. ⚙️ "Settings" → Insert "Scanning" QR-code"|

Make sure the regime "AI-The camera is disabled (interfering with recognition)|

Check the camera's permission to access the Internet (for the purpose of QR-reference)-->

If the scanner is not working, check:

• 🔦 Is there enough lighting (in low light use a flashlight).
• 📱 Clean camera lens (pollution interferes with focusing).
• 🔄 Update the Camera app to the latest version via Google Play.

2. scanning through Google Lens (for the purpose of QR and barcodes with text)

Google Lens is a powerful tool from Google that not only recognizes codes, but also translates text, identifies plants and even solves mathematical examples. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is built into:

• 🔍 Google app (magnifying glass icon on the home screen).
• 📷 Google Photos app (when viewing photos).
• 🤖 Google Assistant (activated by long pressing the Home button).

Instructions for scanning through Google Lens:

1. Open the Google app and tap the Lens (stylized camera) icon in the search bar.
2. Point the camera at the code. Google Lens will automatically determine the type of code (QR, EAN-13, Code 128 et al.) and will offer action.
3. For barcodes of goods, the service will show prices in online stores, reviews and analogues.

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If Google Lens does not recognize the barcode of the product, try to scan it through the Yandex.Cheki application - it works better with Russian stores and shows checks from the Federal Tax Service.

3. Scanning of codes from the photo gallery (if you do not have access to the original)

Situation: you've photographed a barcode, but the original product is out of your sight, or the code is printed on paper that you can't bring to your phone, and the built-in scanner in the Mi Gallery app will help.

How it works:

1. Open the photo with the code in the Gallery app.
2. Tap the Lens icon (or Image Search) in the lower menu.
3. If there is no icon, click on it. ⋮ → Image search.
4. The system will analyze the photo and suggest actions (clicking on the link, searching for goods, etc.).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work with highly blurred or over-lit photos.
• ❌ Not all barcode formats are supported (for example, Code 39 may not be recognized).
• ✅ Best scanned. QR-codes EAN-13/UPC-A (standard-code).

Xiaomi's built-in camera|Google Lens|Gallery annex|Party to the annex (Kaspersky, QR Reader)|I don't scan codes.-->

4. Specialized applications for complex codes

In 90% of cases, Xiaomi’s built-in tools are enough to scan, but if you need to work with:

• 🏷️ Industrial codes (Data Matrix, PDF417).
• 🔐 Encrypted. QR (password- or dynamically contented).
• 📦 Code packets (multiple barcodes in one image).

— You'll have to install third-party software.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

How do you choose an app?

• 🛡️ For security (payment under the QR, Account login) - Kaspersky QR Scanner.
• 📦 Products and logistics – Barcode Scanner Pro.
• 🌐 For normal links and Wi-Fi – enough built-in scanner Xiaomi.

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The side of the app consumes more battery and requires additional permissions, only use them if the built-in tools fail.

5. Scanning through voice assistant (no hands)

Few people know, but the Google Assistant on Xiaomi can scan codes on a voice command, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your phone's screen is dirty.

Activate the assistant of one of the teams:

• 🎤 «Okay, Google, scan it. QR-code».
• 🎤 «Hey, Google, read the barcode».

After activation:

1. The camera will automatically turn on in scan mode.
2. Hover the lens over the code - the assistant will voice the result (for example: "The code contains a link to the site example.ru.Open?").
3. Confirm the action with a voice ("Yes"/"No").

Limitations:

• ⚠️ It only works when connected to the Internet (voice commands are processed on Google servers).
• ⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models support this feature (tested on Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5).
• ⚠️ For barcodes of goods, the assistant may not voice complete information (only basic data).

6.Scanning problems and errors (and how to fix them)

Even new Xiaomi smartphones sometimes have problems with code recognition, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If the crawler constantly redirects you to suspicious sites (for example, with a suggestion to enter card details), this may be phishing. QR-Close the page immediately and check the code through Kaspersky. QR Scanner.

If none of these methods work:

1. Restart your phone (sometimes helps with camera crashes).
2. Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions have scanner bugs).
3. Reset the settings of the Camera application (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Drop it).

7.Security: How not to run into scammers through QR-code

QR-Codes and barcodes have become a popular tool for fraudsters. According to Kaspersky Lab, in 2023, the number of attacks through the Internet is estimated to be high. QR It's 400%. Here's how to protect yourself:

Signs of danger QR-code:

• 🚨 The code is pasted over the official (for example, on payment terminals).
• 🚨 The link leads to the site with errors in the domain (for example, paypa1.com instead of paypal.com).
• 🚨 After scanning, ask to enter card data or logins from social networks.

How to check the code before scanning:

1. Use links verification apps (Kaspersky) QR Scanner, Avast Mobile Security).
2. Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (unknown leaflets, messages in messengers).
3. Before the payment QR Check the recipient’s details (some banking applications have a verification function).

⚠️ In Russia from 2026 there is a law on the labeling of goods, according to which fake barcodes on drugs and tobacco can lead to a fine of up to 500 000 ₽. Always check the codes through the official application "Honest Sign.

FAQ: Frequent questions about code scanning on Xiaomi