How to scan the barcode with the Xiaomi Redmi phone: all the ways from standard to hidden

The barcode scanner in the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is not only a convenient tool for shopping, but also a powerful assistant in everyday life. With its help, you can quickly find out the price of goods, verify the authenticity of the document, connect to Wi-Fi through the Internet. QR-However, not all users know that modern Redmi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13) support scanning without installing additional applications – just activate hidden functions. MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to read barcodes on Xiaomi Redmi: from the built-in scanner in the camera to specialized applications with advanced features (for example, to work with DataMatrix or other devices). PDF417). We'll focus on common errors like why the camera doesn't recognize the code, how to improve focus, and what to do if the scanner freezes, and you'll find a comparison table of applications and answers to frequent questions about scanning security.

1. Built-in scanner in the Xiaomi Redmi camera: how to turn on and use

Starting with MIUI 12, all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones got a built-in scanning feature QR And barcodes right in the standard Camera app, and this option works without the Internet and doesn't require any additional software, but it needs to be activated beforehand.

To turn on the scanner:

1. Open the Camera app on your Redmi.
2. Touch the icon “More” (three horizontal lines or circle with an exclamation mark depending on the version). MIUI).
3. Select the Scan option QR-code (or scanner in new versions).
4. Point the camera at the barcode and the recognition will happen automatically.

If the option is not in the menu, check the settings:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Camera. → Additional functions.
• 📱 Make sure the switch scans. QR-coded.
• 🔄 Update the Camera app via Google Play or App Store MIUI.

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If the camera isn’t focusing on a small barcode, try increasing the distance to 15–20 cm or turning on Macro Mode (if you have one in your model).

The built-in scanner supports most formats:

• 🏷️ Barcodes: EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, Code 128.
• 🔳 QR-Codes: Standard, dynamic, with logo.
• 📄 Others: DataMatrix, PDF417 (partly).

2. Hidden function MIUI: Scanning through “Fast Tools»

Few people know, but in MIUI There's a hidden scanning tool that works even faster than a standard camera, called Quick Tools, and it's accessible through a notification bar or desktop.

How to use it:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Scanner icon (a magnifier with a square) or tap Edit to add it.
3. Click on the icon and the camera will open in scan mode.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Instant Start – No need to open the Camera app.
• 🔍 Better recognition of small codes through an optimized algorithm.
• 📱 Works in the background – you can scan without closing other applications.

Limitation: This tool does not support scanning PDF417 And some specialized formats, and they'll need third-party software.

Third-party applications: when the built-in scanner is not enough

If you need to scan non-standard formats (for example, Aztec Code or MaxiCode), work with corrupted codes or keep a scan history, you should install one of the specialized applications. We tested 5 popular scanners on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 — the results in the table below.

For most tasks, Barcode Scanner (ZXing) is free, ad-free (F-Droid version) and supports scanning codes from gallery photos. If you want maximum compatibility, choose NeoReader, which recognizes even heavily corrupted or blurred codes.

Clean the camera of dirt and prints

- Turn on the maximum brightness of the screen

Use a flashlight in low lighting

- Turn off energy saving for stable camera operation-->

4.Scanning barcodes for payment: AliPay, SberPay, Mi Pay

One of the most popular scenarios is payment for QR-In the stores or transport, you can do this on Xiaomi Redmi via:

• 💳 Mi Pay (built-in solution from Xiaomi, works with bank cards).
• 🏦 SberPay or Tinkoff (requires the installation of a banking application).
• 🌍 AliPay/WeChat Pay (for payment abroad).

Instructions for Mi Pay:

1. Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Attach a bank card (Visa, Mastercard, MIR are supported).
3. Click Pay. QR and point the camera at the terminal code.

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Mi Pay only works with cards issued in Russia, Ukraine, India and China. For European banks, use Google Pay or your bank's app.

Important nuances:

• 🔒 Safety: Never scan your computer. QR-codes from suspicious sites – they can be redirected to a phishing page.
• 📶 Offline mode: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) allow you to save QR-payment codes.
• 💡 Limits: Mi Pay limit for one operation – up to 100,000 ₽ (bank-dependent).

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even on the new Xiaomi Redmi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Turbo, users are experiencing scanning problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: on old assemblies (below) MIUI (11) the built-in scanner may not be available.
• 🔧 Permissions: Make sure the Camera app has access to storage and camera (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔄 Hardware restrictions: on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) There may be a lack of resources to recognize complex codes.

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If the scanner is constantly mistaken when reading DataMatrix, try taking a photo of the code and uploading it to an online decoder (e.g., ZXing Decoder).

6.Security: How not to run into scammers

Scanning. QR-It's convenient, but it's not always safe. Fraudsters often use fake codes to:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Phishing – redirects to fake websites of banks.
• 💸 Automatic payments – the code may contain a charge for debiting funds.
• 📱 Installation of malicious applications (through links to the APK).

How to defend yourself:

⚠️ Warning: Never scan. QR-codes from street billboards, unknown emails or instant messenger messages, even if the code looks like a link to a stock, it can lead to a malicious site.

Proven ways to check the code:

1. Use security checker apps (such as Kaspersky) QR Scanner or Bitdefender Scanner).
2. Before paying, check the address of the recipient – it must match the official name of the store / bank.
3. Do not scan codes that promise “free gifts” or “wins” – this is a sign of fraud.

If you have already scanned a suspicious code:

• 🛑 Close the opened page immediately.
• 🔍 Check your phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes).
• 📞 If you have written off money, call the bank and block the card.

7.Scanning barcodes for inventory and business

If you use Xiaomi Redmi for work (for example, inventory or warehousing), standard tools may not be enough.

• 📦 Stock Control – supports export to Excel. PC — transmit data to a computer over Wi-Fi.
• 🖨️ Label Maker – creates barcodes for printing on a printer.
• 📊 Analytics: Zebra Scanner – suitable for large warehouses.

For convenience, you can connect a Bluetooth scanner (for example, Zebra). DS2208) To Redmi via Settings → Bluetooth, which will speed up the scanning process and reduce battery load.

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For business tasks, give preference to applications with support CSV/Excel cloud services (e.g. Google Sheets for automatic data updates).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions