QR-Codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging in to Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the question of how to quickly and without unnecessary applications scan such code. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways - from built-in functions. MIUI up to third-party solutions, including nuances for different firmware versions and Redmi models 5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12.
Article checkpoints:
- 🔍 Built-in tools MIUI scanning without installing applications
- 📱 Use Google Lens and Standard Camera
- ⚙️ Configure quick access to the scanner through the notification panel
- 🛠️ Solving problems if QR-code is unrecognizable
We will focus on the hidden feature "MIUI Scanner" in firmware based on Android 12+, which often goes unnoticed by users, but works more stable than third-party counterparts, and we will also discuss why some Redmi Note models may not have a standard scanner and how to fix it.
1. Scanning. QR-code through a standard Xiaomi camera
The easiest way is to use the built-in Camera app. This feature is available on all Redmis with MIUI 10 and up (including Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9A, Redmi 10C and later).
- Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
- Switch to Photo Mode (if another mode is used).
- Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully into the viewfinder area.
- Wait for the notification with a suggestion to click on the link or save data.
⚠️ Note: If the camera does not recognize QR-code automatically, check the settings:
- 🔧 Go to the camera settings → Additionally. → Scanning. QR-codes and enable the option.
- 📱 On some models (e.g. Redmi 7), this feature is disabled by default.
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If QR-code damaged or poorly lit, try to turn on the flashlight through the quick settings panel - this will improve the accuracy of the scan.
2.Using MIUI Scanner (Hidden Function)
Starting with MIUI 12 (Android 10+), Xiaomi’s firmware has a separate scanning module, MIUI Scanner, which is faster than a standard camera and supports barcode recognition.
- 🔎 Open the notification bar and swipe down twice to deploy quick settings.
- 🔍 Find the Scanner icon (a magnifier with a square) – if it is not, click Edit and add it to the active elements.
- 📲 Slip the icon to start the scanner, and point the camera at QR-code.
The advantages of MIUI Scanner:
- 🚀 It works without the internet (unlike Google Lens).
- 🔦 Automatically switches on the flashlight in low light.
- 📋 Stores scan history (available in module settings).
What if the Scanner icon is not in the notification panel?
3. scanning through Google Lens (for models with Google Mobile Services)
If your Redmi has Google services installed (e.g. global firmware), you can use Google Lens, a method that is suitable for Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 11 Prime and other models with Google Photos or Google Assistant preinstalled.
Instructions:
- Open the Google Photos or Camera app in More mode → Google Lens.
- Put the camera on QR-Google Lens automatically recognizes it and offers an action (open a link, save a contact, etc.).
- For quick access, add the Google Lens widget to the home screen.
⚠️ Note: Some Chinese firmware (e.g. Redmi) K50i For internal market, Google Lens may not be available. In this case, use the methods in section 4.
| Method of scanning | Internet is required | It's offline. | Barcode support | Preserving history |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard camera. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| MIUI Scanner | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Google Lens | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Application side (e.g. QR & Barcode Scanner) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
4. Third-party scanning applications QR-code
If the built-in tools don't fit (e.g., on older Redmi 4X or Redmi 5A models), you can install specialized apps.
- 📌 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – lightweight ad-free app that supports scan history.
- 🔍 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.
- 💡 NeoReader QR & Barcode – recognizes codes from another device’s screen.
How to install and use:
- Download the app from Google Play (or APKMirror if the Play Market isn't available).
- Open the app and give access to the camera.
- Put the camera on QR-code - the result will appear instantly.
Make sure the camera is clean | Check the lighting | Turn off the power saving for the app | Update the app to the latest version-->
⚠️ Note: Some applications (especially the little ones) may collect data about the codes being scanned. → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Permits.
Scanning. QR-code from the screen of another device
Sometimes you need to scan. QR-code that is displayed on the screen of another smartphone, tablet or monitor, in which case a standard Redmi camera may fail due to glare or low resolution:
- 📺 Reduce the brightness of the screen of the device you are scanning from (glare interferes with recognition).
- 🔄 Try scanning the code at a 30-45 degree angle, not perpendicular.
- 📱 Use applications like NeoReader or QR Code Reader that is optimized for screen scanning.
If QR-The code still doesn't recognize:
- Take a screenshot of the code on the first device and save it to the gallery.
- Open the image on Redmi and use Google Lens (click on the lens icon in Google Photos).
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For scanning. QR-It is better to use specialized applications, since they have algorithms for correcting distortions and glares.
6. Solving scanning problems QR-code
If none of the methods work, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Camera doesn't recognize. QR-code | Function disabled in settings | Scan on, Scan. QR-codes in camera settings |
| Nothing happens in the scan. | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone |
| QR-code is recognized, but the link is not opened | Ad Blocker or VPN | Disable VPN or add domain to blocker exceptions |
| MIUI Scanner is not in the notification panel | Firmware without GMS (Chinese version) | Use Google Lens or third-party apps |
Additional advice:
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone if the scanner stops working after the update.
- 📱 Check if the Power Saving mode is on – it can block the background processes of the camera.
- 🛠️ If the problem persists, reset the camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
7.Safety in scanning QR-code
QR-codes may contain malicious links or commands to automatically perform actions (for example, connecting to dangerous Wi-Fi networks:
- 🔒 Do not scan codes from unreliable sources (stickers on the street, messages from unknown senders).
- 🛡️ Use link-checking apps (like Kaspersky) QR Scanner).
- 📵 Before connecting to Wi-Fi via QR-Check the network name manually.
⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often disguise phishing links as legitimate QR-codes (e.g. for "paying parking" or "getting a discount"). Always check URL before-transition!
An example of a dangerous QR-code:
https://bit.ly/3xYz123 (abbreviated link)
Real address after the transition: https://fake-bank.com/phishingTo avoid risks, use services like VirusTotal to check links.