Scanner on Xiaomi: how it works, what functions hides and how to configure

Xiaomi Smartphone Scanner Is Not Just a Reading Tool QR-Behind the external simplicity lies a whole range of technologies: NFC For contactless payments to the infrared port to control the equipment, but how does this system work? Why does the scanner recognize the codes instantly on some models and requires manual focusing on others? And most importantly, how do you make it work at full power?

In this article, we’ll break down all the types of scans available on Xiaomi, from basic barcode reading to advanced features like Mi Remote or Mi Pay. You’ll learn which models support hardware acceleration scanning (and why it’s important), how to get around typical recognition errors, and even how to use a phone as a versatile smart home remote. And at the end of the day, we’ll answer the most common questions users ask about the scanner in Redmi, POCO and flagships Xiaomi.

1.What types of scanners are in Xiaomi phones

Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with several types of scanners, and their set depends on the model and year of release.

• 📱 Camera as scanner: the most versatile method, works on all models, uses the main or front camera for recognition. QR-codes, barcodes, and even text (Google Lens or Mi Lens).
• 💳 NFC-chip: for contactless payments (Mi Pay, Google Pay), tag readers and even emulation of transport cards (in some regions), available in mid-range and premium models.
• 🔍 Infrared port (IR): allows you to control household appliances (air conditioners, TVs) through the Mi Remote app. Found in old flagships (Mi 9, Mi 10) and some Redmi Notes.
• 👆 Fingerprint scanner: In some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) can be used for authorization in applications or confirmation of payments.

It's important to understand that not all features are available at the same time. POCO M5 or Redmi 12C often deprived NFC IR port, but support scanning QR And flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Pro can offer all of these options. + Additional features like Smart document scanning in Mi AI.

2. How the scan works QR-camera-code

The most common method is to use the main or front camera for recognition. QR-The algorithm is simple:

1. The camera captures the image of the code.
2. Special software (usually Google Lens or Xiaomi built-in software) analyzes pixels and highlights a square tag.
3. Code data is decoded and converted into a link, text, or command (e.g., a Wi-Fi connection).

But there are nuances:

• ⚡ Hardware acceleration: in models with Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) scanning is almost instantaneous thanks to a specialized image processing unit (ISP).
• 🐢 Software processing: on budget chips (Helio) G85 redmi 10A) recognition 1-2 Seconds due to lack of hardware optimization.
• 🔦 Lighting: In low light, the camera automatically increases ISO, This can lead to noise and reading errors, and it helps to turn on the flashlight).

To check if your Xiaomi supports hardware acceleration, go to Settings. → The phone. → Full specification → If it's Qualcomm Snapdragon. 8xx or Dimensity 9xxx, The scan will probably be quick.

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If QR-code is not read, try to disable the function "HDR" in camera settings - sometimes it distorts the contrast of the label.

3. NFC Xiaomi: not only payments, but also scanning tags

Chip. NFC (Near Field Communication is not just used for Mi Pay or Google Pay in Xiaomi smartphones:

• 💳 Bank cards (to be tied to a wallet).
• 🏷️ NFC-tags (e.g., to automate actions via Mi Home or Tasker).
• 🚇 Transport cards (in some countries, for example, Troika in Moscow).
• 🔑 Electronic keys (for doors with NFC-lock).

To turn on NFC, Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → NFC. Pay attention to two modes:

⚠️ Attention: if NFC It's not working, check it out:

1. The presence of metal covers - they shield the signal. 2. Updates MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in newer versions. 3 Regional restrictions (e.g. Mi Pay does not work in Europe).

4.Infrared port: how to manage equipment through Xiaomi

Infrared is a rare feature in modern smartphones, but Xiaomi still equips some models with it.

• 📺 Television (Samsung, LG, Xiaomi TV).
• ❄️ Air conditioning (Gree, Midea, Daikin).
• 🎵 Music centers and receivers.
• 💡 Some smart lamps (if they support IR).

The job requires:

1. Smartphone with IR port (list of models below).
2. Mi Remote (pre-installed or downloaded from Google Play)
3. Database of codes for your equipment (updated via the Internet).

Xiaomi models with an IR port (as of 2026):

• Xiaomi 13 Pro, 13 Ultra (only in some regions).
• Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Note 11 Pro+ 5G.
• POCO F5 Pro, POCO X5 Pro.
• Old flagships: Mi 10, Mi 9, Mi Mix 3.

⚠️ Note: if your model is not listed but the specifications indicate an IR port, check its performance through Mi Remote. Sometimes the port is physically present but disabled at the software level (for example, in European firmware).

5. Hidden scanner features you didn't know about

In addition to the standard options, the scanner in Xiaomi can do non-obvious things:

• 📄 Scanning of documents: in the application Mi AI Google Drive can scan a passport, receipt or book with automatic perspective alignment and text enhancement.
• 🎵 Music recognition: via Shazam (built into Mi Music) or Google Assistant – just hold your phone to the sound source.
• 🛒 Price comparison: scan the barcode of the product in Mi Browser or Google Lens to see prices in different stores.
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication: Some apps (like Telegram) allow you to confirm your login via QR-code SMS.

One of the most useful features is a Wi-Fi scan. QR-Many routers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router) generate QR Instead of manually entering a password, it's just:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the icon. QR top-right.
3. Point the camera at the router code.

It works the other way: you can generate your own. QR-Guest network code directly in Wi-Fi settings.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even in top Xiaomi models, the scanner can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear the cache and Reset the settings.

⚠️ Note: if the problem occurs after the update MIUI, A rollback to the previous version may help, but remember that this is a risky procedure that can lead to a device locking if it is not performed correctly.

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Before resetting your camera settings, back up your photos – sometimes the cleaning process deletes user data as well.

7.Security: How to protect data when scanning

Scanning. QR-codes and NFC-Labels can be dangerous if you don't know where they came from. Fraudsters often use fake codes to:

• 🔗 Redirects to phishing sites (cloned pages of banks).
• 📲 Automatic subscriptions to paid SMS-service.
• 📎 Installations of harmful APK-files (if the code leads to the download of the application).

Safety regulations:

1. Never scan codes from suspicious sources (such as street stickers or in vehicles).
2. Before clicking on the link, check her address (should start with the https://, not http://).
3. Turn off automatic actions after scanning in Settings → System system → Advanced settings → QR-code.
4. Use an antivirus (such as Mi Security) to check your downloaded files.

You need to be especially careful with NFC-Always check the bills:

• 💳 The amount of write-off on the terminal screen.
• 🏦 Name of the recipient bank (must be the same as yours).
• 🔄 Availability of transaction notification in SMS bank-appendix.

If you suspect that your Xiaomi has been compromised through a scanner, immediately:

1. Turn off the Internet (Flight Mode). 2. Remove suspicious applications in Settings → Appendices. 3. Check the payment history in the banking application. 4. perform a factory reset (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the scanner on Xiaomi