How to turn on the scanner QR-Xiaomi Smartphone Code: All Ways (2026)

QR-codes have become an integral part of everyday life, from paying for purchases to logging into Wi-Fi networks. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line and the Wi-Fi line). POCO) They often don't realize that their devices have a built-in scanner that doesn't require third-party apps to be installed, but finding this feature isn't always intuitive, especially after updates. MIUI, When the interface changes.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of activation. QR-Scanners on Xiaomi devices (including models from 2020-2026), given the features of different versions of the firmware, you will learn how to run scanning through the camera, notification panel and even voice assistant, and what to do if the function Suddenly disappeared after an update. We'll also cover hidden tricks for older models like Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T, where the QR scanner might be buried deeper in the settings.

Fast launch through the notification panel (MIUI 12-15)

The most versatile method that works on most modern Xiaomi devices is to use a quick access panel, which takes no more than 5 seconds and does not require opening additional applications.

Instructions:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the "Scanner" badge. QR" (It's usually a three-corner square or a scan symbol. If it's not there, tap the icon. ⚙️ Edit and add it manually.
• 🖱️ Click on the scanner icon – the camera with active recognition mode will open. QR.

If the icon is missing even after editing the panel, it may mean that:

• 🔄 Your version. MIUI Is outdated (update the firmware in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📱 You have a model without hardware scanner support (e.g. Redmi). 7A or Mi A3 pure Android).

2. Scanning through the standard Camera app

The built-in camera app on Xiaomi has hidden recognition mode QR-It's a code that activates automatically when you hover over the code, but it's a mode that you sometimes have to manually enable to work smoothly.

How to do this:

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Point the lens at QR-In 1-2 seconds, a notification will appear at the top of the screen with a suggestion to click on the link.
3. If recognition doesn't work: 🔧 Go to Camera Settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-codes and activate the switch. 📲 On older models (Redmi) 5/6) This item may be called Code Recognition.

Important! On some devices (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), the feature only works in the main camera mode (not in Portrait or Night modes), and if the code is not recognized, switch to standard shooting mode.

Screen clean (no dirt on camera)

QR-code well-lit

Camera in Main Mode (not Portrait or Video)

Recognition mode is enabled in the camera settings-->

3. Use of Google Lens (for models with Google Services)

If your Xiaomi supports Google services (most global versions), you can use Google Lens to scan. QR-This method is suitable for devices where the standard scanner is unstable.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Google Photos app (if not installed, download from the Play Market).
2. Click on the Google Lens icon (stylized “G” in a mug) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Put the camera on QR-Lens automatically recognizes it and suggests an action (clicking on a link, saving a contact, etc.).

If the Security application is not available (e.g., on global firmware), this method will not work. In this case, use the methods in the first section.

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On Chinese firmware, the Security scanner often supports Chinese barcode recognition (for example, for payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay).

5. Voice assistant Xiao AI (for Chinese and some global firmware)

Little-known life hack: voice assistant Xiao AI (Google Assistant can also scan the system QR-This is convenient if you're driving or you're busy with your hands.

How to activate:

1. Hold the Home button (or say “Hey Xiao AI” if the feature is enabled).
2. 🎤 Tell the command: "Scanning." QR-code (English: "Scan" QR code»).
3. 📸 Assistant will open the camera in scan mode.

This method only works on firmware with Xiao AI preinstalled (most Chinese and some global versions of MIUI 13+), which may not be available on European firmware POCO or Redmi.

6. Solving problems: The scanner is not working or disappeared after the update

If QR-The scanner stopped working after the update MIUI Or reset your settings, try the following steps:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Phone model: on budget devices (Redmi) 8A, POCO C31) The scanner may be missing due to weak iron.
• 🔄 Version MIUI: on MIUI 11 and below scanner is often hidden in Settings → System and device → Scanner. QR.

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On devices with pure Android (such as Mi A3 or POCO F1 on custom firmware), there is no built-in scanner – use Google Lens or third-party apps.

7.Alternative applications for scanning QR

If the built-in scanner on your Xiaomi is missing or is not working properly, consider third-party solutions.We tested the following applications for compatibility with MIUI 14:

• 🔍 QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play) – lightweight, no ads, supports scan history.
• 💡 Kaspersky QR Scanner – Checks security links before opening.
• 📱 NeoReader QR Code – recognizes codes from another device’s screen.

How to determine:

1. Open Play Market (or GetApps for Chinese firmware).
2. Enter the name of the application in the search.
3. Click Set and grant permissions to access the camera.

⚠️ Note: Do not install scanners from unknown sources (APK-Attackers often disguise viruses that steal credit card data as them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about QR-Xiaomi scanner