How to scan. QR-Xiaomi phone code: everything from camera to hidden features

Scanning. QR-Xiaomi has become so simple that many users are not even aware of all the available methods. 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and firmware versions (MIUI 12-14) The methods can be radically different – from the built-in camera function to the hidden capabilities of system utilities.

In this article, we will discuss all current scanning methods. QR on Xiaomi devices, including little-known tricks for older models (starting with Redmi) 4X) and new flagship chips 2023-2026 You'll learn how to get around third-party apps, why sometimes the camera doesn't recognize the code, and how to enable scanning even on a locked screen. MIUI Android.

1. scanning QR through a standard camera (fastest method)

Starting with MIUI 10 (and all subsequent versions) in the application Camera built-in recognition function QR-This method works on 95% of Xiaomi devices released after 2018, including the budget Redmi models and the new model. POCO.

To scan the code:

📱 Open the Camera app (camera icon on the home screen).
🔍 Point the lens at QR-code so that it fits fully in the frame of the viewer.
🔗 Through 1-2 A notification will appear with a suggestion to click on the link (click on it).
🚀 If the code contains a Wi-Fi password, contact or text, the system will automatically prompt the corresponding action (connection, save contact, etc.).

Important: on some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the QR recognition function is disabled by default.

Open the camera. → slip on ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
Find the Scan item. QR-codes and switch on the switch.
Restart the camera.

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If the camera doesn’t recognize QR, try to increase the brightness of the screen to the maximum – sometimes codes are poorly read in dim lighting.

Few people know, but MIUI 12 and later has a hidden QR scanner that is accessible directly from the notification panel, a method that is handy when you need to quickly scan the code without starting the camera.

How to use it:

Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
Put it on the icon. 🔦 Flashlight (or swipe left/right on quick settings if the icon is not visible).
Hold your finger on the flashlight icon for 1-2 seconds and a menu with additional options will appear.
Select Scan. QR (badge QR-code).
Point the camera at the code - the result will appear immediately in the notification.

The advantage of the method: works even on a locked phone (if the security settings allow access to the notification panel without unlocking).

📊 What kind of scanning method QR You use it more often?

Through the camera.

Through the notification panel

Special annex

Another way.

3. the application "Scanner" (Mi Scanner) - the official solution from Xiaomi

For users who need to not only scan, but also generate QR-For codes, labels, or barcodes, Xiaomi has released the official Mi Scanner app, which is pre-installed on most new devices, but can be downloaded from Google Play or the Mi App Store if needed.

The Mi Scanner features:

🔍 Scanning. QR and barcodes (including damaged or blurred).
📊 Scan history (saves the last 100 codes).
🔄 Generation QR-codes for text, contacts, Wi-Fi, geolocation.
🔒 Code Authentication (Protection against Phishing Links).
📱 Work offline (without Internet connection).

How to use:

Open the Mi Scanner app (a magnifying glass icon on a green background).
Put the camera on QR-code – recognition occurs instantly.
To generate your code, tap on ➕ in the lower right corner and select the data type (link, text, contact, etc.).

What if Mi Scanner doesn’t recognize the code?

If the app doesn’t read QR, try: 1. Wipe your phone’s camera (dust or dirt may interfere with focusing). 2. Increase code contrast (e.g., bring the phone closer to the code screen). 3. Enable the “Improved Recognition” option (if available) in the app settings. 4. Update the app to the latest version.

4. scanning QR via Google Lens (for models with Google services)

If your Xiaomi has Google services installed (which is relevant for global firmware versions), you can use Google Lens – a powerful tool for recognizing more than just the same. QR-codes, but also text, objects, plants, etc.

Instructions:

Open the Google app (search bar) or Google Photos.
In the search bar, tap on the icon 🔍 Lens (or select a photo with a photo) QR-code in Google Photos and click Lens).
Put the camera on QR-code – Lens automatically recognizes it and suggests an action (clicking on a link, copying text, etc.).

Pros of the method:

🌍 Works with all types. QR-codes, including dynamic codes (changing over time).
📖 Can translate text from codes to other languages.
🔗 Stores the scan history in your Google account (synchronized between devices).

Cons:

⚠️ Requires Internet connection for some functions.
⚠️ On devices without Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware), this method is not available.

5. Hidden functions: scanning QR in the browser and messengers

Many users are unaware that some applications on Xiaomi have built-in QR scanners. This is convenient when the code contains a link or data that you need to use immediately in a particular service.

Where else can I scan the QR:

🌐 Mi Browser: Open the browser → slip on ⋮ More. → select Scan. QR-The link will open in a new tab.
💬 WhatsApp/Telegram: In the settings of the account or chat there is a scan option QR for authorization on other devices.
🎵 Mi Music: Scans album covers codes for fast song additions.
🛒 Mi Pay: Recognizes payment QR-codes in stores (only in supported regions).

Example: If you have been sent QR-You don't have to save it to the gallery and open it through the camera:

Open a code chat.
Stick on QR-code → select Scan code.
The link will open directly in the appendix.

Make sure your phone screen is clean (fingerprints interfere with the camera)

Turn on the maximum brightness of the screen

Turn off the energy saving mode (it can slow down recognition)

Make sure the code doesn’t fall shadowy.-->

6.The solution to the problems: why Xiaomi does not scan QR-code

If neither method works, the problem may lie in the phone settings or the code itself.

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Camera doesn't recognize QR	Function disabled in settings	Enable QR scanning in camera settings
The code is recognized, but the link is not opened.	MIUI security restrictions	Allow open links to Settings → Applications → Camera → Permissions
QR-coded	Poor code quality	Use Mi Scanner with the "Improved Recognition" option
The scan works only in horizontal orientation.	Firmware restriction	Turn your phone or update your MIUI
When scanning, an error "Inadmissible code" appears	The code contains a malicious link	Check the code through VirusTotal or don’t click on the link

Critical information: On Chinese-based devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12S Ultra for the Chinese market), the built-in QR scanner can block access to foreign sites (Google, Facebook, etc.) due to local regulatory restrictions. Use Google Lens or third-party scanners like Gamma Play’s QR & Barcode Scanner to get around the lock.

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If the QR scan stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the camera settings: Settings → Apps → App Management → Camera → Storage → Clear the data.

7.Security: How not to run into scammers through QR-code

QR-The codes have become a popular phishing tool, and scammers can mask malicious links that steal credit card details or passwords. Here are the security rules for Xiaomi users:

⚠️ Warning: Never scan. QR-codes from suspicious sites or printouts in public places (such as poles or in transport) Even if the code promises "free Wi-Fi" or "discount", it can redirect you to a phishing site.

Signs of danger QR-code:

🚨 The code is pasted on top of another code (for example, on payment terminals).
🚨 A link in the code leads to a site with errors in the address (for example, paypa1.com instead of paypal.com).
🚨 After scanning, ask to enter the login / password or card data.
🚨 Code came in SMS or messenger from an unknown sender.

How to verify the authenticity of the code:

Use Mi Scanner with Security Check enabled (available in the app settings).
Before clicking on the link, check it through the VirusTotal service.
If the code is to open Wi-Fi, compare the network name and password with the official data of the institution.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices with root access or unlocked bootloader, malicious QR-codes can automatically install applications without your knowledge. Check the permissions of all new programs in Settings → Annexes.

FAQ: Frequent QR scanning questions on Xiaomi

Can I scan it? QR-code on Xiaomi off?

No, all methods require the phone to be turned on. However, some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60) have a Always On Display (AOD) feature that allows you to quickly unlock the phone and open the camera without fully turning on the screen.

Why does an ad open after a QR scan?

This means that the code contains a redirect to an advertising site, codes that are often found on street banners or in questionable newsletters. To avoid advertising: Use Mi Scanner with an ad blocker (included in the settings). Before scanning, check the code for the presence of foreign characters (for example, short links like bit.ly/xxxx often lead to ads).

How to scan. QR-screencode?

If the code is displayed on another device, follow these tips: Reduce the brightness of the screen with the code to 50-70% to avoid glare. Turn off Auto Brightness mode on both phones. If the code is not scanned, take a screenshot and open it in Google Photos, then use Google Lens.

Does QR scanning work on older Xiaomi models (Redmi 3S, Mi 5)?

On devices older than 2017 (with MIUI 8-9 or Android 6-7), the built-in camera scanning feature may not be available.Solutions: Install Mi Scanner from APK (available on APKCombo). Use third-party scanners, such as Scan's QR Code Reader. Update firmware to MIUI 10+ (if available for your model).

Can I scan it? QR-codes in the dark?

Yes, but for this: Turn on the flashlight (Notification Panel) → 🔦). Use a camera with good light sensitivity (on Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ If the code is on the screen, reduce the brightness to a minimum to avoid glare. 10A, POCO C50) In total darkness, the scan may not work – you need at least a dim light source.