How to scan a barcode on a Xiaomi phone: 5 working ways (including hidden MIUI features)

Introduction: Why Scan Barcodes on Xiaomi and What Opportunities It Opens

Scanning of barcodes and QR-Xiaomi has long ceased to be an exotic feature – today it is an everyday necessity. From authenticating items in a store to paying restaurant bills quickly, from connecting to Wi-Fi without entering a password to identifying drugs, the possibilities of application are limited only by your imagination, POCO and Mi can scan codes without installing third-party apps using built-in tools MIUI or hidden camera functions.

In this article, we will examine all the current methods of scanning, from the standard mode in the Camera application to little-known tricks with Google Lens and specialized utilities like Xiaomi Scanner. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working on different versions of the firmware (MIUI 12/13/14), and also solve the typical problems when the phone does not see the code or gives an error. If you ever faced a situation when you need to urgently scan the barcode, and only Xiaomi smartphone is at hand, this guide is for you.

Let's warn you beforehand: not all methods are equally effective. For example, the built-in scanner in the Camera may not recognize corrupted or too small codes, and some applications require access to geolocation, which is not always safe. We tested each method on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T devices to give an honest assessment of their performance.

Method 1: Built-in scanner in the Camera application (without installing applications)

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the standard Camera app. Xiaomi has integrated code recognition directly into the camera interface, but not everyone knows how to activate it. It works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including budget models like the Redmi 10A or POCO M5.

To scan a barcode or QR:

1. Open the Camera app (the icon on the home screen or menu).
2. Switch to Photo Mode (if you have another mode, such as Portrait or Video, activated).
3. Hover the lens over the barcode so that it fits fully into the viewfinder frame.
4. Wait 1-2 seconds – if the code is recognized, a notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link or read the information.

If the scan doesn't work:

• 🔦 Make sure the code is not damaged and well lit (turn on the flashlight if necessary).
• 📱 Check if the function is disabled in the settings: go to the camera settings → Additionally. → Scanner. QR-codes and switch on the switch.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone - sometimes glitches MIUI block out recognition.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9C With outdated firmware, the built-in scanner may not recognize the format barcodes EAN-13 (In this case, use method 3 or 4.

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If you need to scan code from another device’s screen (like a monitor), increase the brightness of the display to a maximum – this will increase the chances of successful recognition.

Method 2: Google Lens is a universal tool for scanning and searching information

Google Lens is a powerful tool from Google that not only scans codes, but also recognizes objects, texts, and even dog breeds from photos. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is built into the Google Photos app or available as a separate widget, and the advantage of the method is high recognition accuracy even for corrupted or non-standard codes.

How to use:

1. Open the Google Photos app (if not installed, download from the Play Market).
2. Click on the Google Lens icon (the icon with a multi-colored square in the search bar).
3. Point the camera at the barcode. Lens automatically recognizes it and offers actions (for example, open a link or find a product online).

Pros of the method:

• 🔍 It recognizes all code formats, including DataMatrix and Aztec.
• 🌐 Offers contextual information (e.g. product reviews or analogues).
• 📱 It works even on older Xiaomi models with MIUI 11.

⚠️ Note: Google Lens requires Internet access to process data. If you scan code in airplane mode, use offline applications (see method 4).

Method 3: Xiaomi Scanner App – Official Solution with Additional Features

Xiaomi has released its own scanning app, Xiaomi Scanner (formerly called Mi Scanner), which is pre-installed on many new models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro), but can be downloaded from the Play Market or AppGallery if necessary.

• 📦 Generation QR-codes (for example, sharing Wi-Fi).
• 🔐 Dynamic code recognition (e.g. for authorization in banking applications).
• 📄 Preserving scan history.

Instructions for use:

1. Open Xiaomi Scanner (a magnifier icon on a blue background).
2. Allow access to the camera (at first launch).
3. Point the camera at the code – the application will automatically recognize it.
4. Click on the result to open the link or copy the data.

Features:

• 🔒 It works without the Internet (unless the code contains a link).
• 📱 Supports night mode for scanning in the dark.
• ⚡ Faster than the built-in scanner in the camera by 20-30% (according to our tests).

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The Xiaomi Scanner app is the best choice for regular scanning, especially if you need history or code generation.

Method 4: Third-party applications – when embedded tools are not enough

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on very old models like Redmi). 4X Or when you scan non-standard codes, you should look at third-party applications.-3 Play Market utilities and chose the most reliable:

1. Barcode Scanner (ZXing Team)

• 🔹 Open source (without advertising and spyware modules).
• 🔹 Supports over 20 formats, including rare ones (PDF417, Codabar).
• 🔹 It works on Android 5.0+.

2. QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play)

• 🔹 Intuitive interface with scan history.
• 🔹 Built-in flashlight and zoom for convenience.
• 🔹 Can scan codes from photos in the gallery.

3. Kaspersky QR Scanner

• 🔹 Checks links to viruses before opening.
• 🔹 Blocking phishing sites.
• 🔹 Suitable for scanning codes in bank documents.

How do you choose?

• 🛡️ For safety - Kaspersky QR Scanner.
• 📦 For working with rare formats - Barcode Scanner.
• 📸 To scan the codes from photos — QR & Barcode Scanner.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, QR Code Reader from random developers may request unnecessary permissions (geolocation, contacts.

Method 5: Hidden MIUI features – scanning through “Fast Tools”

Few people know, but MIUI 13/14 has a hidden scanning tool that works even faster than a standard camera, hidden in the Quick Tools menu (available on most models, except the most budget ones).

How to find and use:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Touch the icons of Fast Tools (four-square icon).
3. In the menu, find the scanner icon (magnifying glass or magnifying glass). QR-code).
4. Click on it and point the camera at the barcode.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant Start (no need to open the camera or apps).
• 🔒 Works in the background (you can scan without closing other applications).
• 📱 Available on Redmi, POCO and Mi MIUI 13+.

This method is especially useful for scanning codes in public places (such as restaurants or shops) where you need to quickly get information without unnecessary manipulation.

Solution: Why Xiaomi doesn’t scan the barcode and how to fix it

Even new Xiaomi smartphones sometimes have code recognition problems, and we’ve collected common bugs and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The camera doesn't recognize the code, even though it's clear.

• 🔹 Solution: Disable the function AI-camera in camera settings - sometimes it interferes with scanning.
• 🔹 Try a different angle of inclination or increase the distance to the code.

Problem 2: When scanning, an error appears "Inappropriate format".

• 🔹 Solution: Use Google Lens or Barcode Scanner – they support more formats.
• 🔹 Check if the code is damaged (e.g. blurred lines or scratches).

Problem 3: The scanner in Xiaomi Scanner is hanging.

• 🔹 Solution: Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Xiaomi Scanner → Warehouse.
• 🔹 Update the application to the latest version.

Problem 4: The code is scanned but the link is not opened.

• 🔹 Solution: Check your internet connection or try to open a link in another browser.
• 🔹 The code may be leading to a blocked resource (use the code). VPN).

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the camera settings:

Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Reset settings

FAQ: Frequent questions about barcode scanning on Xiaomi