How to scan a barcode on Xiaomi

Modern smartphones Xiaomi has become a universal tool for everyday life, allowing not only to communicate, but also instantly receive information about the physical world around us. QR-Users often need to quickly find out the price, verify the authenticity of the product or click on a link encrypted in a graphic image without installing unnecessary programs.

In the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, developers have provided several built-in ways to accomplish this task, which eliminates the need to download third-party software. However, many device owners do not know exactly where the desired option is hidden or why a standard camera sometimes refuses to focus on the desired object. We will examine all available methods, from system widgets to specialized utilities.

The effectiveness of scanning depends on the correct lens settings and the chosen software. In this article, we will look at how to activate the code scanner in different versions of the firmware, what applications should be installed for professional work with product databases and how to solve typical recognition problems.

Use of built-in scanner in the Camera application

The fastest and most obvious way to read the information from the label is to use the standard Camera app, which is already installed on every Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone. In the latest versions of the shell, artificial intelligence algorithms have learned to automatically recognize graphic patterns without having to switch modes manually. Just point the lens at the code, and the system will suggest the action.

However, if automatic recognition does not work, you will need to activate a special mode. To do this, open the application and find an option in the mode menu, which may be called "Scanner", "QR-code" or have an appropriate icon. In some regions and firmware versions, this feature is built directly into the main mode of the photo, responding to the appearance of code in the frame.

For successful reading, it is important to ensure good lighting and stable hand position. The camera should focus on the image, after which a pop-up notification or an audible signal will appear on the screen. If this does not happen, check if the lens is covered with a protective film or case, and also wipe the lens with a soft cloth.

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Keep your phone 10-15cm away from the code for the best focus, especially if the camera doesn’t have autofocus or macro mode.

• 📱 Open the Camera app on the main screen.
• 🔍 Point the lens over the barcode or QR-code, keeping the phone still.
• ⚡ Wait for a yellow box or pop-up notification with the result.
• 👆 Click on the link that appears or copy the text for further use.

It is worth noting that the functionality of the built-in scanner may vary depending on the firmware region, and in global versions of the Global ROM, this feature works steadily, while in Chinese versions (China ROM), it can be integrated into the system application "Scanner", which requires a separate start.

Working with the system application Scanner

In the MIUI ecosystem, there is a separate system application that is often ignored by users, but has enhanced functionality compared to a regular camera, called simply the Scanner, and often located in the Tools folder on the desktop, which is not only able to read codes, but also translate text, recognize products in stores, and even identify plants.

The main advantage of this application is that it supports different encoding formats and the ability to work with product databases. When you scan the barcode of a product through the Scanner, the device sends a request to online databases (for example, Google Product Search or Chinese analogues), returning the name, category and sometimes price of the product, which is especially useful for authentication and finding analogues.

⚠️ Attention: Extended product search and text translation functions require an active Internet connection. Without the network, only raw code or link will be displayed.

To access all the features, you need to configure the permissions correctly, the app needs to have access to the camera and, if necessary, geolocation to more accurately search for stores nearby, and you can also enable vibration in the settings when you read successfully, which is convenient when working in noisy rooms or without visual control of the screen.

• 🛠 Find the Scanner app in the Tools folder or through search.
• 🌐 Select the desired mode of operation: QR-code, document, goods or translation.
• 📸 Point the camera at the object and wait for image processing.
• 📂 Save the result in notes or click on the generated link.

It is important to understand the difference between modes: Product mode is sharpened to search the EAN-13 barcode databases, whereas Document mode tries to recognize text and preserve its structure. Using the wrong mode can lead to erroneous results or a long wait for the server to respond.

Setting up the scanner widget on the desktop

For those who use scanning on a daily basis, constantly searching for an app on the menu can be an annoying factor, because the MIUI shell allows you to display the quick access button directly on the desktop or into the notification curtain, which greatly speeds up the process, especially for cashiers, logisticians or just active customers.

There are several ways to organize quick access, and the easiest way to do this is to add a scanner widget to the home screen, and you need to pinch the empty space on your desktop, select the "Widgets" item, and find the appropriate control, which can look like a separate icon or a floating button.

An even more advanced method is to use a floating window or assign a double tapping action to the back (if supported by your model and Android version), which allows you to run the scan without even unlocking the screen completely, saving time and battery power.

• 🏠 Press your finger on the free desktop space to enter editing mode.
• ➕ Select the "Widgets" button in the lower interface menu.
• 🔍 Find the "Scanner" or "Camera" app in the list".
• ✅ Drag the selected item to the desktop for permanent access.

Keep in mind that placing a large number of widgets on the home screen can have a slight impact on RAM consumption, although on modern Snapdragon or Dimensity processors this effect is almost imperceptible.

Third-party applications for professional scanning

While Xiaomi’s built-in tools cover 95 percent of the user’s needs, there are scenarios that require more powerful tools: Specialized applications from Google Play Market can store scan history in the cloud, work with warehouse databases, create their own codes, or work without an offline Internet connection.

One of the most popular solutions is Google Lens, which is integrated into many Android system processes and allows you not only to read code, but also to interact with its content: copy text from an image, find similar products, solve mathematical problems or translate signage in real time.

For inventory professionals, applications like ZXing Team’s Barcode Scanner or QR & Barcode Scanner are suitable, with a minimalist interface, no advertising, and the ability to export scanned data in CSV or TXT formats, which is convenient for transferring data to a computer.

When choosing third-party software, always pay attention to the permissions requested. The scanning application does not need access to your contacts, microphone or location (unless it is a specific feature), excessive access rights requests may indicate an attempt to collect personal data.

Solving Focus and Recognition Problems

Sometimes, users are faced with a situation where the camera simply does not see the code, constantly focuses on the background or emits an error. Most often, the problem lies in the contamination of the optics or the wrong distance to the object. The lenses of modern smartphones are very sensitive to fat spots that create a fog effect and interfere with the algorithms for recognizing contrasting boundaries.

Lighting conditions should also be considered: Direct sunlight falling on the glossy surface of the label can create glare that "glows" the code, making it unreadable to the sensor, in such cases, it is recommended to change the angle of the phone or cover the object with your hand, creating a shadow.

⚠️ Note: Do not use a flash in the dark to scan glossy surfaces, as the reflection of light from the flash will completely overshadow the image of the code.

If the software failure persists, try clearing the camera app cache. Accumulated temporary files can cause conflicts in the operation of the image processing modules. To do this, go to the settings, find the Camera or Scanner app and select Clear Cache.