How to make a scan on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 ways to do it QR-codes, documents and barcodes

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with rich functionality, but not all users know how to effectively use its capabilities for scanning. WedΕ‚ug According to statistics, more than 60% of owners of Redmi 9 do not even suspect that their device can read. QR-codes without any additional applications, let alone scanning documents or barcodes of goods. MIUI Hidden chips that save time and simplify everyday tasks.

You’ll learn how to scan not only through the camera, but also with Xiaomi’s built-in tools, third-party apps with advanced capabilities (including text recognition), and how to automate the process for frequent operations. Special attention is paid to the hidden function "Quick scanning" in the MIUI 12+, It's not on the settings menu, but it speeds things up by 3 times. If you've ever had trouble recognizing code in low light or short distances, here's a solution.

1. Scanning. QR-The codes are used through the Redmi 9 camera.

The easiest way is to use the Xiaomi Redmi 9’s built-in camera, which supports automatic recognition. QR-codes without installing additional software. This function works out of the box on all devices with MIUI 11 and newer, but many users accidentally turn it off to check and activate it:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Point the lens at QR-code (distance 10–30 cm).
  3. If the code is not automatically recognized, tap the icon. QR in the upper right corner (or in the menu of additional functions).

If the badge QR absent:

  • πŸ”§ Go to Camera Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Scanning. QR-codes and enable the option.
  • πŸ“± Make sure you have the latest firmware version installed (an update may add a feature).
  • πŸ”„ Restart your smartphone if the changes don’t apply.
πŸ“Š How often do you scan? QR-code?
Every day.
Several times a week
Rarely.
Never.

The standard Redmi 9 camera recognizes only QR-codes, but not barcodes (e.g. on in-store items) will require a third-party application or alternative method described below.

⚠️ Attention: If QR-code leads to a suspicious site (e.g., with an error) SSL or non-standard domain), MIUI It'll show a warning. Don't ignore it -- it could be a phishing link.

2. the hidden function "Quick scanning" in MIUI

MIUI 12 and later hides a handy Quick Scan tool that allows you to read codes directly from the lock screen or through the notification bar. This feature is not in the settings menu, but it can be activated through the Laboratory. MIUI:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 5 times on the item Version MIUI, to unlock the Developer Mode.
  3. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ MIUI Lab.
  4. Find the Quick Scan option and turn it on.

Now to scan the code:

  • πŸ” Swipe down the screen to open the notification bar.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Put it on the badge. QR in quick settings (near the flashlight and Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ“· Point the camera to the code - the result will be displayed instantly.

πŸ’‘

If the Quick Scan icon disappeared after the update MIUI, Reset the notification panel settings in Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Additionally. β†’ Reset the settings.

This method works 2 times faster than a standard scan through the camera, because it does not require opening a separate application. QR in stores or a quick Wi-Fi connection.

Scanning of documents and text (OCR)

Redmi 9 can not only read codes, but also recognize printed text from documents, business cards or books thanks to technology. OCR (Optical Character Recognition! both Xiaomi’s built-in tools and third-party apps will be suitable for this:

Method 1: App "Scanner" from Xiaomi

  • πŸ“„ Install the Scanner app from GetApps (branded Xiaomi store).
  • πŸ“· Select Document Mode and Photograph Text.
  • πŸ”€ Click Recognise text – the result can be copied or edited.

Method 2: Google Lens (more specifically, with translation)

  • πŸ” Install Google Lens from Play Market.
  • πŸ“· Open the app and point the camera at the text.
  • 🌍 Select the desired fragment - the program will offer translation (if the text is in a foreign language) or copying.
FunctionScanner from XiaomiGoogle Lens
Recognition of Russian Textβœ… Yes.βœ… Yeah)
Translation on the fly❌ No.βœ… Yes, 100.+ language)
Save in PDFβœ… Yes.❌ No.
Working without the Internetβœ… Yes.❌ No (we need the internet for you) OCR)

Business advice: If you often need to scan multi-page documents, use CamScanner, which is a free version, which automatically aligns perspective and improves text clarity.

4. Scanning of barcodes of goods

Unlike in the QR-codes, barcodes (e.g, EAN-13 or UPC On packages of goods, the standard Redmi 9 camera does not recognize:

  • πŸ›’ Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) is the easiest and fastest solution to recognize even corrupted codes.
  • πŸ“¦ ShopSavvy – not only scans, but also compares prices in online stores.
  • 🍎 Yuka scans the barcodes of foods and shows their composition (good for healthy eating).

Instructions for Barcode Scanner:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and point the camera at the barcode (hold the smartphone parallel to the package).
  3. Wait for the sound signal – the data will be displayed on the screen.
How to scan barcodes without apps?
On some firmware Redmi 9 (for example, custom based) MIUI) There's a hidden function of scanning barcodes through Google Assistant. To do this: 1. Activate Assistant with voice or holding the Home button. 2. Say "scan the barcode." 3. Point the camera at the code. Minus: only works with an Internet connection and doesn't always accurately recognize small codes.

⚠️ Note: When scanning barcodes in stores, turn off the sound of the camera in the application settings so as not to interfere with other customers. In some supermarkets (for example, "Magnet"), scanning of codes by customers is prohibited - check the rules with the administrator.

5. Scanning automation for frequent tasks

If you scan the same types of codes regularly (e.g., blank codes) QR at work or barcodes of inventory goods, you can automate the process by:

Method 1: Widget to the main screen

  • πŸ“± Keep your finger on the main screen. β†’ Widgets.
  • πŸ” Find a scanning app widget (such as Barcode Scanner).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Drag it to the screen - now scan in one tap.

Method 2: Voice commands

Set up Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex:

  • 🎀 Say, OK, Google, open the scanner. QR-code".
  • πŸ€– Or, "Alice, scan the barcode through Barcode Scanner".

Method 3: Automation with Tasker

For advanced users:

  • πŸ€– Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
  • πŸ“ Create a task: when you double press the power button, open the application scanner.
  • πŸ”„ Set up automatic copying of the result in the clipboard.

Install the default scanner application

Set up a widget on the main screen

Check the permissions for camera and microphone

Backup your Tasker settings (if you use)

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Example of use: if you scan the blank daily QR At work, the lock screen widget saves up to 10 seconds each time, and in a month, that's more than 5 hours of time saved!

6. Solving scanning problems

If Redmi 9 doesn’t recognize codes, check the following:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The code is not recognized in good lighting.Dirt on the camera or scratches on the lensWipe the camera with a soft cloth. If you have scratches, use a third-party manual focusing app.
QR-code is recognized, but the link is not openedAn outdated version of the browser or ad blockerUpdate Google Chrome or turn it off VPN/AdBlock.
The scanner app flies outLack of RAMClose the background apps or restart the smartphone.
A barcode is read as a set of numbers, not a commodity.The application is not connected to the database of goodsUse ShopSavvy or Yuka to recognize products.

Low light tip: If the code is not visible, turn on the flashlight while scanning.

  1. Open the notification panel.
  2. Turn on the flashlight (πŸ”¦).
  3. Without closing the panel, start the scan - the light will burn during the process.

πŸ’‘

If the code is still not recognized, try taking a photo of it and uploading it to an online service like ZXing Decoder, which recognizes even heavily corrupted codes.

7.Safety in scanning: how not to run into scammers

QR-Codes and barcodes may contain malicious links or commands.In 2023, the number of attacks through fake links QR It's up 40 percent (Kaspersky data:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Check it out. URL before opening: if the code leads to a type site bit.ly/xxxx or tinyurl.com, use a link-up service (e.g. Unshorten.it).
  • πŸ”’ Turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection: some QR-The codes contain commands to connect to malicious networks.
  • πŸ“± Use antivirus: apps like Malwarebytes block phishing sites when you click on the Internet QR.

Signs of fraudulent QR-code:

  • 🚨 Sticker over the original code (e.g. on payment terminals).
  • πŸ”— The link leads to the site with errors in the domain (for example, paypa1.com instead of paypal.com).
  • πŸ“± The code requests permission to access contacts or SMS.

⚠️ Warning: Never scan. QR-Codes that suggest "get a gift" or "win a prize" are 100% fraud. Xiaomi has officially warned that such codes may contain viruses or lead to sites for data theft.

FAQ: Frequent questions about scanning on Redmi 9

Can I scan it? QR-codes if the smartphone camera is broken?
Yes, but you'll need a third-party solution: Take a photo of the code on another device. Send a photo to Redmi 9 via Bluetooth or messenger. Use the app. QR & Barcode Scanner (there is a scanning function from photos) You can also connect an external webcam through the OTG-Adapter and use it to scan.
Why is the scanning slow on my Redmi 9?
Causes and solutions: 🐒 Weak processor: Redmi 9 has Helio G80, It can slow down when you multitask. Close the background applications. πŸ“Έ Low camera resolution: in camera settings, select mode 1080p instead 4K speed up processing. πŸ—‘οΈ Cluttered memory: clear the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera. β†’ Memory.
How to scan codes in the dark?
Use these techniques: πŸ”¦ Turn on the flashlight and point it at an angle of 45.Β° to the code (not directly to avoid glare). πŸ“· Increase exposure in manual camera mode (Professional mode) β†’ ISO 800–1600). πŸ”„ Try the app. QR Code Reader with Night Mode.
Can I scan the codes through another phone’s screen?
Yes, but with reservations: βœ… It works if the screen of the second phone is bright (minimum 80%). ❌ Does not work if the screen is enabled Read Mode or Dark Theme (reduces contrast). πŸ”„ If the code is not recognized, take a screenshot and scan it as an image.
Which app is best for scanning documents on Redmi 9?
Comparison top-3 Applications: App Pros Cons CamScanner Automatic alignment, export to PDF, Cloud storage Watermarks in free version of Adobe Scan Integration with Adobe Acrobat, text recognition (OCR) Requires registration of Microsoft Lens Free, sync with OneDrive, "Ballboard" mode Less settings than CamScanner For most tasks, Microsoft Lens is enough - it is free and without advertising.