How to scan. QR-Xiaomi phone code: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi needs a scanning feature QR-code

QR-codes are firmly embedded in everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. - Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi sub-brands, POCO and Mi) can scan them without installing additional applications – standard tools are sufficient MIUI. However, not all users are aware of the built-in capabilities of their devices.

In this article, we will analyze all available scanning methods. QR-Xiaomi codes: from camera to specialized applications. MIUI (12 to 14) and models – from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Pro. Also consider why sometimes the scanner does not work and how to fix it.

If you've only used third-party scanners before (like QR & Barcode Scanner), you can drop them after reading them, 90% of the time, there's enough built-in tools, and for older device owners (up to MIUI 10), we'll give you alternative solutions.

Method 1: Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera

The fastest method is to use the built-in scanner in the Camera app, which works on all devices with MIUI 11 and later (released after 2019).

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully within the viewfinder frame.
3. Wait 1-2 seconds – a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link.
4. Tap the notification to open the contents of the code in the browser or other application.

In some models (for example, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) The scanner is activated automatically when getting stuck on QR-If that doesn't happen:

• 🔍 Check if the feature is enabled in the camera settings: Settings → Additionally. → Scan. QR-code.
• 📱 Update the Camera app via Play Market or App Store MIUI.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.

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If QR-code is not recognized, try to turn on the flashlight (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) - additional lighting improves the reading of the code.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 10 and older (e.g. Redmi 5 or Mi 8) the built-in scanner may not be available in the camera.

Method 2: Google Lens is a universal tool for all Android

Google Lens is a service from Google that can recognize not only the Internet. QR-It's preinstalled on most Xiaomi smartphones, but also texts, objects, plants and even products. MIUI 12+ It's more stable than a standard scanner:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G”).
2. In the search bar, click on the Google Lens icon (the stylized letter “L” in the circle).
3. Put the camera on QR-The service automatically recognizes it and displays the content.
4. Tap the link or text that appears to interact with it.

The advantages of Google Lens:

• 🌍 It works even on older versions. MIUI (Only Google Play Services is required).
• 🔍 Recognizes damaged or partially erased QR-codes are better than a standard scanner.
• 📁 Stores scan history (available in the Activity section»).

If the Google Lens icon is not in the search bar:

1. Update the Google app in the Play Market.
2. Make sure you have Google Play Services installed (check Settings → Apps → App Management).
3. For devices without Google services (such as the Chinese version of Xiaomi), use Method 4.

Method 3: Built-in scanner in MIUI (Scanner app)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi firmware has a separate application Scanner (icon with a magnifier and a magnifying glass). QR-It combines the functions of reading. QR, Barcodes and even the generation of your own codes:

1. Find the Scanner app on the home screen or menu (if not, check the Tools folder).
2. Allow access to the camera at the first start.
3. Put the camera on QR-Code – the data will be displayed automatically.
4. To create your code, click on the icon + at the bottom of the screen.

Functions of the Scanner annex:

If the Scanner application is not available:

• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔧 Install it manually from MIUI Store (search for "Scanner»).
• 🌐 For global firmware versions, the application may be called Scanner (in English).

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Xiaomi’s Scanner app is the most reliable solution for MIUI 12.5+ devices, which doesn’t require internet and is faster than Google Lens.

Method 4: Third-Party Apps for Scanning

If the built-in tools don't fit (for example, on very old models or Chinese versions without Google Services), use third-party scanners.

• 📱 QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play) – a lightweight ad-free app that supports all types of code.
• 🔍 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.
• 🌐 Barcode Scanner (from ZXing Team) – open source, no data collections.
• 💡 NeoReader – recognizes codes even from screens of other devices.

How to install and use:

1. Download the app from Play Market or APKMirror (for devices without Google).
2. Open it and allow access to the camera.
3. Point the lens at QR-code – the data will be displayed instantly.
4. If necessary, save the scan history in the application itself.

Warnings when using third-party scanners:

⚠️ Note: Some apps (especially from unverified sources) may collect scan data or display intrusive ads.

For devices without Google Play (such as the Chinese version of Xiaomi):

• Download APK only from official developer sites or APKMirror.
• Before installing, check the hash of the file (for example, via VirusTotal).
• Use Xiaomi GetApps, the official app store for Chinese firmware.

Method 5: Scanning QR-browser-based

Few people know, but some browsers (such as Google Chrome or Mi Browser) can crawl. QR-This is convenient if you want to quickly open a link without switching between applications:

1. Open Google Chrome or Mi Browser.
2. Tap the search icon (magnifying glass) in the address bar.
3. Select the Scan option QR-code (in Chrome) or QR-scanner (in Mi Browser).
4. Allow access to the camera and point it to the code.

Features of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than launching a separate application.
• 🔗 Automatically opens links in the current tab.
• 📱 It works even on older versions. MIUI (The main thing is to update the browser).

Limitations:

• It doesn't save scan history.
• It does not recognize contact codes or Wi-Fi (URL only).
• Mi Browser may not be available on Chinese firmware.

Update your browser to the latest version|Clear the browser cache (Settings) → History → Clear the data)|Enable access to the camera for the browser|Check the lighting (QR-code should be clear)-->

Solving the Problems: Why QR-code not scanned

If Xiaomi’s smartphone does not recognize QR-code, causes can be software or hardware, and we'll look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The camera doesn’t focus on code

This is most often due to:

• 📸 Dirty lens – wipe the camera with a soft cloth.
• 💡 Low lighting – turn on the flashlight or move to a lighter place.
• 🔍 Distances to the code - optimal distance: 10-30 cm.
• 📱 Hardware limitations – on very old models (e.g. Redmi) 4A) Autofocus may not be able to handle.

Problem 2: The scanner is not responding to the QR-code

Possible solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.
• 📋 Check the camera settings: Settings → Additionally. → Scan. QR-codes (to be included).
• 🔧 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Corrected scanner errors.
• 🛠️ Reset the camera settings: Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Problem 3: QR-code corrupted or non-standard

If the code is partially erased or has an unusual format (such as a round QR), try:

• 🔍 Google Lens – it better recognizes imperfect codes.
• 📸 Take a photo of the code and upload it to an online scanner (e.g. ZXing Decoder).
• 🔄 Ask to send the code in another format (such as text or a conventional link).

⚠️ Attention: Some QR-codes may contain malicious links, especially if they are attached to suspicious emails or messages. URL security (for example, through VirusTotal).

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi