How to scan. QR-Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi Redmi seems like a simple task – until you encounter errors like β€œCamera does not recognize the code” or β€œThe application does not support this format”. In 2026, the manufacturer simplified the process, but hid some features deep in the settings, and in new models (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro).+) Scanning algorithms work differently than in older Redmis 9A Note 10.

In this article - 5 proven ways to read QR-Xiaomi Redmi codes (including methods without installing third-party applications), analysis of typical errors and a unique life hack to scan corrupted codes through developer mode. If your smartphone does not recognize the code the first time, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard method: scanning through a Xiaomi camera

The most obvious method is to use Xiaomi's built-in camera, but not everyone knows that you don't need to install additional apps to do this: the QR scan feature is sewn into MIUI firmware since version 12.

  • πŸ“± Open the camera app on your Redmi.
  • πŸ” Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully in the viewfinder (distance - 10-30 cm).
  • πŸ”— If the code is recognized, a notification will appear telling you to click on the link.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with version MIUI 14+ (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro, the scanning function is disabled by default to save battery power. To activate it, go to Settings. β†’ Camera. β†’ Scanning. QR-codes and switch on the switch.

Lighting's pretty bright (QR-code should not cast shadows)

The camera screen is clean (fingerprints interfere with focusing)

The code is not corrupted (more than 30% of the pixels must be read)

Portrait or Night mode is disabled (they distort the code)-->

If the camera persistently does not recognize the code, try an alternative gesture: hold your finger on the screen in the area. QR-It's 2-3 seconds, and on some firmware, it causes a forced scan.

Scanning through the notification panel (fast access)

Xiaomi Redmi has a hidden QR scanning feature right from the notification panel β€” it works even when the camera is busy with another app β€” which is especially handy for models with a weak processor (like the Redmi 9C or Redmi A1), where it takes a few seconds to start the camera.

  1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
  2. Find the Scan QR icon (usually hidden under the β€œMore” or β€œEdit” button).
  3. Click on it, and the camera's mini window opens. Point it to the code.

πŸ”Ή How to Add a Scan button to the Notification Panel if it is not available:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Notification panel and status bar.
  2. Choose to edit Quick Settings.
  3. Find the Scan QR list and drag it to the active area.
Why can the scan button disappear?
If you upgrade to MIUI 14.0.5+, Xiaomi automatically hides the rarely used shortcuts. To return the button, you just need to use it once through the Edit menu.

3.Using the β€œScanner” app from Xiaomi

All Redmi smartphones have a Scanner app pre-installed on them, and it's not just reading. QR-It can also recognize barcodes, it can recognize texts, it can even translate inscriptions in real time, but many users delete it because it's unnecessary:

  • πŸ” Launch the Scanner app (if removed, download from Google Play at Xiaomi ScannerΒ»).
  • πŸ“Έ Put the camera on QR-The application will automatically determine the type of code.
  • 🌐 If the code contains a link, the Open button will appear in the browser. For Wi-Fi codes, a prompt to connect.

⚠️ Attention: The Scanner app has a hidden feature to save scan history. To disable it (for example, if you scan sensitive codes), go to the App Settings β†’ History β†’ Clean up.

Application function β€œScanner”Supported code typesFeatures
QR scanningURL, Wi-Fi, Contacts, TextIt works without the internet.
Text Recognition (OCR)Printed text in 50+ languagesRequires a connection to the network for translations
Barcode scanningEAN-13, UPC, Code 128Can be exported to Excel
Generator QR-codeLinks, text, contactsCodes are saved to the gallery

Through a standard camera.

App "Scanner" from Xiaomi

Third-party applications (e.g. Google Lens)

Notification panel

In other ways.-->

4. Scanning through Google Lens (for complex codes)

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools fail (e.g., code is corrupted or too small), Google Lens will help, using cloud-based recognition algorithms that better handle distorted code.

  1. Open the Google (search engine) or Google Photos app.
  2. In the search bar, click on the Google Lens icon (the icon with a dot in a circle).
  3. Put the camera on QR-The service will automatically prompt actions (open a link, save a contact, etc.).

πŸ”Ή The Benefits of Google Lens:

  • πŸ”Ž Recognises codes even when 50% of the damage is done.
  • 🌍 Supports codes with Cyrillic and hieroglyphics.
  • πŸ”„ Can "finish" the code if part of the pixels are erased.

⚠️ Note: When scanning through Google Lens data QR-If the code contains sensitive information (such as a Wi-Fi password), use offline methods (built-in scanner or camera).

πŸ’‘

If Google Lens doesn’t recognize the code, try taking a screenshot. QR-And then open it in Google Photos and click on the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen. Sometimes it works better than direct photography.

5. Hidden method: scanning through developer mode

This method only works on Xiaomi Redmi with unlocked developer settings and allows scanning. QR-codes even when the main camera is turned off (for example, if it is damaged), the method requires preliminary adjustment, but can help in emergency situations.

πŸ”§ Step 1: Activate the Developer Mode:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Press 7 times in a row on the MIUI version.
  3. Enter the password from the lock screen if necessary.

πŸ”§ Step 2: Enable the hidden scanning function:

  1. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  2. Find the option to Enable QR scanning via ADB (Enable QR scanning via ADB).
  3. Activate it and restart the phone.

πŸ”§ Step 3: Scan the code through the engineering menu:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##.
  2. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
  3. At the bottom of the screen will appear button Scan QR – press it and bring the phone to the code.

⚠️ Note: This method can reset network settings on some firmware (e.g., Redmi Note 11 with a s) MIUI 13.0.4.Pre-use save the Wi-Fi access points manually (write down passwords).

πŸ’‘

Developer mode allows scanning QR-codes even when the main camera is not working, but requires caution: careless actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the smartphone.

6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi Redmi does not scan QR-code

If neither method works, it could be due to settings or hardware limitations, and here are the typical errors and solutions.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The camera doesn't focus on codeDirty lens or screen protectionWipe the camera with microfiber, remove the case
The code is recognized, but the link is not opened.Browser is not installed by defaultInstall Google Chrome or MIUI Browser as the default browser
The scanner app is giving you an error.An outdated version of MIUIUpdate the firmware in Settings β†’ System Update
QR-Wi-Fi code does not connect to the networkIncompatible code format (e.g. WPA3)Generate code again in WPA2 format through the Wi-Fi QR Generator app

πŸ›  Additional steps if nothing helps:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone – sometimes a camera failure is fixed by a simple reboot.
  • πŸ“± Check if the power saving mode is on, it can block the scanner from running in the background. Turn it off in Settings. β†’ Battery.
  • πŸ”§ Reset the camera settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Camera. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
What to do if QR-code?
Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi on MIUI 14+ Automatically block suspicious links from QR-If you see a warning that says β€œThis site may be dangerous,” don’t ignore it. Use VirusTotal for additional checks (download the code screenshot as an image).

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I scan it? QR-code on the switched off Xiaomi Redmi?
No, all methods require a smartphone to be turned on, but some models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have a quick scan feature when unlocked: hold your finger on the fingerprint scanner for 3 seconds, and the camera will open in QR mode.
Why does the camera flash green when scanning a QR?
Green lighting indicates successful code recognition, and if you blink repeatedly, the code is corrupted or contains incorrect data (such as a broken link), try scanning it through Google Lens.
How to scan. QR-code from another phone on Xiaomi Redmi?
Use Screen Mirror Mode (available on Redmi with the MIUI 13+): Open the Settings. β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ Screen mirror. Select the source (another phone) and confirm the connection. On the second phone, open up. QR-code and scan it through the Redmi camera.
Can I scan it? QR-codes in the dark?
Yes, but you need to turn on the flashlight. Xiaomi Redmi has a hidden autolight feature when scanning: Open Camera Settings β†’ Additional. Turn on the flashlight option when scanning QR. Now, when you hover over the code in a dark room, the flashlight will turn on automatically.
How to create your own QR-code?
Use the built-in generator in the Scanner app: Open Scanner β†’ Create QR. Select a type (link, text, contact) and enter data. Click Generate - the code will be saved to the gallery. For advanced codes (with logo, color), use third-party services like QR Code Generator.