Modern Xiaomi smartphones have become universal tools for everyday life, and one of their key features has become fast reading of two-dimensional barcodes. Users no longer need to look for third-party applications, as MIUI and HyperOS offer built-in solutions for instant access to links, Wi-Fi networks or payment data. Device owners often wonder where exactly the desired feature is, since manufacturers sometimes hide it in different places of the interface.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to scan on Xiaomi QR-code through a camera, a standard scanner, or a lock screen, and you'll learn about the intricacies of access resolution settings that affect speed, and why this process may be different on some models. Data security when using such codes also requires attention, as not all sources can be verified.
We're going to look at the algorithms of an integrated image analyzer that can recognize information from a screen on another device or from a paper medium in low light. Understanding optical recognition can help you avoid common mistakes, such as hand shaking or the wrong distance to an object. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of automation with your smartphone.
Use of built-in scanner in the Camera application
The most obvious and quick way to activate code reading is to use the camera's regular app, and in the latest versions of the MIUI shell, developers have integrated recognition algorithms directly into the viewfinder, so you don't switch between applications, you just have to start the camera and point the lens at the image, and then the system automatically analyzes the picture.
However, it is worth considering that automatic recognition does not work on all models in the same way. On budget devices or in older versions of firmware, you may need to manually switch modes. To do this, you need to find the Scanner or Documents item in the shooting mode menu, which activates a special algorithm for processing high contrast images.
⚠️ Attention: If the camera is focusing but not reading the code, try changing the distance to the object or rubbing the lens. Fat spots on the lens can create glare that the recognition algorithm perceives as noise.
To improve scanning accuracy in difficult lighting conditions, you can use additional settings. Some users prefer to include a flash, which is especially true for dark rooms where code contrast is reduced, and it is also important to keep the phone parallel to the code plane to avoid future distortions.
- 📸 Point the camera at the code and wait for the yellow frame around the image to appear.
- 🔘 Click on the action pop-up button that will appear on the screen after recognition.
- ⚙️ If the automation did not work, switch to Scanner mode manually through the mode menu.
- 💡 Use a built-in flash or external light to improve barcode readability.
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For quick access to the scanner, add the Scanner widget to your desktop or notification curtain through the MIUI widget editor.
A separate application Scanner in the MIUI system
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, there's a separate system application called the Scanner, which is more powerful than just a module in a camera, because it can recognize products, translate text, and even solve mathematical examples, and you can find it in the Tools folder or through a global search system.
The interface of this application is divided into several tabs, which makes it a universal assistant. QR-Product codes and barcodes, which are convenient for shopping in stores for price comparison, and allows you to save the history of scans, which can be useful for recovering accidentally deleted links.
The feature of the application is the ability to work with documents and text. You can scan a page of a book, and the system will try to recognize the text, although the quality of Russian recognition can vary depending on the version of MIUI. For ordinary users, this is a great replacement for paid applications from the Play Market store.
| Function | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| QR-code | Reading of references and data | Main screen screen |
| Document | Scanning of text and tables | Tab Document |
| Translation | Instant translation of text | Tab Translation |
| Goods. | Searching for products by barcode | Inlay of Goods |
Scanning through Control Center and widgets
For those who appreciate speed and minimalism, Xiaomi has provided the ability to call the scanner directly from the Control Center, which is especially convenient when the phone screen is locked and you need to urgently pay for a purchase or log in to the application.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the Control Center settings, where you can select the Scanner item and add it to the quick action list, and then swipe down (or up, depending on the navigation settings) will open a panel where the scanner icon will be available even without unlocking the device.
Another option is to use widgets on the home screen, which allows you to place the quick start button on the desktop, eliminating the need to search for an app on the menu or wait for the camera to load, saving precious seconds in critical situations.
⚠️ Warning: When setting up Quick Access through Control Center, make sure that the Scanner app has permission to operate in the background. Otherwise, the system may block the start of the feature due to energy savings.
Using widgets also allows you to customize the look of the button. You can choose the size and style of the icon to harmoniously fit into the design of your desktop. It's a trifle, but it greatly improves the user experience and makes interaction with the device more enjoyable.
- 📲 Open the Swipe Control Center from the top edge of the screen.
- 🔍 Find the scanner icon in the list of available tools.
- 🖱️ Click on the icon to instantly start the scan function.
- ⚙️ Set up the order of buttons in the Control Center editor for convenience.
☑️ Quick access settings
Scanning images from the Gallery
Often there is a situation where QR-The code was sent as a picture in the messenger or it was saved in the Gallery, in which case it is inconvenient and inefficient to point the camera at the screen of another device. MIUI It allows you to analyze images directly from the phone’s memory.
To do this, you just need to open the desired image in the standard Gallery app. In the bottom menu or in the optional menu (three dots), there is often a button to Recognize or Google Lens, clicking on it will start the process of analyzing the content of the picture.
If standard code recognition is not possible, you can use Google Lens, which is built into many Android services, which has more powerful machine learning algorithms and is able to find codes even in highly noisy or corrupted images.
What if the gallery doesn’t see the code?
This means that dynamic codes that change over time (like two-factor authentication codes) may no longer be valid by the time you scan them.
Setup of permissions and troubleshooting
Sometimes users find that the camera just doesn't respond to the codes, and most of the time, the problem is that the app doesn't have the necessary permissions, and Android is very careful about how you access the camera and the storage, so you have to manually check your settings.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Camera or Scanner. App Permissions will convince modules that access to the camera is allowed. You may also need permission to access the storage if you plan to scan images from the Gallery.
Another common problem is contamination of optics or the use of low-quality protective glass. Cheap glass can create rainbow glare that knocks down the focusing algorithm. Take off the glass and wipe the camera to see if things change.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera is not focusing. | Dirt on the lens | Wipe the lens. |
| No response to the code | Scanner mode is off. | Enable in settings |
| Access error | No permits. | Check in the settings |
| Dark image | Little light. | Turn on the flash. |
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90% of scanning problems are solved by simply cleaning the camera lens or checking the permissions in the system settings.
Security issues when scanning codes
Use of the QR-In addition to being convenient, attackers can create codes that redirect to phishing sites or initiate hidden activities such as sending out a message. SMS Visually checking the link before clicking is a mandatory security rule.
When you scan the code, the system usually shows a preview of the link before opening. Carefully examine the domain name: mi-login-security.com may be listed instead of mi.com.
Also, don't scan codes placed in public places on questionable stickers on top of the original adverts. This is a well-known attack method called quishing (QR-If the code is pasted on top of another, it is better to refrain from using it.
⚠️ Warning: Never enter personal information, passwords or bank card information on sites opened through the QR-code if you are not sure of the source of 100%.
For maximum protection, you can use antivirus solutions that check links in real time, many of which are integrated into the Xiaomi browser or security system, but installing an additional layer of protection is never superfluous in today’s digital world.
- 🔒 Always check. URL-address before clicking.
- 🚫 Do not scan codes from unverified sources on the streets.
- 🛡️ Use the built-in antivirus to check link security.
- 📱 Update the security system MIUI Getting fresh threat bases.