Scanning. QR-Xiaomi Redmi seems like a simple task, until you encounter unexpected problems. MIUI If you want to install extra utilities, then the scanner is not on the menu at all. QR Redmi – from built-in tools to alternative solutions, and explain why codes sometimes don’t read and how to fix it.
The feature of Xiaomi devices is that the functionality of the scanner depends on the firmware version. MIUI And the phone models. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14 QR-The scanner is built into the “fast settings” and on older models like the Redmi. 9A We tested all the methods on the latest software (2026) and identified the fastest way to do this: scan through the notification panel, which works even without the Internet.
1. built-in QR scanner in the notification panel (fastest method)
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added a button to the notification panel for quick scanning QR-This method works on most Redmi models (from Note 10 and later) and does not require the installation of additional applications:
- Open the notification bar – swipe your finger from top to bottom across the screen.
- Find the QR scanner icon (the box icon with dots inside it) and if it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add the widget manually.
- Put the camera on QR-code – recognition occurs automatically.
If the button is not in the list of widgets, then your firmware is outdated. Update MIUI through Settings → About Phone → System Update. On some models (for example, Redmi A1), the scanner in the notification bar may not appear due to the limitations of the “light” version of MIUI.
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If the scanner in the notification panel does not find QR-code, try to turn on the flashlight - sometimes codes are poorly read in low light.
2. Scanning through the standard Camera app
On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (except for the budget lines Redmi A and Redmi Go), the Camera app can automatically recognize the camera. QR-However, this requires the appropriate function to be enabled:
- Open the Camera app.
- Go to the camera settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- Activate the Scan option QR-codes (or Google Lens, if any).
- Point the lens at QR-code – in 1-2 seconds a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
If the option is not in the settings, then your model does not support embedded recognition, in which case use alternative methods (see sections below). QR-Codes (such as those with links) will not be opened.
Clean the lens of dirt and fingerprints|Make sure that QR-code is not damaged (no lines breaks)|Turn on the flashlight if the lighting is weak|Check that the scan function is activated in the camera settings-->
3.Using Google Lens to Recognise QR
Google Lens is a universal tool from Google, which can not only scan QR-It can be coded, but it can also recognize texts, objects and even translations. On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, it can be preinstalled or available for installation via Google Play:
- Open the Google (search engine) or Google Photos app.
- In the search bar or on the home screen, look for the Google Lens icon (the stylized “G” in the mug).
- Put the camera on QR-If the code contains a link, a button will appear.
The advantage of Google Lens is that it works even on older Redmi models (like Redmi 7 or Redmi 8) where there is no built-in scanner. QR-codes will not be recognized.
4. QR scanner in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on
MIUI has a hidden system scanner in its firmware that is not always obvious to users, and it can be hidden in the Security or Additional Features menu, depending on the version, to find it:
- Open Settings → Applications → QR Scanner (or Security → QR Scanner).
- If the application is disabled, click Enable.
- Launch the scanner and point the camera at the code.
On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the system scanner may be called MIUI Scanner and be located in the Tools folder on the home screen. If you can't find it through a Settings search, try typing in the MIUI search bar for a scanner, the system will tell you the location.
What to do if the MIUI system scanner is not working?
5. Third-party applications for QR scanning
If built-in methods don't work (for example, on very old Redmi models or after resetting), third-party scanners are available.
- 🔍 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – a minimalist interface, works without advertising.
- 📱 QR Code Reader (from Scan) – Supports scan history and code generation.
- 🔗 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.
Before installing, check the application permissions: the scanner has enough access to the camera and the Internet (only to open links). If the application requests access to contacts or SMS, it is suspicious - you better choose another option.
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Side scanners are useful if the built-in MIUI tools don't work, but they have a risk of data leakage.Use only proven high-ranking apps (4.5+ on Google Play).
6. Why. QR-Code not scanned: common errors
If Xiaomi Redmi smartphone does not recognize QR-The code, the problem could be in the phone or the code itself:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The code is recognized, but it won't open. | No Internet or an ad blocker intercepts a link | Check the network connection, disable VPN/AdBlock |
| Camera 'can't see' code | Too small or damaged QR | Increase the scale or try another angle of shooting |
| Scanner app flies out | Conflict with other programs or lack of memory | Clear the scanner cache in Settings → Apps |
| There is an error "Inadmissible format" | QR-The code is created in a non-standard format (e.g. Aztec) | Use a universal scanner like Barcode Scanner. |
If the code is still not readable, try taking a photo of it and uploading it to an online scanner (such as the ZXing Decoder) to help determine if the problem is in the code or in your smartphone.
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To check if it's working. QR-Open it on another device (like a tablet or someone else's phone) if it's not readable there, the code is corrupted.
7.Safety in scanning QR-code
QR-codes may contain not only harmless links, but also phishing pages or malicious commands, for example, scammers often disguise themselves as codes for Wi-Fi or discount links to fake sites:
- 🔒 Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (stickers on the street, messages from strangers).
- 🛡️ Use link verification crawlers (e.g. Kaspersky) QR Scanner or Bitdefender Scanner).
- 📵 Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection in settings if the code offers network login.
It's particularly dangerous to scan. QR-codes that suggest “update firmware” or “install drivers” are a classic way to spread viruses on Android. If a window appears after scanning asking you to download an.apk file, close it immediately and check your phone with an antivirus.
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Even if QR-The code came from a friend, and before clicking on a link, look at her address. Fraudsters often substitute characters (e.g., for example, for the code, paypa1.com instead of paypal.com).