Scanner app on Xiaomi: a complete guide to features and settings

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You've probably noticed a standard tool called Scanner on the app menu, which at first glance is a simple scanning app. QR-In this article, we will go into detail what Xiaomi's Scanner is, how to use it, what hidden features it offers, and why it is one of the most useful standard applications in the ecosystem. MIUI.

Many users mistakenly believe that Scanner is only for reading. QR-But this app can work with barcodes, documents, texts (through barcodes, documents, texts). OCR), It is also integrated with other Xiaomi services, such as Mi Home, for managing smart devices. MIUI The scanner has real-time translation and even plant recognition (in some regions) support, and we'll show you how to make the most of this tool.

What is the Scanner app on Xiaomi and why you need it?

The Scanner app (in some firmwares it may be called Scanner or Mi Scanner) is a standard software from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all devices running the Scanner. MIUI. It's designed to:

• 📱 Scanning. QR-codes (links, Wi-Fi, payments, contacts)
• 📦 Barcode readings (goods, tickets, coupons)
• 📄 Text recognition (OCR) from photographs or in real time
• 🌍 Translating text through a camera (with support for multiple languages)
• 🔍 Searching for information on scanned codes (e.g., product prices)
• 🌿 Plant recognition (in experimental mode)

Unlike third-party crawlers (like Google Lens or Kaspersky) QR Scanner, Xiaomi's app is deeply integrated into the system:

• ⚡ Works faster due to optimization for the iron of the smartphone.
• 🔒 Access to system permissions without additional requests.
• 🔄 Updated with the MIUI, This ensures compatibility.
• 📱 Supports gestures and quick commands (e.g., calling the scanner swipe down the lock screen).

Importantly, Scanner functionality may vary depending on the firmware region and smartphone model, for example, Chinese character recognition is available on devices for the Chinese market, while global versions may be limited, and some features (such as text translation) require an Internet connection.

Where to find and how to open Scanner on Xiaomi

Find the Scanner application in several ways:

1. Through the App Menu: scroll through the list of programs to the icon with a magnifying glass and a scanner (usually called a Scanner or Scanner).
2. Through Search: Swipe down the main screen and type in the Scanner search box.
3. Through the notification panel: some firmware has a fast scanner tile (click on the gear in the notification bar) → Edit the tiles).
4. Through lock screens: On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), you can swipe the scanner down the locked screen.

If you can't find the app, it's probably disabled, so you can get it back.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Find Scanner or Scanner, click on it and select Enable.

Attention! On some firmware (especially custom ones), the Scanner application can be removed, in which case it can only be restored through a complete flashing of the device or installing official software through the Mi Flash Tool.

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If the scanner doesn't open the first time, try clearing the cache in the app's settings, which can help solve freeze problems.

The main functions of Scanner: from QR-codes before text recognition

Let’s take a look at what Xiaomi’s built-in scanner can do:

One of the most useful functions is text recognition (OCR). It's a good idea:

• 📝 Copy text from a photo or document (for example, phone number from a business card).
• 🔍 Find a translation of foreign text (works through Xiaomi Translation).
• 📎 Save the scanned text in notes or send via messenger.

Important: function OCR Scanner works better than many third-party apps, thanks to optimization for Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, which are used in Xiaomi smartphones.

How to scan QR- Codes and Barcodes: Step-by-step instructions

The scanning process is as simple as possible, but there are several nuances that will help to avoid errors:

Open the Scanner app

Point the camera at the code (distance) 10-20 centimeter)

Make sure the code is fully in the frame

Wait for automatic recognition

Click on the prompt that appears (link, text, etc.)-->

Step 1. Launch the scanner

Open the Scanner app and allow access to the camera (if the request is first made). The interface is minimal: in the center of the screen is the scan area, at the bottom are buttons for switching modes.

Step 2. Guidance of the camera

Bring the camera to QR-code or barcode by distance 10-20 see, it is important that:

• 🔦 The code was well lit (in low light, turn on the flashlight).
• 📏 The code was at least 50% of the screen (not too close or too far away).
• 📱 The screen of the smartphone was perpendicular to the surface with the code.

Step 3: Recognition and Action

If the code is recognized successfully, a notification will appear with a suggestion of action:

• For QR-codes with links - opening in the browser.
• For Wi-Fi codes, you need to connect to the network (you need to enter a password if it is not encrypted in the code).
• For barcodes of goods – search information on the Internet.

⚠️ Attention, never scan. QR-codes from unreliable sources (such as street stickers or messages from strangers) can be used by attackers to phish or install malware. Before scanning, check if the code is covering up something suspicious (such as another sticker).

Scanner's Hidden Opportunities: OCR, translation and documentation

What many users don't know is that Scanner can not only scan codes, but also work with text.

1. Text recognition (OCR)

To scan text from a photo or document:

1. Open Scanner and go to Text Mode (usually the Aa icon at the bottom of the screen).
2. Point the camera at the text and wait until it lights up in yellow.
3. Click on the selected text to copy it or open additional actions (search, translation).

2. Translation of text in real time

The feature works through integration with Xiaomi Translation:

1. Scan the text in Text mode.
2. Click on the Translate button (Icon) 🌐).
3. Select the languages (source and target) and the result will appear on top of the original text.

3. Preservation of scanned documents

If you need to save a scan of a document (for example, passport or receipt):

1. Scan the document in Document mode (Icon) 📄).
2. Press the save button (the icon) 💾).
3. Choose the format: PDF or Image (JPG/PNG).

Scanner problems: why it doesn’t work and how to fix it

Sometimes, users find that Scanner doesn't start, doesn't recognize codes, or it doesn't give out errors, and let's look at the underlying problems and their solutions.

⚠️ Attention, if after the update MIUI scanner stopped working, try resetting the application settings: → Annexes → Scanner → Warehouse → Resetting. This often helps with post-update conflicts.

If none of these methods worked, check to see if your device has modified firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that can remove or replace the standard Scanner with Google’s. In this case, you can restore the original application only through a complete flashing of the official MIUI.

Scanner Alternatives: When to Use Third-Party Apps

While Xiaomi’s built-in Scanner covers most tasks, it’s better to take advantage of the alternatives in some cases:

• 🔍 Google Lens – if you want advanced image search (such as sight or animal recognition).
• 🛡️ Kaspersky QR Scanner – for safe scanning QR-codes (checks links to phishing).
• 📄 CamScanner – if you need professional post-processing scanning.
• 🌐 Microsoft Translator – to translate text from the camera in offline mode.

However, third-party applications have disadvantages:

• ⚠️ They take up an extra place in memory.
• 🔒 Often require extra permissions (such as access to contacts or location).
• ⏳ Can work slower due to lack of optimization for the iron Xiaomi.

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Xiaomi’s built-in Scanner is the best choice for most tasks thanks to speed, security and integration with the company. MIUI. Third-party applications should only be used for specific functions that are not found in a standard scanner.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Scanner app on Xiaomi