Modern smartphones have become universal tools for interacting with the digital world, and Xiaomi is no exception. One of the most popular features is the ability to read graphic codes that contain links to sites, data to connect to Wi-Fi or product information. Users no longer need to search and install dubious apps from the store, since this option is built into the system by default.
The scanning process on Mi and Redmi devices is as simplified and optimized as possible for fast work even on budget models. gadget owners can use several ways to activate the scanner: through a standard camera application, system utility or control center. The choice of the specific method often depends on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS installed on your device.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the options available, help solve typical focus problems, and explain why embedded security handles data locally without sending an image to the cloud without your knowledge, which ensures privacy when using public codes in stores or on transport.
Use of the standard Camera application
The most obvious and quick way is to use the full-time software for photography, and the company's engineers have embedded machine learning algorithms directly into the image processing module, which allows you to recognize the matrix instantly, so you don't have to take the picture and save it to the gallery, the analysis is done in real time through the viewfinder.
To activate the feature, simply open the Camera app and hover the lens over a black and white square. If the system detects the code, a yellow or blue button link will appear on the screen, clicking on it will redirect you to the browser or open the corresponding application, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, if the code contained authorization data.
Sometimes automatic recognition may not work immediately if the room is poorly lit or the matrix is damaged. In such cases, try changing the angle of the phone or approaching the object. Also make sure that the lens is clean, as fat spots can scatter light and interfere with the correct operation of the focusing algorithms.
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Rub the camera lens with a soft cloth before scanning – this increases the recognition speed in low light conditions by 40%.
Importantly, some firmware versions require you to manually activate the function in the settings. Go to the camera menu, click on the three bars in the corner and select Settings. Find the Code Scanner or Google Lens section and make sure the switch is in the active position.
A separate application Scanner in the MIUI system
In addition to the main camera, the MIUI and the new HyperOS are also packed with a dedicated system application called Scanner, which is a more powerful tool that not only reads links, but also translates text, recognizes products in stores and identifies documents, and is a versatile combine for working with visual information.
You can run the utility through a desktop search, by typing a scanner request, or by finding an icon in the Tools folder. The application interface is divided into several tabs, which allows you to switch between modes of operation. By default, there is always a Code mode that is designed specifically for the application. QR-tags and barcodes.
The uniqueness of this app is its deep integration with the ecosystem, for example, when you hover over a product in a supermarket, the system can show the price in popular online stores or information about the composition of the product. For ordinary links, there is a built-in guard that checks the URL for viruses before you switch.
If you use this feature often, it makes sense to shorten the app to the home screen or add a widget. This will save time, as the launch is faster than through the camera menu, especially on devices with a lot of installed programs. In the scanner settings, you can also turn off the signal sound when you read successfully, which is convenient in quiet places.
Scan through the Control Center and Sidebar
For those who prefer minimalism and speed, the developers have provided quick access through the notification curtain, which is especially true when the phone screen is locked or you are in another application and do not want to interrupt the current task.
To add a button, lower the top curtain down to the end and tap the edit icon (usually a pencil or gear). In the list of available switches, find the Scanner element and drag it to the active zone. Now, when you swipe down, you can instantly start the tag-reading camera.
An alternative method is available through the app sidebar if it is enabled in the system settings. Swipe your finger from the edge of the screen to call the menu, and select the appropriate tool. This method is convenient in that it allows you to use the scanner on top of other windows, although the functionality can be limited to basic link reading.
Consider that the location of elements may vary from one global firmware to another. The European version of Global ROM often has more functionality than China ROM, where some Google services are replaced by local ones, but the basic scanning feature is present in all builds without exception.
☑️ Checking the Quick Access settings
Comparison of scanning methods on Xiaomi
Users often wonder which method is most effective, and the answer depends on the specific situation: what you are scanning and what you want to get. Below is a comparison table that will help you understand the nuances of each method.
| Method | Launch speed | Additional functions | Working without the Internet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix Camera | Tall. | Links and Wi-Fi only | Yes. |
| Appendix Scanner | Medium | Goods, documents, translation | Partially. |
| Centre for control | Maximum | Basic reading | Yes. |
| Google lens | Low. | Search for photos, text | No. |
As you can see from the table, a camera or control center is best for simple payment or clicking on a link, but if you need to analyze the composition of a product or scan a business card with saving contacts, a separate Scanner application will be an indispensable assistant.
And there's also Google Lens, which can be built into a search bar or a gallery, and it uses Google's powerful servers to recognize objects, but it requires a network connection, which is redundant for simple codes, but indispensable for complex images.
Why the phone can't see the code
Despite the high-tech Xiaomi smartphones, sometimes there are situations when the camera simply ignores the label. Most often the problem is not the hardware, but the software settings or physical obstacles.
The second common reason is the low contrast of the image on the source screen. If you scan the code from another phone, increase the brightness of the display to a maximum. Matte screens or protective glasses can create glare that knocks down the recognition algorithm, making reading impossible.
⚠️ Note: Never follow links from unknowns QR-codes found on the street or in suspicious places, which can be used by attackers to phish or install malware. Always check the domain name before authorizing.
If the persists problem, try clearing the camera app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Camera → Clear the data. This won’t delete your photos, but will reset the module settings, which often resolves software conflicts after a system update.
What to do if the code is damaged?
Data security and confidentiality
Safety issues in use QR-Unlike other Android smartphones, Xiaomi has implemented an additional layer of verification in its system scanner.
When scanning codes to connect to Wi-Fi, password data is transmitted directly to the network module and is not stored in the history of the browser or clipboard in plain form, which reduces the risk of credential interception by malware that could monitor the clipboard.
However, it is worth remembering about.permissions. The camera application does not need access to your contacts or location to run the scanner. If you are asked to grant extra rights when you start the scanner, this is a reason to be alert and check whether the system application has changed.
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Built-in antivirus MIUI Security automatically checks all links received through the QR-codes, providing a basic level of protection against phishing.
Use of third-party apps and Google Lens
If the built-in tools don't suit you, Google Play offers hundreds of alternatives, and popular apps like QR & Barcode Scanner or Kaspersky QR Scanner provide advanced stats, scan history, and more flexible text formatting settings.
Google Lens, which uses neural networks to recognize not only codes, but also handwritten text, pedigreed animals, plants and landmarks, and activates by opening the camera and switching to Lens mode if it is available in your area.
Third-party apps can be useful for businesses when you need to read (large batches) of code or generate your own tags directly on your phone, and they allow you to create codes in a variety of formats, including vCard for contacts and text blocks, which a standard camera can’t do.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party scanners, read reviews carefully and check with the developer. Many free apps are overflowing with ads that can block the viewfinder, interfering with the scanning process.