Modern smartphones Xiaomi has become universal tools for everyday tasks, and one of the most popular features was scanning. QR-Users often need to quickly read information from the package of goods in the store to find out the price, or access the Wi-Fi network simply by pointing the camera at a special square code. Owners of Redmi and Poco devices may face confusion as shell interfaces MIUI HyperOS is constantly updated, changing the location of standard tools.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to read data, from built-in system functions to third-party solutions. You do not need to be a technical specialist to master these techniques, because Xiaomi developers are trying to make the process as intuitive as possible. We will look at how to use the capabilities of the default camera, where to look for hidden widgets and what applications really should be installed from the Google Play directory.
Often, a standard camera doesn't automatically activate the scanner, and the user starts looking for third-party software, even though the desired function is already built into the system. Understanding the logic of the MIUI interface will help you save time and not clutter the device memory with unnecessary programs. Next, we will move on to specific step-by-step algorithms for various use cases.
Use of built-in scanner in the Camera application
The fastest and most obvious way to read code is to use the standard Camera app, which is already preinstalled on your device. In most modern models, such as the Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12, the system automatically recognizes the presence of a barcode in the frame without having to switch modes. You just launch the application and point the lens at the image, after which a pop-up notification or a yellow frame around the code will appear.
However, automatic recognition doesn’t always work perfectly, especially in poor lighting or if the code is corrupted. In such cases, you need to manually activate the scan mode. To do this, in the camera interface, find a button that says “Scanner” or an icon that resembles a square with dots, usually located in the top menu or in the list of additional modes (“More”). After switching to this mode, the camera will focus solely on finding graphics tags.
It is important to note that some regions or firmware versions may have different functionality. If you don't see the scanner button, check the settings of the camera app itself, sometimes this option is hidden in the settings menu. It's also worth wiping your lens, as greasy spots can significantly impair focus and read speed.
⚠️ Warning: When scanning codes from unknown sources (such as flyers on the street), be careful.The link may lead to a phishing site that will try to steal your personal data or infect your device with malware.
To make things more efficient at night, you can use the built-in lighting, click on the flash icon in the scanner interface to illuminate the object, which is especially true when reading codes from other devices or poorly lit labels on products.
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Use the Stabilization feature in the camera settings if your hands are shaking, which will help you focus more clearly on the small barcode.
The Scanner app and the widget on the desktop
In the shell. MIUI There's a separate system application called Scanner, which is a more advanced version of the camera feature, and it can not only read links, but also translate text, recognize products for purchase, and even identify documents. You can find it in the Tools folder on your desktop or through an application search, and running this ilette immediately opens up an interface optimized specifically for code.
For maximum convenience, it is recommended to put the scanner shortcut directly on the main screen or add a widget. This will allow you to run the function in one touch without digging into the menu. The widget can display scan history or simply serve as a quick start button. Quick access is critical when you need to urgently pay for a purchase or show a pass.
The functionality of the Scanner application includes several modes of operation that are switched by swipe or clicking on icons at the bottom of the screen:
- 📷 Scanner - the main mode for QR and barcodes of goods.
- 🛒 Shopping – search for goods by image in online stores.
- 📄 Documents – scanning texts and translating them into digital format.
- 🌐 Translation – overlaying translations into text in real time through the camera.
The scan history is stored in the app itself, allowing you to go back to a previously opened link or copy code if you accidentally close the page, a handy feature for those who work with a large volume of labeled products.
Scanning through Google Lens and Google Photos
If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t work well or are not working well, Google’s services come to the rescue, which are pre-installed on most certified devices. Google Lens is a powerful AI tool built into the Google app or available through a search widget, allowing you to not only read the code, but also analyze the content of the image.
To take advantage of this method, open the Google Search widget on your desktop and click on the multicolored camera icon to the right of the input bar. Google Lens is integrated into the Google Photos app. If you took a barcode shot, open the photo and click on the Lens or Search button, and the system will automatically highlight the code and suggest actions with it.
The advantage of using Google’s ecosystem is that it recognizes even complex or corrupt codes with high accuracy, and Google’s algorithms often perform better than standard solutions when it comes to non-standard fonts or low image contrast.
Why Google Lens May Not Work
Google Lens also allows you to instantly translate text, copy handwritten notes, and even solve math problems just by pointing your camera, making it a versatile learning and work assistant that goes far beyond just a barcode reader.
Scanning products in stores to compare prices
One of the most popular household tasks is to check the price of an item before buying. The built-in scanner in MIUI often has direct integration with popular marketplaces such as AliExpress, JD.com or local retailers. When getting stuck over a barcode, the system can suggest finding the same product online to compare the cost.
To do this, select Purchase mode in the Scanner app, or simply scan the code as normal. If the item is recognized, a plaque will appear on the screen with a “Find Product” suggestion or a store logo, which allows you to instantly see whether a nearby store or online platform is selling the same product for less.
There are also specialized price comparison apps that use the phone's camera as the primary input tool, which build a database of your scan history and can alert you to price increases or discounts.
☑️ Checking the goods before buying
It is worth considering that the search function requires an active Internet connection, and without a network, the scanner will be able to read the digital code, but will not be able to send a request to the database of stores for current information about price and availability.
Table of comparison of scanning methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparative table of the main methods available on Xiaomi smartphones, each of which has its own advantages depending on the situation.
| Method | Launch speed | History of the existence of | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix Camera | Tall. | No (usually) | Auto-recognition |
| Appendix Scanner | Medium | There is. | Translation, Documents |
| Google lens | Medium | Got it on Google. | Search photo, Text |
| Third-party Apps | Low. | Depends on the App. | Code generation |
As you can see from the table, the fastest way to use the main camera is to use one-off actions, and a separate Scanner app or Google widget is better for constant code work.
Setup and Elimination (FAQ)
Sometimes users find that the camera stops focusing on the code or simply does not see it. Most of the time, the problem is that the lens is dirty or too close to the object. Try slowly to move the phone away, as the minimum focusing distance for wide-angle cameras can be 5-10 cm.
If the software fails persists, try clearing the camera app cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Camera → Memory → Clear the cache. This action will not delete your photos, but will reset temporary files that may have caused an error in the scan module.
Also make sure the app has the necessary permissions. In modern versions of Android, access to the camera and the internet must be explicitly authorized by the user. Check this in the Permissions menu in the settings of the particular app.
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by wiping the camera or changing the distance to the object, rather than complex repairs.
In the rare cases where the barcode is printed on a glossy surface, glare can interfere with reading. Try changing the angle of the phone relative to the plane of the code to remove the reflection of light. A 30-45 degree tilt often works wonders.
Security in Code Scanning
While barcode technology is safe in itself, the actions it initiates can carry risks. QR-Attackers can paste their code over the original in a parking lot or on public transport, redirecting the victim to a fake payment site.
Always check. URL-If the scanner shows a link, look at the domain name carefully. Instead of parking-moscow.ru, it might say something like parking-pay-security.com. MIUI It may warn you of danger, but the human factor remains the main barrier.
Don’t let apps automatically click on links without your confirmation. In the scanner settings, you can turn off the auto-transfer function so that the system first shows the contents of the code and waits for you to click the Open button.
⚠️ Warning: Never enter credit card details on sites that you have accessed through scanned code from an unverified source.
Use antivirus solutions built into MIUI Security that can check for threat links in real time, an additional layer of protection that should not be ignored.