How to read barcodes with Xiaomi smartphone: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones can replace many devices, from a camera to a document scanner, and one of the most popular features is reading barcodes and reading. QR-It's convenient for shopping, authenticating products, getting product information, or quickly accessing websites, POCO In this article, we will examine all available methods, from built-in tools to specialized applications, and also reveal nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support scanning out of the box. For example, budget devices like the Redmi 9A may not have a built-in scanner in the camera, while flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offer advanced recognition features. We tested all the current methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS to provide validated data. You will also learn how to circumvent restrictions if standard tools do not work, and which applications should be avoided due to advertising or poor scan accuracy.

Xiaomi’s built-in capabilities: scanning without apps

Starting with MIUI 10, most Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in barcode scanner and QR-It's integrated into the standard Camera application and it works without installing any additional software:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Additional mode (or depending on the firmware version).
3. Select the Scanner item or QR-code.
4. Point the camera at the barcode and the recognition will happen automatically.

On some models (for example, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T), the scanner is activated directly in the main camera mode - just point the lens at the code, and a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on a link or view information. In HyperOS (2026+), the scan works even in lock-screen mode - just swipe down on the notification of the detected code.

Limitations of the built-in scanner:

• 🔴 Does not support DataMatrix and other complex encoding formats.
• 🔴 May not work in low light or on curved surfaces.
• 🔴 No function to save the scan history.

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If the built-in scanner doesn’t find the code, try enabling Macro Mode in the camera settings – this will help when scanning small barcodes on packages.

Best Apps for Scanning Barcodes on Xiaomi

If the standard tools don't work, you should look at third-party apps.-5 Optimized for Xiaomi and tested for the absence of malicious code:

To install any of these apps, go to the Google Play Store and type the name in the search bar. Avoid apps with names like Super Fast QR Scanner or Barcode Pro, which often contain aggressive advertising or request unnecessary permissions (such as accessing SMS).

How to scan barcodes on Xiaomi without the Internet

Many users face a problem: the scanner requires a network connection to recognize the code, which is not always convenient, especially in stores with a bad signal or when checking products offline.

1. Use offline applications: 📱 Barcode Scanner (ZXing) – works without the Internet for most formats. 📱 Offline QR Code Reader – specializes in offline recognition.

Save the barcode database

Some applications (like NeoReader) allow you to download local databases of popular products, which is useful for authenticating drugs or food.

If you need a scan. ISBN-book-code EAN-13 Without the Internet, pre-download the database through the Book Catalog or Out of Milk app. They cache information about products for offline access.

Scanning barcodes from another device’s screen

Sometimes you don't have to read the code from a paper package, but from another smartphone, monitor, or TV, and you have a problem with it, like a flicker, a low contrast, or a small code size, to successfully scan the barcode from the display.

• 📵 Reduce the brightness of the source screen to 50-70% – this will reduce glare.
• 🔍 Increase the code to maximum size (for example, open an image in a gallery and expand it).
• 📱 In the Xiaomi camera settings, turn on Mode HDR — It'll improve the contrast.
• 🔄 If the code flickers (like on a website), take a screenshot and scan from a static image.

To scan from TVs or monitors, use TWMobile’s QR & Barcode Scanner app, which has a special mode for low-refrequency screens, and you can also use the Live Photo feature in Xiaomi’s standard camera: take a photo of the code and scan it from the gallery.

Reduce the brightness of the source|Enlarge the code on the full screen|Turn off autobrightness on Xiaomi|Use macro regimen-->

Problems in scanning and their solutions

Even on top Xiaomi models, there can be errors in reading barcodes. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the problem persists, try resetting the camera settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Storage → Clear data

On devices with HyperOS, switching the firmware region to India or the Global version can also help – in these devices, the scanner often works more stable than in Chinese builds.

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Before scanning the unknown QR-Always check the link through services like VirusTotal – this will save you from phishing.

Hidden features of the scanner on Xiaomi: what 90% of users do not know

In the firmware MIUI and HyperOS hidden several useful features associated with scanning:

• 🔍 Text recognition in QR-Codes: If you scan a code with text information (such as a Wi-Fi password), Xiaomi will offer to copy it to the clipboard. AI.
• 🛒 Barcode price comparison: In some regions (Europe, India) a pop-up appears when scanning a product in a store with prices on the same product in online stores (for example, Amazon or Flipkart).
• 📦 In Russia and CIS countries, the scanner automatically checks the barcodes of medicines with the database of the Federal Agency for Accreditation (internet connection is required).

To activate these features, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware and check the region in settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Additional → Region). To work on price comparison, you may need to install the Mi Shopping app (not available in all countries).

Security in Scanning: How Not to Become a Victim of Fraudsters

QR-Codes and barcodes can be a tool of cybercriminals. According to Kaspersky, in 2023, one in five phishing cases involved scanning for fake codes:

⚠️ Warning: Never scan. QR-Codes from suspicious stickers on ATMs, parking lots or public transport, scammers replacing the original codes with their own, redirecting victims to phishing sites.

Safe scanning rules:

• 🔒 Before clicking on the link, check her address (should start with the https://, not http://).
• 🛡️ Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner).
• 📵 Do not scan codes that promise “free gifts” or “wins” – this is a typical trick of scammers.
• 🔄 If the code requires personal data to be entered, interrupt the process and check the source.

On Xiaomi smartphones, you can include additional protection:

Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Access to the camera

Limit camera access to suspicious apps requesting it for no reason.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi