How to make a scan on a Xiaomi phone: all the ways and secrets

Scanning. QR-codes, barcodes or NFC-Xiaomi’s smartphone tags can be used in a variety of situations, from paying for purchases to quickly connecting to Wi-Fi or exchanging contacts, POCO Mi supports several scanning methods, as through built-in tools. MIUI, And it's also a third-party application, and it can be different depending on the model and the firmware version.

In this article, we will analyze all possible methods of scanning on Xiaomi - from the basic to the basic. QR-scanner in the camera to advanced tools for working with NFC, PDF-documents and even 3D-You will learn how to enable hidden functions, which applications are best used for specific tasks, and how to fix errors, for example, when the camera does not see the code or the scanner gives a message "failed to recognize".

We will pay special attention to unique MIUI 14/15 chips that allow you to scan codes directly from the notification panel or with gestures, and consider alternatives for older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1), where built-in tools may not be available.

1. Scanning. QR-codes through a standard Xiaomi camera

The easiest way to scan QR-Xiaomi code - use the built-in Camera app. The feature works on all devices with MIUI 9 and newer, including budget models like Redmi 9A or POCO M3. The main condition: the code must be clear, and the lighting - sufficient (in the dark turn on the flashlight!).

How it works:

• 📱 Open the Camera app (don’t take photos of the code – just hover the lens!).
• 🔍 A notification will appear on the screen “Click to scan”. QR-code" (if the function is active).
• 🖱️ Tap the pop-up banner – the system automatically recognizes the code and offers an action (open the link, save contact, etc.).

If the notification does not appear, check the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Camera → Camera settings
2. Activate the option “Scanning” QR-codes” (or "QR-scanner in older versions MIUI).
3. Make sure that Internet access is enabled for the Camera app.

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If QR-The code is not recognized, try to disable the image enhancement feature in the camera settings – sometimes it distorts the code.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) The scanner may conflict with Movie Effect or Portrait mode.

Scanner in the notification panel: quick access

V MIUI 12 and newer appeared a convenient function - scanner QR-This eliminates the need to open the camera, which saves time. The feature is available on most devices, except the oldest ones (for example, Redmi 5).

How to turn on and use:

• 🔽 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the scanner icon QR» (If it is not available, click "Edit" and add manually).
• 📱 Point the camera at the code - recognition will happen automatically.

Whether the notification bar is open completely (not quick settings)|

Is there access to the camera for the system application "MIUI Scanner" |

Is the firmware updated to the latest version (older versions may not have a feature)|

Is the energy saving mode for the camera turned off?-->

If the scanner icon is missing even after editing the panel, it could mean:

• 📵 Your model does not support the function (check the compatibility list on the official website). MIUI).
• 🔄 Firmware is outdated - update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Function disabled through ADB (custom-made).

3. NFC-Scanning: Payment, tags and smart devices

Xiaomi models with an NFC chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) can scan contactless tags, maps, and even program their own tags.

• 💳 Payment via Google Pay or Mi Pay.
• 🔑 Quick connection to smart locks or speakers Xiaomi Mi Home.
• 📋 Reading data from transport cards (where permitted by law).

How to scan. NFC-tag:

1. Make sure that NFC is enabled in Settings → Connections & Sharing → NFC.
2. Bring the top of the phone (where the chip is located) to the label at a distance of 1-3 cm.
3. Wait for the vibration or sound signal – a notification with data will appear on the screen.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming chip NFC If the scan is not working, check the location of the chip in the model instructions.

Every day (payment, subway)

1-2 times a week

Rarely, just to set up smart devices

Never used it.-->

Scanning of documents and text

To scan passports, receipts or handwritten text on Xiaomi, you can use:

• 📄 Built-in Scanner application (available in MIUI 13+).
• 📱 Google Drive (Scan the "Scan" function in the file creation menu).
• 📎 Third-party applications: CamScanner, Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens.

Instructions for the built-in MIUI scanner:

1. Open the Scanner app (or find it through a system search).
2. Point the camera at the document – the frame will automatically highlight the boundaries.
3. Press the capture button, then edit the corners and save to PDF or JPG.

⚠️ Attention: Built-in scanner MIUI supportive OCR (Text recognition – use Google Keep or Yandex.Disk for this purpose.

5. Third-party scanning applications

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t suit you, consider alternatives:

For the installation of third-party scanners:

1. Open the Google Play Store and find the app by name.
2. Check the permissions: the scanner should only request access to the camera and storage (suspicious requests are a reason to refuse installation!).
3. After installation, open the application and follow the instructions on the screen.

🔹 Tip: To scan the barcodes of goods (for example, in a store), use the “barcode scanner” from ZXing Team – it supports rare formats such as: EAN-13 Code 128.

6. Solving scanning problems

If the Xiaomi scanner doesn’t work, check out the following:

Checked lighting (code must be clearly visible) |

Is the Camera app updated to the latest version?|

Is the camera cache cleared (Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear cache)|

Is the energy-saving modes for the camera turned off?-->

Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔴 "Failed to recognize. QR-code": Try a different camera angle. Increase the distance to the code (optimally 15-20 cm) Disable the protective film or cover, they can distort the image.
• 🔴 "NFC Not detected: Check if your model supports NFC (Reboot your phone, sometimes the chip freezes. Update your firmware: older versions. MIUI were bugs with NFC.
• 🔴 Scanner in curtain missing after update: Reset notification panel settings: Settings → Notification panel → Reset.Install Lawnchair or another launcher -- sometimes it returns the function.

⚠️ If the phone drops and the camera stops working, and NFC, This could indicate that the plume has been damaged, and then you need to be diagnosed at the service center.

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Before contacting the service, check the scanner in Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”). If the function is working, the problem is in third-party software.

7. Hidden scanning features on Xiaomi

Few people know, but MIUI has hidden scanning capabilities that are not advertised:

• 🔍 Scanning faces for unlocking: in Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings can be enabled to enable facial recognition via infrared camera (available on Xiaomi) 12S Ultra and newer).
• 📦 Packaging scanning: in the Mi Home app, you can scan the barcode of Xiaomi household appliances for quick customization.
• 🎮 Scanning gaming accessories: Xiaomi Gamepad controllers connect via QR-case-code.

Activation of some functions will require:

1. Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. In Settings → Additional → For developers, activate the option “Enable hidden MIUI functions” (if available).

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Xiaomi