Scanning. QR-Xiaomi’s smartphone codes seem like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. The built-in camera doesn’t always recognize codes the first time, and some models (especially budget Redmi or the Redmi). POCO) This article will cover all possible scanning methods, from standard to hidden functions. MIUI, We also tell you how to avoid common errors when the phone does not see the code or sends a message.
We'll focus on alternative methods, like Google Lens scanning, specialized applications like QR & Barcode Scanner, and rarely used features like Documents in the camera, and if you've ever tried to scan code in a dark room or from another device's screen, here's a solution to these cases, and yes, we'll remember POCO Launcher and other shells where the process may be different.
1. Standard method: scanning through a Xiaomi camera
Most of the modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the MIUI 10) support built-in scanning QR-However, there are nuances: the feature can be disabled by default or work unstable on some models (for example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro or on the other hand, the system is not designed for the camera). POCO X3). Here's how it works:
Open the Camera app and point the lens at QR-If the function is active, a notification will appear at the bottom of the screen asking you to click on the link. Importantly, the code must occupy at least 30% of the frame, otherwise the camera will not notice it. MIUI 12+ Automatic zoom is also available when getting stuck on small codes (e.g. checks or tickets).
- 📱 It works on: All smartphones with MIUI 10 and newer (including Redmi) 9A, POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T).
- ⚡ Speed: Instantly (if the code is clear and lighting is good).
- ❌ Problems: Not working in Portrait or Night mode.
If the camera is not responding to QR-code, check the settings:
- Open the camera. → Settings (cogs) → Scanning. QR-code.
- Make sure the switch is in the on position.
- On older models (like the Redmi 5 Plus), you may need to update the Camera app via Google Play.
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If QR-code on the screen of another device, turn on it maximum brightness and turn off autobrightness – this will eliminate the flicker that interferes with scanning.
2. Hidden function: Documents mode in the chamber
Few people know, but the camera Xiaomi has a special mode Documents, which not only improves reading text, but also improves the accuracy of scanning. QR-This method is particularly useful for codes on glossy surfaces (e.g. plastic cards) or in low light.
How to turn on:
- Open the Camera and swipe to the left to switch to More (or More on English firmware).
- Select Documents (Icon with a piece of paper).
- Put the camera on QR-code - it will be illuminated by a yellow frame, and at the bottom there will be an action button.
| Xiaomi model | Support for the Documents regime | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/13 series | ✅ Yes. | Autofocus is faster than standard mode |
| Redmi Note 10/11 | ✅ Yes. | Requires MIUI 12.5+ |
| POCO F4/F5 | ✅ Yes. | The mode is called Doc mode. |
| Redmi 9C/9A | ❌ No. | Use the standard camera mode |
Documents mode is the only way to scan QR-code from another smartphone screen without glare – thanks to a polarizing filter in the image processing algorithm.
3.Google Lens: Universal Scanner for All Xiaomi
If the built-in camera refuses to scan the code (for example, on the POCO M3 And it's a custom firmware, and Google Lens will come to the rescue, and it's not just recognizing. QR-It translates text, identifies objects, and even finds similar products online, and it works even on older models. MIUI 9.
Instructions:
- Install Google Lens from Google Play (if not preinstalled).
- Open the app and point the camera at QR-code.
- Wait for the prompt to click for action.
- On some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi A2), Google Lens is integrated into Google Assistant – call it with a long press on the Home button.
- ✅ Pros: Works on any Xiaomi, even without updates.
- ⚠️ Cons: Requires an Internet connection for some features.
- 🔍 Secret: You can scan codes from photos in the gallery (open the photo) → Click the Google Lens icon).
4 Third-party applications: when nothing works
If standard methods don’t work (for example, on Xiaomi with custom firmware or after resetting), it’s worth installing a specialized scanner. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the best ones:
| Annex | Speed. | Additional functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) | ⚡ Instantly. | Scan history, flashlight, vibrations when recognizing | Advertising in the free version |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | 🐢 Slower, but safer. | Verification of virus references | Registration is required for some functions |
| NeoReader | ⚡ Quickly. | Photo scanning, QR generator | Interface in English |
How to install and use:
- Download one of the apps from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to the camera.
- Point it in. QR-code – most scanners work even in low light.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, QR Scanner Pro) request access to Contacts and Locations - these are unnecessary permissions to scan.
☑️ Security check QR-pre-transition
Scanning. QR-code MIUI: chip-trick
MIUI It hides several useful functions for working with QR-codes that even experienced users don't know about:
- 🔦 Lantern + scanning: On models with MIUI 12.5+ You can turn on the flashlight right during the scan, swiping your finger down the camera screen (the flashlight icon will appear in the top menu.
- 📋 History preservation: The built-in camera saves the last 10 scanned codes. To see them, go to the Camera → Settings → History QR.
- 🔄 Generator QR: V MIUI 13, you get a Wi-Fi code generation, contact and text generation feature. → Connection and sharing → QR-code.
Nana POCO-device POCO Launcher path to scan settings may be different. POCO X4 Pro needs to go to Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR. If there is no such item, update it. POCO Launcher via Google Play.
How to scan. QR-computer-screen?
6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR-code
If a smartphone persists in not recognizing the code, the reasons can be both software and hardware.
- 📵 The code is not scanned the first time: Clean the camera lens of dirt (especially relevant for Redmi with protruding camera). HDR In camera settings, it can distort the code. Try scanning the code from a different angle (e.g., 45 angle).°).
- ⚙️ Scan feature missing after update: Reset camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. APK-The camera version with APKMirror (select the version for your model).
- 🔋 Phone freezes while scanning: This is typical of Redmi 8/8A s MIUI 11. Helps roll back to MIUI 10 Or install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 9) SE, Redmi Note 7) after resetting to factory settings scan function QR It's shutting down. To get it back, update it. MIUI until the latest version or manually activate the option in Camera Settings → Laboratory → Scanning. QR.
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If QR-The code contains a link to Wi-Fi (starts with a link to Wi-Fi). WIFI:), But Xiaomi doesn’t automatically connect, check if your phone supports the standard. WPA3. Redmi 9 and older may require manual password entry.
Scanning. QR-codes on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi
Not only Xiaomi smartphones can scan QR-Smart watches Mi Band 7 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S1 And even some fitness bracelets (for example, the Mi Smart Band 6 with firmware from Amazfit) also support this feature - although with limitations.
How it works:
- On Mi Band 7 Pro: Swipe up the screen to open the menu. Select the QR scanner (square icon). Point the bracelet camera at the code (distance is no more than 10 cm).
- On Xiaomi Watch S1: Press the screen to open the list of apps. Select Camera → Scanner.
- ✅ Pros: Quick and convenient for paying or checking tickets.
- ❌ Cons: The camera on the watch is weak - it scans only large codes. It does not work in the dark (no flashlight). On the Mi Band 6, the feature is only available after firmware is flashed through Amazfit.