How to scan. QR-code on the screen of the Xiaomi phone

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have long evolved from simple devices for calls to powerful multimedia centers where interaction with the outside world occurs through digital tags. QR-Codes have become the universal standard for authorization in apps, payment in stores, connection to Wi-Fi and getting discounts in restaurants. Users often face a situation where a link or code is sent in a messenger or is on a web page opened in a browser, and the question arises how to count them without using a second camera.

MIUI Operating Shells and the new HyperOS offer a variety of built-in tools that allow you to read graphic codes directly from the device’s display. You don’t have to take a screenshot and search for the analysis feature in the gallery or download questionable applications from third-party sources. The built-in analyzer in the Scanner app on Xiaomi is able to recognize codes directly from the clipboard or open image without access to the Internet.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the reading methods available, from native system features to Google’s capabilities, how to set up quick access to the scanning camera and what nuances exist when working with codes inside the shell interface, this knowledge will save you time and protect the device from installing malware.

Built-in Scanner app: the main MIUI tool

All Xiaomi smartphones have a default system app called Scanner, which is not just a barcode reader, but a powerful harvester integrated into the MIUI ecosystem. To run, you just have to find an icon called Scanner or Scanner in the Tools folder on your desktop. Once the app is opened, the camera activates automatically, but we're interested in the image function.

If the code is on the screen as a picture (for example, a screenshot in a gallery or a photo in correspondence), you do not need to point the camera to the second phone. In the scanner interface, usually in the lower right corner, there is a Gallery button or an image icon. By clicking on it, you will access the device's media library. Select the desired file, and the system instantly analyzes the content by giving a link, text or suggesting an action corresponding to the type of code.

So, you have to pay special attention to the security settings, and before you click on a recognized link, the scanner checks it through the databases of malicious sites, and this is critical because it's a very important thing. QR-If the system issues a warning about a potential threat, ignore it is strongly advised not to ignore it.

⚠️ Warning: If the built-in scanner doesn't recognize complex or corrupted code, try to maximize the screen brightness and take a clear screenshot before trying analysis through the gallery.

The app's functionality is constantly updated along with firmware versions. Recent versions of HyperOS have added recognition support. QR-codes for fast Wi-Fi connection without manually entering a password, as well as integration with delivery and transport services.

Use of Google Lens (Google Lens)

An alternative to the native solution is Google Lens, which is deeply integrated into Google's Android services, a tool that often proves more accurate at recognizing complex or non-standard fonts in codes, and can be run in several ways: through a widget on the desktop, through a Google app, or directly from the camera interface, if the manufacturer has authorized such integration.

To scan code from a screen without using a second camera, there's an effective trick with the Share function. QR-Take a screenshot of the code in your browser or app. Then open the Google app (or search widget), click on the camera icon (lens), and select the picture you just took from the tape. The system will analyze the image and highlight the text or link contained in the code.

Google Lens’s advantage lies in its cross-platform ability to translate text, recognize products and plants, which goes far beyond just reading links. Google’s machine learning algorithms often do the job faster than standard tools, especially if the code is partially overlapped with interface elements.

• 📸 Smart allocation: automatically determines the boundaries of the code even against a motley background.
• 🌐 Multilingualism: instant translation of text encoded in QR.
• 🔍 Image search: Finds similar products or information about an object in the photo.
• 📂 History: Stores your crawl history in your Google account for quick access.

Importantly, Google Lens requires an active Internet connection to operate, as image processing takes place on the company’s servers, and unlike some native scanners, there will be limited functionality without the network.

💡

Use Google Lens to scan codes from glossy screens of other devices, as algorithms are better at offsetting glare and distortion than a standard camera.

Scanning through widgets and sidebar

MIUI is famous for its customization, and one of the useful elements is a sidebar or floating windows. You can put a quick scan label on your desktop or in the notification curtain for instant access, which is especially convenient when you need to quickly read the code from a check or ticket, and no time to look for the application on the menu.

To add the scanner widget to your desktop, you need to pinch the blank area of the screen, select the "Widgets" item in the bottom menu, and find the "Scanner" list. Drag it to the main screen. Now one slipper on the icon will immediately start the camera in readout mode. Some firmware versions allow you to customize the action when you press long, for example, immediately open the gallery to select an image.

And also, you can mention the Side Bar feature, which is called by a swipe from the edge of the screen, and you can add a scanner app to it, and you can call the tool on top of any other application, like on top of a browser that's open. QR-code, although in this case it is more effective to use the split screen function or screenshot.

Using widgets greatly speeds up interaction with the device. However, if you often use third-party launchers (Nova, Lawnchair), standard MIUI widgets may not display correctly or require additional permissions.

Analysis of Images from Gallery and File Manager

Users often retain the QR-In these cases, the most logical way to analyze codes in the "Favorites" in Telegram or send them to WhatsApp is to analyze them directly from the gallery. MIUI+ built-in AI-Analyzer. When you open the code image, look at the bottom panel or the "More" menu (three dots).

If the system recognizes in the picture QR-code, it often offers a "Recognise" or "Scan" button automatically. If you don't have one, you can use the "Copy Text C" function (if enabled in the Google Lens settings in the gallery), which allows you to extract the link without running a separate application.

And the file manager works the same way, and when you open an image through a standard file viewer, the algorithms in the system do a preliminary analysis, and this is convenient because you don't need to switch between applications, you just open the picture and you see the option to click on the link.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when scanning codes from unverified gallery sources. Attackers can inject malicious code into an image that, when recognized, will try to open a phishing site or launch an installation. APK-file.

To improve security, it is recommended to check the domain name carefully before clicking on the link obtained from the gallery. Visual control remains the most reliable method of protection against social engineering.

Third-party scanner apps: should they be installed?

Google Play Market has thousands of apps crawling QR-So the question is, do you need them if Xiaomi has built-in functionality? Most of the time, they don't. MIUI HyperOS fully covers the needs of the average user, working faster and without requiring unnecessary permissions.

However, there are scenarios where third-party software is needed, such as if you need to scan specific industrial codes, work offline without access to Google services (on global versions without GMS), or require a detailed history of scans with export to CSV. Applications like QR & Barcode Scanner or Kaspersky QR Scanner can offer advanced security functionality.

The main risk of installing third-party scanners is excessive permissions. A simple matrix reading app does not need access to contacts, microphone or geolocation. Installing such software can lead to personal data leakage. Always check the list of rights requested before installing.

• 🛡️ Security: Antivirus scanners check links before opening.
• 📝 Code formation: many applications allow not only to read, but also to create their own codes QR-code.
• 📜 History: easy management of the list of scanned codes.
• 🎨 Customization: changing the color and logo of the codes created.

If you decide to install a third-party app, choose products from well-known developers with a lot of positive reviews. Avoid "light" scanners from unknown studios, which are often crowded with advertising.

Camera settings and resolution of scanning problems

Sometimes the built-in camera or scanner may not work properly: focus floats, code doesn't recognize, or the app crashes. First of all, check the camera settings. Make sure Documents or Text mode is activated in the shooting modes if available, as it improves image contrast, which helps with reading codes.

Problems can arise from a contaminated lens. Wipe the camera with a soft cloth - greasy spots from the fingers often scatter light and prevent the autofocus from catching the clear boundaries of the black and white square. Also try to change the distance to the screen: sometimes the camera can not focus close, and you need to move the phone a little.

If the software fails persists, try clearing the cache of the Scanner or Camera app. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the right one, select Memory and click Clear Cache. This will not delete your personal data, but will reset temporary files that may have caused the error.

⚠️ Warning: Never point your camera at bright light sources (sun, powerful lights) in an attempt to get a better look at the code, which can cause the camera matrix to burn out and black spots appear in all future photos.

In rare cases, the problem is screen protection. A thick or matte protective glass can create glare that the algorithm perceives as part of the code, disrupting its structure. Remove the protection or change the angle of the phone relative to the light source.

💡

90% of scanning problems are solved by rubbing the camera lens and increasing the brightness of the screen on which the camera is displayed. QR-code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)