Scanning. QR-codes on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) While this may seem like a trivial task, many users face unexpected challenges. Unlike the iPhone, where the feature is built into the default camera, on Android devices Xiaomi algorithm depends on the version of the device. MIUI, phone models and even the firmware region. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 scanner activates automatically, and on a budget Redmi 10A Additional software may need to be installed.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of scanning. QR — From standard (via camera and Google Lens) to little-known (hidden features) MIUI We will pay special attention to common errors, such as the lack of response of the camera to the problem. QR-Bank application codes or dynamic code scanning failures (e.g., VKPay or SberBank Online) If you are looking for the fastest or most reliable method, here you will find a comparative table with the pros and cons of each option.
1.Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera
The most obvious way is to use the built-in Camera app. However, there are nuances: QR recognition does not work on all Xiaomi models out of the box. For example, on smartphones with firmware for the Chinese market (China ROM), the scanner can be disabled by default, and on devices with MIUI Global, you can require additional settings.
To check for support:
- 📱 Open the Camera app and point the lens at QR-code.
- 🔍 If a notification appears at the top of the screen with a suggestion to click on the link, the function is active.
- ⚙️ If there is no reaction, go to the camera settings. → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-codes and enable the option.
In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) the scanner only works when focusing on the code for 2-3 seconds. QR unrecognizable:
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the code is not corrupted and has a contrast of at least 70% (black on a white background).The Xiaomi scanner can ignore codes with low resolution or with compression artifacts (for example, screenshots from messengers).
2.Using Google Lens (built into MIUI)
Google Lens is a universal tool for recognizing objects, text and QR-codes integrated into MIUI The advantage of this method is that it works even on devices without a native scanner in the camera (for example, on the old Redmi 7 or Mi). A2).
Instructions:
- Open the Camera app.
- Slip on the Google Lens icon (usually located to the right of the shutter button).
- Put the camera on QR-The link or text will appear at the bottom of the screen.
If there is no Google Lens icon:
- 🔄 Update Google App to Play Market.
- 📥 Install Google Photos and open the photo with QR-code – the Lens option will appear in the menu.
- ⚙️ Turn on Google Lens in the camera settings: Settings → Google Lens → Turn it on.
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If QR-The code contains a Wi-Fi password, Google Lens will offer to connect to the network automatically — just confirm the action.
3. Hidden MIUI function: scanner in notification curtain
Few people know, but MIUI 13/14 has a built-in QR scanner that is available directly from the notification panel, which works independently of the camera and does not require additional applications to be installed, the main condition is the presence of the latest firmware version.
How to activate:
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain.
- Fly the panel to the right to the end (where the fast switches are located).
- Slip on the scanner icon QR (the icon of the square with points).
- Allow access to the camera at the first start.
Features of the method:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| It works without the internet. | Not available on older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) |
| No need to open the camera. | Can not recognize dynamic QRs (for example, in Tinkoff Bank) |
| Quick access from any screen | No history of scanning. |
Why does the curtain scanner not see some QR?
4. Third-party applications: when standard methods do not work
If Xiaomi's built-in tools refuse to scan QR (For example, because of outdated firmware or regional constraints, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. 10 popular scanners and selected the top-3 reliability and functionality.
The best QR scanning apps on Xiaomi:
- 🥇 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – supports 15+ code formats, works offline, there is a history of scanning.
- 🥈 Kaspersky QR Scanner – checks links to viruses, blocks phishing sites.
- 🥉 Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) – open source, no ads, integration with Google Assistant.
How to install and use:
Download the app from the Play Market|Grant permission to the camera|Disable battery optimization for the application|Test on static QR-code (e.g. from qrcode-monkey.com)
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A warning for Xiaomi users with Chinese firmware:
⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM Some scanners (such as Kaspersky) QR Scanner may not be launched due to limitations MIUI Solution: Enable AutoRun permission for the scanner in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
5. scanning QR via browser (for web versions of codes)
If QR-The code leads to a web page (e.g., a payment or authorization link) that can be recognized directly in the browser without using a camera, and this method is useful if you have a broken main camera or are running a Xiaomi Pad tablet.
Instructions for Google Chrome:
- Open your browser and enter chrome://flags in the address bar.
- Find the #enable-tab-grid-layout flag and turn it on (this activates the scanner's hidden features).
- Restart the browser.
- Slip on the Share icon (three dots in the upper right corner) → QR-code → Scan the code.
Alternatively, upload the image. QR-browser-code:
- 🖼️ Take a screenshot of the code or save it as a file.
- 🌐 Open the site zxing.org/w/decode.jspx.
- 📤 Download the image – the service will show the contents of the code.
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Browser scanners are suitable for static QR-codes, but do not recognize dynamic ones (for example, one-time codes for authorization in Telegram or WhatsApp).
6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR
If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie in the system settings, hardware limitations, or the system itself. QR-We've got a top of the list.-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera doesn't focus on the code | Contaminated lens or downed autofocus settings | Wipe the camera with a napkin, reset the camera settings in Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Reset |
| Scanner ignores code | QR is too small or has a low contrast | Enlarge the code on the screen or print it on paper with a resolution of ≥300 dpi |
| The app crashes out when scanning | The conflict with MIUI Optimization | Disable Scanner Optimization in Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Battery Optimization |
| Links from QR do not work | Adblocker or VPN intercepts traffic | Disable VPN/AdGuard during scanning |
To diagnose hardware problems (such as camera malfunctions), perform the test:
Enter the dialer: ##6484##
Select Manual Test → Camera and check the main module.7.Security: How not to run into scammers
QR-codes have become a popular tool for phishing, and malicious actors disguise them as malicious links that can be used to create a phishing system:
- 🔗 Redirect to a fake bank website (for example, a fake Sberbank or Tinkoff).
- 📥 Automatically download virus software (especially dangerous on Android).
- 💳 Subscribe to a paid subscription (through redirects to WAP-billing).
Signs of danger QR-code:
- 🚨 The link leads to the domain with a typo (for example, sberbank-ru.com instead of sberbank.ru).
- 🔄 The code requires you to “update the application” or enter a log/password on an unfamiliar site.
- 📱 After scanning, a request appears to install an.apk file.
How to check QR before scanning:
- Use link-checking apps (such as Kaspersky QR Scanner or Bitdefender Mobile Security).
- View the contents of the code through secure services like VirusTotal.
- Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (stickers on street poles, messages from strangers in instant messengers).
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If you scan often QR-codes for payment (for example, in stores), create a separate user profile in the MIUI This will protect the main account from potential data breaches.