How to completely remove the application “lens” on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: step-by-step instructions and nuances

Why does the Lens app interfere with Redmi Note 8 Pro users – and can it be safely removed?

Lens app is a standard service from Xiaomi that automatically recognizes QR-On paper, the feature looks useful, but in practice, many owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro face its intrusive behavior: the application starts on its own, eats up battery power and takes up space in memory. MIUI «The “lens” cannot be turned off through standard settings – the deactivation button is simply missing or not working.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi has classified the app as a system component, which means that it is not possible to simply uninstall it through the Apps menu. Users complain about constant notifications, background activity, and even com.xiaomi.scanner on the battery consumption list. But the good news is that you can remove or at least block the Lens in several ways, from simple to radical. In this article, we will analyze all working methods taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model) and current versions of MIUI 12-14.

Before you start, it is important to understand that completely removing a system application is always fraught with risks. QR-codes through a standard camera, at worst - you can cause malfunctions in the work MIUI. So we're going to start with the safest methods and gradually move on to more serious interventions.

📊 Like you normally scan. QR-Xiaomi codes?

Through a standard camera.

Annex “Lens”

Third-party scanners (Google Lens, QR Reader)

I'm not scanning at all.

Method 1: Disabling the “lens” through settings (without deleting)

If your goal is simply to stop the background activity of the application and remove it from the list of running processes, start with a software shutdown.This method does not require superuser rights (root) and is suitable for most versions of MIUI on the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Instructions:

📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
🔍 In the search bar, type “lens” (or Lens on English firmware).
⚙️ Click on the app, then select Disable (if the button is active).
🔄 Reboot your smartphone to make changes take effect.

If the Disable button is inactive or absent, try an alternative path:

Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services.
Find the "Lens" list and turn it off.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13/14 Disabling through Special Options can cause the camera to fail. If the camera stops opening after manipulation, return the settings back.

☑️ Preparation for the disabling of the “lens»

Backup of important dataCheck the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)Charge your phone at least 50%Disable automatic update of applications

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If disabling doesn’t help, the next step is to remove the application packet through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root, but requires connecting the phone to a computer and installing special drivers. ADB The app will not be updated through the Play Market or MIUI.

What you need:

💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
📦 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
Open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears on the list, go ahead. If not, check the drivers and the cable.

Enter the command to remove the “lens”:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.scanner

If the command is successful, you will see a message of success.

Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the application will disappear from the menu, and the scan function will disappear. QR-The codes will be disabled through a standard camera, and to return it, you will need to install a third-party scanner (for example, Google Lens).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI com.xiaomi.scanner can be linked to other system components. If the camera stops working or errors appear after deleting, restore the application by command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.scanner

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

1. Check if debugging is included on USB (Sometimes you need a confirmation on your phone every time you connect. 2 Try another one. USB-3. Install drivers for your Xiaomi model manually (you can download on the Xiaomi website or through the Mi program). PC Suite). 4. Restart your phone and computer. 5. If you use Windows, try running CMD on behalf of the administrator.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the radical way is root-access removal, which is only suitable for users who have already unlocked the bootloader and got root on their Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Warning: Removing system applications from root may lead to unstable work MIUI, Including camera errors, update failures, or even device breezes, if you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better focus on the method of using the device. ADB.

Instructions:

Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
Go to /system/priv-app/Scanne or /system/app/Scanne (the name of the folder may vary depending on the firmware).
Find files with the names Scanner.apk and Scanner.odex (or similar).
Remove them or rename them by adding the.bak extension (e.g. Scanner.apk.bak).
Clear the cache and application data through Settings → Apps → Lens (if it is still displayed).
Reboot the phone.

After that, the Lens will be completely removed, but remember: the next MIUI update via OTA, the application files can be restored automatically. To avoid this, repeat the procedure before updating or install custom firmware without previously removed components.

💡

If after removing the root-rights phone began to slow down or issue errors, try to restore deleted files from the backup (if you did it before manipulation) or reset to factory settings.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If the Lens is not removed and it is critically intractable, it will completely reset the phone to factory settings, and this method will ensure that all user data and applications, including unnecessary system components, are deleted, but only until the first setup is made, and after the reboot, MIUI can reset the Lens through the update.

How to perform the reset:

Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Delete all data.
Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

🚫 Don’t connect your Mi Account immediately – check if the lens is installed first».
🔧 Turn off automatic app updates in the Play Market.
📱 Install an alternative scanner QR-Codes (e.g. Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The reset to factory settings doesn't remove pre-installed system applications, so the lens will remain, and you'll have to combine this method with the system. ADB root-removal.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

Method	Difficulty	PC required	Root is required.	Risk of failure	Efficiency
Disconnection through settings	⭐ (simple)	❌ No.	❌ No.	⭐ (low-key)	⚠️ Partial (background activity may remain)
Removal via ADB	⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	⭐⭐ (middle-class)	✅ Full (until the next update) MIUI)
Removal with root rights	⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	✅ Yes (to unlock)	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐ (high-end)	✅ Full (but risk of instability)
Reset to factory settings	⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	❌ No.	❌ No.	⭐⭐ (middle-class)	⚠️ Temporary (the application may return)

For most Redmi Note 8 Pro users, the best solution is to combine disabling through settings + deleting through ADB. This will eliminate background activity without risking damage to the system. If you are an experienced user and ready to experiment, you can try root-deleting, but only after you create a full backup.

💡

Removing the lens does not affect the basic functions of the camera (photo/video), but disables the built-in recognition. QR-We can use third-party applications to scan, which are often faster and more stable.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove the Lens, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face typical problems.

1.ADB doesn't see the device

Reasons:

🔌 Not original. USB-cable (use a cable from the set).
🖥️ Drivers not installed ADB (Download Minimal ADB and Fastboot or Platform Tools by Google).
📱 Not included debugging USB (Check in the settings → For developers).

Solution: Try connecting via another USB port (preferably USB 2.0), restart your phone and computer, then repeat the adb device command.

2.The camera stopped working after the removal

Reason: In some firmware, MIUI Lens is integrated into the camera module, and its removal may disrupt the main com.android.camera application.

Decision:

Restore the application via ADB (the command above).
Install an alternative camera (like Google Camera or Open Camera).

3 The application is returned after the MIUI update

Reason: System applications are restored when official OTA updates are installed.

Decision:

Repeat the removal via ADB before updating.
Turn off automatic MIUI update in the settings.
Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) where the Lens is removed by default.

4. You can not disable the "lens" in the settings

Reason: Some firmware (especially Chinese or global with restrictions) have blocked the option of disabling.

Solution: Use ADB or root method. Alternatively, you can freeze the application using Titanium Backup (requires root).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I delete the "lens" without a computer?

Yes, but with limitations. Without ADB or root, you can only turn the app off via settings (if the button is active) or use third-party utilities like Package Disabler (requires ADB or root for full operation). Complete removal without a PC is only possible on phones with already obtained root rights.

Will the scan work? QR-codes through the camera after removing the "lens»?

No, the built-in scanning feature will shut down.However, you can install alternative apps like Google Lens, QR & Barcode Scanner or Kaspersky QR Scanner that offer similar (and often broader) features.

Will the “lens” appear again after resetting the settings?

Most likely, yes. Factory reset returns all system applications, including Lens. To prevent it from reappearing, immediately delete it through ADB or disable MIUI updates after reset.

Can I remove the “lens” on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with custom firmware?

Most custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) does not have a lens, as it does not include proprietary Xiaomi applications. If you have installed a MIUI-based firmware (e.g., Xiaomi.eu), you can uninstall the application by any of the methods described.

Is there a risk of losing the warranty after removing system applications?

Formally, Xiaomi may refuse warranty service if it detects signs of interference (unlocked bootloader, root, remote system files). However, simply disabling through settings or deleting through ADB (without root) usually leaves no obvious trace. If you are concerned, restore the "lens" with the adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.scanner command before contacting the service center.