How to scan. QR-code on the smartphone Xiaomi: all working methods

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi’s smartphone codes are easier than ever: the manufacturer has integrated this feature directly into standard apps. MIUI. However, not all users know that to read codes, you do not always need to install third-party programs such as: QR & Barcode Scanner or Kaspersky QR Scanner. Depending on the model (Redmi Note) 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and firmware versions (MIUI 12/13/14) The methods can vary from the built-in scanner in the Camera to hidden features in Quick Settings.

In this article, we will discuss all current scanning methods. QR-Xiaomi codes, including little-known tricks for older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1), You will also learn how to set up automatic code recognition in Google Lens and why sometimes the scanner does not work even on new models like Xiaomi. 13T.

1. Scanning. QR-code through a standard camera

The fastest way is to use the built-in recognition feature in the Camera app. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, including budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5).

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Switch to Photo mode (if there was a Video or Portrait).
3. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
4. Wait for a notification with a link or text (usually takes 1-2 seconds).
5. Tap the pop-up banner to click on the link or copy the data.

⚠️ Note: If the function does not work, check if recognition is enabled QR-The codes in the camera settings:

1. Open the camera. → Settings (cogs).
2. Find the Scan item. QR-codes (or Recognition) QR) and activate the switch.

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro), the feature only works in good lighting. If the code is not recognized, try bringing the phone closer or turning on the flashlight.

Nana POCO-devices (e.g., devices, POCO F4) The path to settings may be different: Camera → Additionally. → Scanning. QR. Also note that on Chinese firmware (for example, on Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra for the Chinese market), the feature may be disabled by default due to local regulations.

2. Use Quick Settings (Notification Panel)

In MIUI 12 and later, Xiaomi has added a separate QR scanning widget in the notification panel, which is handy if you often work with codes (for example, for payment in stores or authorization in Wi-Fi).

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the Notification Panel.
2. Swipe down again to turn the full panel around.
3. Find the QR Scanner icon (usually looks like a three-corner square).If it's not there, click Edit (pencil) and add the widget to the active ones.
4. You tap the badge, the scanner opens, point the camera at the code.

This method works even if the main camera is occupied by another app (for example, TikTok or Instagram). However, on some devices (for example, Redmi 9A) the widget may not be available - in this case, use alternative methods.

3.Google Lens: Universal Scanner for All Android

Google Lens is a tool from Google that can recognize not only the QR-It's preinstalled on most Xiaomi smartphones (except Chinese versions without Google services:

• 📷 Through the Camera: Open the Camera → Regimes → Google Lens (or click on the Google Lens icon in the lower right corner). QR-code.
• 🔍 Through Google Search: Open the Google app, tap the Lens icon in the search bar and select Scan QR-code.
• 📱 Using Google Assistant: Activate the voice assistant (click the Home button or say “OK, Google”) and say “Scan”. QR-code".

The advantage of Google Lens is that it works even on older models (Redmi 5 Plus, Mi 8 Lite), where there is no built-in scanner in the camera, and it can recognize codes from the screen of another device (for example, from a PC monitor), whereas the standard Xiaomi scanner sometimes refuses to do this.

4. Third-party applications: when embedded tools are lacking

If standard methods don’t work (for example, Xiaomi with custom firmware or very old models like Redmi). 3S), We'll have to install a third-party app.-5 Scanners and selected the best:

⚠️ Note: When installing scanners, avoid applications with suspicious permissions (e.g. access to the scanners). SMS The safest options are Kaspersky. QR ZXing's Scanner and Barcode Scanner (used even in banking applications).

If you scan codes for payment frequently (like Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), it’s best to use the built-in scanners of these apps – they automatically verify the authenticity of QR and block phishing links.

5. Hidden MIUI features: scanner in Gallery and Browser

Few people know, but in MIUI There are two other places where you can scan. QR-code without additional applications:

• 🖼️ Gallery: Open any photo from QR-If you use the code in the Gallery app, tap it and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds, you'll see the Scan option. QR-picture-code.
• 🌐 Mi browser: The standard Xiaomi browser (Mi Browser) has a built-in scanner. Open the browser, tap on the icon QR in the address bar and point the camera to the code.

These techniques are useful if you need to read the code from a saved image (for example, a screenshot) or when the camera is busy, but they do not work on all firmware: for example, in MIUI for Europe, the feature in the Gallery may not be available.

Make sure the camera is clean (no fingerprints)

QR-code is not damaged and well illuminated

The phone has mobile Internet or Wi-Fi enabled (for clicking on links)

Power saving modes are turned off (they can block the camera)-->

6. Why the scanner QR-The code doesn’t work on Xiaomi?

If none of the methods work, the problem may be the following:

• 🔧 Disabled function in settings: As mentioned earlier, recognition may be turned off in Camera or Quick Settings. Check the paths: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Permits.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: On MIUI No built-in scanner is available 9 or below. Update the system through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ If the scanner stopped working after the update, try resetting the camera settings: → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔒 Regional firmware restrictions: On Chinese versions of Xiaomi (e.g. Mi 11 Pro for the PRC market), the feature can be blocked.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 NFC, Redmi Note 11) after resetting to factory settings scanner QR It stops working until the initial Google service setup is completed. If this is your case, log in to your Google account and restart your device.

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On Xiaomi smartphones with a MediaTek processor (like the Redmi 10C), the scanner may be slower due to camera optimization.

7.Alternative methods: without a camera and with old phones

If you have a broken camera or a very old device (Xiaomi Mi 2, Redmi 1S) that doesn’t have a built-in scanner, there are workarounds:

• 💻 Scan from a PC: Take a photo of the code on another phone, transfer the photo to Xiaomi and use the method from the Gallery (see section 5).
• 📡 Wi-Fi Direct: Some applications (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, QR Code Reader: Scan codes through Wi-Fi Direct if you have a second phone with a working camera nearby.
• 🔗 Manual input: If the code contains text or a link, try to enter it manually. To do this, enlarge the image of the code and decode the characters by standard QR.

For Xiaomi owners on Windows firmware (for example, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S with Windows 10 ARM), the only option is to use Google Lens in the browser or install an Android emulator (for example, BlueStacks) with a scanner.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi