QR-Codes have long been an integral part of digital life, from paying for purchases to logging in to Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners are often faced with the question of how to quickly scan the code without installing third-party apps. 90% of the time you donβt need to download anything β the functionality is already built into the firmware MIUI. But there are nuances: not all models support scanning out of the box, and some methods work only on certain versions of the software.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods of QR scanning on Xiaomi, including hidden chips like using the Mi Remote remote or scanning through Quick Commands. Particular attention will be paid to common errors, such as why the camera does not recognize the code in low light or how to bypass scanning locking in banking applications. If you are a user of Redmi, POCO or the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series, here you will find a solution for your model.
Did you know that some Xiaomi devices can be scanned? QR-codes even with the screen off? About this and other life hacks.
1. Scan through a standard camera (the fastest way)
Most of the modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the MIUI (10) are able to recognize QR-This method works without the Internet and does not require the installation of additional programs:
Open the Camera app and point the lens at QR-If the function is active, a notification will appear on the screen asking you to click on the link or copy the data. 11 And the new recognition happens almost instantly β just hold the code in the frame. 1-2 seconds.
- π± Supported models: all devices on MIUI 10+ (including POCO F3, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi 10C etc.).
- β‘ Speed: 0.5-2 seconds (depending on lighting and camera resolution).
- π Limitation: Does not work with dynamic QR-codes (for example, for authorization in VKontakte).
If the camera does not recognize the code, check:
- Whether recognition is enabled QR in camera settings: Camera settings β Additionally. β Scan. QR-code.
- Is there enough lighting (use a flashlight in low light).
- Is the code damaged (scanning or blurring may interfere with scanning).
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On Xiaomi smartphones with a 108-MP camera (for example, Xiaomi 11 Ultra) to scan QR better use the main module, not a wide-angle β this speeds up recognition.
2.Scanner app (for older models and MIUI Global)
On devices with MIUI Global (for example, for the European market) or older models like Redmi 5, the camera scanning function can be disabled, in which case the built-in Scanner application (or Scanner in English firmware) will help.
To take advantage of it:
- Open Google Play Store and find the Mi Scanner app (if itβs not on the system).
- Launch the application and point the camera at QR-code.
- To save the scan history, allow access to the storage.
Important: Mi Scanner may not be available on some firmware, in which case you can use an alternative, Google Lens, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices.
| Annex | Scanning speed | Need the Internet? | Keeps history? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera (MIUI) | β‘ Instantly. | β No. | β No. |
| Mi Scanner | π 1-3 sec. | β No. | β Yes. |
| Google Lens | π 2-5 seconds | β Yes, for some functions) | β Yes. |
| Fast teams | β‘ Instantly. | β No. | β No. |
3. Scanning through Google Lens (for complex codes)
Google Lens is a universal tool that not only recognizes the QR-It can translate text from codes, search for similar images, or save contacts, a method that is useful if Xiaomiβs standard camera canβt handle corrupted or non-standard codes.
Instructions:
- Open the Google app (or Google Photos).
- Click on the Google Lens icon in the search bar or in a photo.
- Put the camera on QR-code or select his photo from the gallery.
Advantages of the method:
- π It can even recognize partially erased codes.
- π Translate text with QR 100+ language.
- π Stores the scan history in your Google account.
Disadvantages: Requires an internet connection for some functions (e.g., searching for information by code).
How to scan QR through Google Assistant?
4. Hidden feature: scanning through Mi Remote
Few people know, but the remote Mi Remote (preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones) can scan QR-And this is a way to use codes to add smart home devices, and it's a way to use it if you need to plug in, for example, a Yeelight light bulb or a Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaner.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Mi Remote app (or Mi Home for a smart home).
- Select the Add Device section β Scan. QR-code.
- Hover the camera over the code from the device box.
This method only works with QR-It is not suitable for normal links or Wi-Fi codes for Xiaomi ecosystem devices (for example, Mi Band, Aqara, Mi Air Purifier.
βοΈ Preparation for scanning with Mi Remote
5. scanning without the Internet: Quick Teams (Quick Ball)
Quick Commands (or Quick Ball) is available on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later. It allows you to add a QR scanner button directly to the screen, which is convenient for quick access.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings β Special Opportunities β Quick Teams.
- Turn on the Fast Ball slider.
- Click on the floating icon β Scanner.
- Put the camera on QR-code.
Pros of the method:
- π It works without the internet.
- π You can make a gesture for a quick call (for example, swipe down the edge of the screen).
- π± Does not require opening a separate application.
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The Quick Commands feature is only available on smartphones with clean MIUI firmware (it doesnβt work on custom ROMs like LineageOS).
6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR-code
If Xiaomiβs smartphone refuses to recognize QR-code, the reasons may be as follows:
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) Camera scanning can be disabled due to local restrictions, in which case use Google Lens or Mi Scanner.
Typical errors and decisions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Camera not responding to QR | Disabled recognition in the settings | Include in the camera settings β More |
| The code is recognized, but the link is not opened. | Blocking with a browser or antivirus | Try copying the link manually. |
| The scanning only works from close range. | Poor lighting or dirty lens | Clean the camera, use a flashlight. |
| Mi Scanner app is missing | Removed or not preinstalled | Install from Google Play or use Google Lens |
If none of the methods work, check:
- π± Version MIUI: on MIUI 9 and below camera scans are not supported.
- π Updates: Install the latest security patches in Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π οΈ Castom firmware: on informal ROM (For example, Pixel Experience may not have a built-in scanner.