How the scanner works on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 phone: the complete guide

Introduction: Scanner capabilities on Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi 9, released in 2020, is equipped with built-in scanning tools QR-codes, barcodes and support NFC (in the modification of Redmi 9 NFC). These functions are integrated as standard applications MIUI, And it's also available to third-party services, but many users don't realize the full potential of the scanner, and for example, in addition to reading codes for payment or authorization, the device can recognize business cards in MeCard format, connect to Wi-Fi through the Internet. QR, Interact with Xiaomi smart devices through Mi Home.

In this article, we will discuss how the scanner works on Redmi 9, what formats it supports, how to turn it on and configure it for various tasks, from quick payment to automation of a smart home, and pay special attention to hidden functions that are not dokumented in official instructions, but greatly expand the capabilities of the device.

Types of scanners on Xiaomi Redmi 9: what does your phone

Depending on the modification, Redmi 9 supports up to three types of scanning:

• 📱 Camera scanner QR/Barcodes – works on all versions through the standard Camera or Scanner app (in the MIUI 12+).
• 💳 NFC-chip – available only in the Redmi 9 NFC, It allows you to read tags, payment cards (via Google Pay) and interact with Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Lock devices.
• 🔍 Specialized applications – for example, Mi Remote for controlling equipment through the IR port (not available in all regions).

It is important to understand that the camera scans only visual codes (QR, DataMatrix, EAN-13 etc.), whereas NFC It works with radio frequency tags, such as contactless payment or scripting in Xiaomi Home, and both methods can complement each other, QR-The code on the product can be scanned by the camera, and NFC-The mark on it - count to confirm the authenticity.

How to turn on and configure the scanner QR-code

By default, scanner QR-Redmi 9 codes are activated automatically when the camera is got stuck over the code, but for stable operation, it is recommended to check the settings:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-code.
3. Make sure the switch is scanned. QR-codes included.
4. To speed up recognition, turn off HDR in photo mode (it can slow down processing).

If the scanner is not working, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes helps with camera crashes).
• 📱 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (old firmware had bugs with small code recognition).
• 🛠️ Clear the Camera app cache in Settings → Annexes.

Make sure the code is clear and not blurred

Disable HDR in the camera settings

Update MIUI to the current version

Check the permission to use the camera for applications

-->

For advanced features (such as scanning codes from another device’s screen), install the official Xiaomi Scanner app from Google Play.

• 📄 Preserving scan history.
• 🔗 Generation QR-codes for text, contacts or Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Code authentication (phishing protection).

NFC on Redmi 9: How it works and where it works

NFC-chip in the Redmi model 9 NFC standardize ISO 14443 (for bank cards; and NFC Forum Type 2/4 (It can be used for tagging:

To activate NFC:

1. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → NFC.
2. Turn on the NFC switch.
3. To pay, add a card to Google Pay and confirm it via SMS from the bank.

⚠️ Attention: NFC If you don't use the feature all the time, turn it off in the settings to save battery power. Also, avoid placing your phone near the magnets, which can damage the chip.

Scanning barcodes: purchases, goods, documents

Barcodes (e.g. EAN-13 or Code 128) are most commonly found on products in stores. Redmi 9 recognizes them by:

• 📷 Standard Camera (if the code is large and contrasting).
• 🔍 Google Lens or Barcode Scanner (for small codes).
• 🛒 Price comparison services (ShopSavvy, Yandex.Market).

To scan the goods in the store:

1. Open the camera and point to the barcode.
2. If the code is not recognized, try to enable macro mode (flower in the camera interface).
3. Click on the pop-up notification with the result (for example, a link to the product).

Tip: If you scan products often, add the Scanner widget to the home screen.

1. Press and hold the empty space on the screen.
2. Select Widgets → Scanner.
3. Drag him to a comfortable place.

💡

To scan codes on curved surfaces (such as bottles), use Gamma Play’s QR & Barcode Scanner app, which supports manual focusing and perspective correction.

Scanner problems: why it doesn’t work and how to fix it

If the scanner on Redmi 9 refuses to recognize the codes, the reasons may be as follows:

For the diagnosis of NFC:

1. Install the NFC Check app from Google Play.
2. Run a chip test.
3. If the application does not find NFC, contact the service center - it is possible that the antenna module is damaged.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The scanner in the Camera app stopped working, reset the camera settings to the factory. → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. It will delete all user settings, but it will return functionality.

Hidden scanner features: what can Redmi 9 besides basic recognition

Few people know, but the scanner on Redmi 9 can perform non-obvious tasks:

• 🔑 Authorization in Wi-Fi via QR: scan the code on the back of the router to connect without entering a password.
• 📱 File transfer by NFC: Touch another phone with NFC, To send a photo or contact (you need to turn on Android Beam).
• 🏠 Smart home management: tie in NFC-A screenplay tag in Mi Home (for example, touching a tag at the door will turn on the lights).
• 🛂 Passport/ticket scanning: Some apps (e.g. Aeroexpress) support reading barcodes from e-tickets.

For automation through NFC:

1. Buy it. NFC-stickers (e.g., stickers, NTAG213).
2. Install the Trigger or Automate app.
3. Program the sticker to perform the action (for example, starting Google Assistant or turning on Do Not Disturb mode).
4. Stick the sticker to a convenient place (for example, on a table or door).

💡

NFC-tags can be used to quickly start frequently used functions – for example, touching a tag on a bedside table will include an alarm clock and night mode.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 9