Scanner on Xiaomi Redmi: how to use and configure

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are equipped with built-in scanning tools QR-codes, barcodes, and even NFC-Labels are not very good, but many users don't know how to use them as effectively as possible, and this feature is hidden in system applications and requires the right setup to work quickly and without failure. Unlike some Google Play apps, the built-in scanner doesn’t overload the system or ask for extra permissions — but its capabilities are often underrated.

In this article, you will find not only basic instructions for turning on the scanner, but also expert tips for solving typical problems: why the camera does not focus on code, how to scan in the dark, or why NFC does not work on some Redmi Note models. We will also discuss hidden features that are not written in official manuals - for example, how to use the scanner to quickly connect to Wi-Fi without entering a password or how to save the history of scanned codes.

Where is the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 ways to launch

Depending on the smartphone model and the MIUI version, access to the scanner may vary, and on new devices (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi K60), the feature is integrated into the Quick Settings Panel, while on older ones (such as the Redmi 9A), you have to search for it in the camera menu.

• 📱 Through the notification bar: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and find the Scanner icon (Icon) QR-If it's not available, click "Edit" and add it manually.
• 📷 In the Camera app: Open the camera, go to More mode and select Scanner QR-Some models call this mode "Documents».
• 🔍 Through a search by system: swipe down the main screen, type “scanner” in the search bar and select “Scanner” QR-result-code.

If none of these things worked, check if the scanner is disabled in the settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Scanner and make sure the application is active. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), the scanner may be blocked due to regional restrictions, in which case changing the region in the smartphone settings will help.

How to scan. QR-codes: step-by-step instructions

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi Redmi code takes 2-3 seconds if you're set up correctly:

1. Open the scanner in any of the ways described above.
2. Put the camera on QR-The code should be 10 to 20 cm away from the screen so that it fits fully within the frame, and being too close or too far can interfere with focusing.
3. Wait for automatic recognition. If the code is not readable: 💡 Increase the brightness of the screen or turn on the flashlight (Notification Panel) → Lantern). 🔄 Try moving your smartphone from a different angle – sometimes glare interferes with scanning. 📱 Click on the screen to manually focus the camera on the code.

Once recognized, a notification will appear on the screen telling you to click on a link, save a contact or connect to the network. Click on it to perform the action.

In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K60 Pro) the scanner is faster due to the high refresh rate of the display (up to 120 Hz). IPS-screen (like in Redmi) 9C), It may take a little longer to focus.

Scanning barcodes: features and limitations

Unlike in the QR-The codes, barcodes, contain less information and are often used to identify products. Xiaomi Redmi's built-in scanner supports most barcode standards (e.g., the most common barcodes, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, but there are nuances:

• 🛒 Trade codes: the scanner recognizes barcodes from packages of products, books or electronics, but does not always show complete information. For detailed analysis (for example, authentication), it is better to use specialized applications like Barcode Scanner.
• 📦 Logistics codes: If you scan the code from a parcel (SDEC, Russian Post), the scanner can redirect you to the carrier’s website for tracking.
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Some old barcodes (such as Code 39) may not be recognized, and the scanner does not work with corrupted or blurred codes.

To improve the accuracy of barcode scanning:

⚠️ Warning: If the barcode is printed on a glossy surface (like a candy wrapper), turn off the flash, and the highlights will make the code unreadable. Instead, point an external light source to the code.

NFC-Xiaomi Redmi scanner: how to use for payment and not only

Xiaomi Redmi models with NFC support (such as Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or Redmi K50) can scan contactless tags and cards. This feature is useful not only for contactless payments (via Google Pay or Mi Pay), but also for:

• 🚇 Reading transport cards (for example, Troika or Arrow).
• 🔑 Opening smart locks or intercoms with support NFC.
• 📱 Quick connection to devices (for example, to the speakers Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker).

To turn on NFC:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → NFC.
2. Activate the NFC switch.
3. For payments, add a bank card to Google Pay or Mi Pay (depending on the region).

On models with MIUI 14 and later NFC, you can use it to transfer files between Xiaomi smartphones – just attach the devices to each other and select the files to send.

⚠️ Attention: if NFC does not work after updating the firmware, reset the network settings: → The phone. → Resetting settings → Network resets. That'll solve the problem 80 percent of the time.

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Open up quickly. NFC-menu, add its shortcut to the main screen: pinch the empty space on the screen → «Widgets» → find «NFC» and drag him over.

Problems with the scanner and their solutions

Even on new Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, the scanner may not work properly, and here are some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the cache of the Scanner app: Settings → Apps → Scanner → Clear the cache.
2. Reboot the smartphone.
3. Install the Scanner app update via Google Play (if available in your area).

Hidden scanner features you didn’t know about

The built-in scanner on Xiaomi Redmi is more than just code-reading. Here are some non-obvious features:

• 🔗 Quick Wi-Fi connection: if the router has QR-code (usually on the sticker), scan it – the smartphone will automatically connect to the network without entering a password.
• 📞 Keeping Contacts: Scan QR-Business card codes – the data will be stored in the phone book immediately.
• 📍 Geolocation: some QR-codes contain coordinates – after scanning, you can open a place in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps.
• 🎫 Tickets and coupons: scan the codes from electronic tickets (movies, concerts) - the information will appear in the form of a convenient widget.

On models with MIUI 13 and later, the scan history function is available.

1. Open the Scanner app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Select History – all scanned codes (up to 50 pieces) will be saved here.

If history is not saved, check the permissions of the application: Settings → Apps → Scanner → Permissions → Memory (there must be permission to write).

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Xiaomi Redmi scanner can replace many individual apps – from reading QR-The codes to manage the smart home through NFC.

Security: How not to run into scammers

QR-codes NFC-Labels can be used by attackers to steal data or install malware. Here's how to protect yourself:

• 🛡️ Do not scan codes from suspicious sources (street stickers, unknown sites).
• 🔒 Check the links before clicking: After scanning QR-The smartphone code shows URL — If it looks suspicious, for example, bit.ly/xxxx), Don't open it.
• 📱 Turn off automatic execution of actions: in the scanner settings (Scanner) → Settings) disable the option "Automatically open links».

Be especially careful with:

• QR-codes on ATMs or payment terminals – scammers can substitute them to steal card data.
• NFC-tags in public places (for example, on information stands) – they may contain malicious commands.

⚠️ Attention: If after scanning QR-When your smartphone starts to slow down or unfamiliar notifications appear, check it for viruses immediately using Google Play Protect or Dr.Web.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions