Connecting to Wi-Fi via QR-Xiaomi code: a complete guide with error solutions

Connecting to Wi-Fi via QR-The code on Xiaomi devices is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to connect to the network without having to enter a complex password manually, especially for guest networks, public access points or when the password consists of a random set of characters. The technology works on all modern smartphones of the brand: from the flagship Xiaomi 14 to the budget Redmi Note 12 and the new model. POCO X5.

In this article, we will discuss not only the standard method of connecting through the QR-Wi-Fi code, but also alternative methods (for example, if the camera does not recognize the code), and also consider common errors and their solutions. QR And how to verify the authenticity of the code, if you've ever had a problem like Β«QR-code is not scanned" or "network saved but not connected" here you will find working solutions.

Why is the connection through QR-code is more convenient than manually entering a password

The traditional way to connect to Wi-Fi is to enter the network name (SSID) First, passwords are often made up of complex combinations of characters that are easily confused when typed. Second, in public places (cafes, airports), the network name can be long and difficult to remember. QR-The code solves these problems:

  • πŸ”Ή Speed: Connection takes less than 5 seconds – just point the camera at the code.
  • πŸ”Ή Accuracy: eliminates errors when entering a password (especially relevant for networks with a password). WPA3-Enterprise).
  • πŸ”Ή Universality: Works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and newer, and on other Android smartphones.
  • πŸ”Ή Security: Code can be generated directly on the router or in the phone settings, minimizing the risk of password interception.

Besides, QR-And you can use this code to quickly transfer Wi-Fi to your guests, for example, if you have friends who come to you, just show them the code on your smartphone screen, and they can connect without any questions. SSID (When the network name is not broadcast).

⚠️ Attention: Don't scan. QR-Wi-Fi codes from unreliable sources (such as stickers in public places), malicious actors can change the code and redirect your traffic through their server, always check the source of the code or generate it yourself.

What Xiaomi devices support Wi-Fi connectivity QR-code

Scanning function QR-Wi-Fi connection codes are available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO, steerable MIUI 12 and above. Below is the compatibility table:

Series of devicesMinimum version of MIUINotes
Xiaomi 11/12/13/14MIUI 12.5+Supports WPA3 and hidden nets
Redmi Note 10/11/12MIUI 12+Some models require firmware updates
POCO F3/F4/F5MIUI 12.5 for POCOThe function may not be present in global firmware
Xiaomi Mi 10/10TMIUI 12You need to enable the option manually in the settings

If your device does not support the out-of-the-box feature, check for firmware updates in the Settings section. β†’ The phone. β†’ System update. Also make sure you have official firmware (global or Chinese) installed, not customized.

How to check the MIUI version:

  1. Open the Settings.
  2. Go to the About Phone section.
  3. Find the line MIUI version.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the feature may not work properly or at all.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi smartphone do you have?
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO F3/F4/F5
Another Xiaomi
I'm not Xiaomi.

Step-by-step: how to connect to Wi-Fi through QR-Xiaomi

The connection process takes just a few steps. You'll need to:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Smartphone with Xiaomi MIUI 12+.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ QR-Wi-Fi network code (can be generated on another phone or router).
  • πŸ”‹ Adequate battery level (recommended) >20%).

Step 1. Open your Wi-Fi settings

Go to Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi (or swipe down the screen and hold the Wi-Fi icon in the Quick Settings Panel). Make sure Wi-Fi is on.

Step 2. Click on the icon. QR-code

In the upper right corner of the screen with the list of networks you will see the icon QR-Click on it. If there is no icon, update the firmware or use an alternative method (see next section).

Step 3. Scan. QR-code

Put the camera on QR-Keep the device 10 to 20 cm away from the code. If the code doesn't recognize, try it:

  • πŸ”¦ Increase the brightness of the screen.
  • πŸ“Έ Clean the camera lens of dirt.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.

Step 4. Confirm the connection

After a successful scan, a network name window will appear (SSID) and type of safety (WPA2/WPA3). If the network requires additional authentication (for example, in hotels), you will be redirected to the browser.

Make sure that the Wi-Fi is on.|

Check the camera's permission to access the settings|

Turn it off. VPN (may block the connection)|

Make sure that QR-code intact

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Alternative ways of connecting if QR-code is not working

If the standard method didn't work, try one of the alternatives. They'll come in handy if:

  • πŸ“΅ The camera does not recognize the code (for example, due to damage or low lighting).
  • πŸ”„ Function disabled in firmware.
  • πŸ”’ QR-password protected code (rarely, but found on corporate networks).

Method 1: Using a third-party scanner QR-code

If the scanner is built-in MIUI It does not work, install one of the applications:

  • πŸ” Google Lens (built into Google Photos or as a standalone app).
  • πŸ“± QR & Barcode Scanner (from Gamma Play).
  • πŸ”— Kaspersky QR Scanner (with link security check).

After scanning the code, the app will prompt you to connect to Wi-Fi. Click on the notification and confirm the action.

Method 2: Manual data entry from QR-code

If the code is not scanned but you see its contents (e.g., on another device’s screen), you can enter the data manually. QR-Wi-Fi code has a standard format:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:my_network;P:my_password;;

Where:

  • S - network name (SSID).
  • P is the password.
  • T - type of security (WPA, WEP, nopass for open networks).

Method 3: Generation QR-code on another device

If you have access to the network on another smartphone (like an iPhone or another Xiaomi), you can generate a network. QR-code right in the Wi-Fi settings:

  1. On the connected device, open Settings β†’ Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on your network name.
  3. Select the option to share a password or QR-code.
  4. Show the generated code to the camera of the second smartphone.

πŸ’‘

If you share Wi-Fi access frequently, save it. QR-code is like a gallery image, so you don't have to generate it every time you go.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right scan. QR-There may be problems with code, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

Error 1: β€œI couldn’t connect to the network”

Causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”Œ Wrong password in QR-Code: Ask the network owner to regenerate the code or manually check the password.
  • πŸ“‘ The net is hidden (SSID hidden: In router settings, turn on the network name broadcast or enter SSID manually.
  • πŸ”’ Incompatible security: If the router uses WPA3, and the smartphone does not support it, change the settings of the router WPA2/WPA3 Mixed.

Mistake 2: QR-code not scanned

Possible causes:

  • πŸ“Έ Damaged code: Ask to send the code in the best quality or regenerate it.
  • πŸ”¦ Low lighting: Try highlighting the code with a flashlight or turning on a flash in the camera app.
  • πŸ”„ Camera Failure: Reboot your smartphone or clear the Camera app cache in the settings.

Error 3: The network is saved but not connected

This is a common problem in public networks (hotels, airports).

  • 🌐 Forget the network and connect again: Go to Settings β†’ Wi-Fi, tap the network. β†’ Forget, then reconnect.
  • πŸ”— Open the authentication page: Once connected, open the browser and try to navigate to any site (e.g. google.com.
  • πŸ“΅ Shut down. VPN: Some of them VPN-Services block connection to guest networks.
What if there is no internet access after the connection?
Check the settings. IP-Address: 1. Open Settings β†’ Wi-Fi. 2. Click on the connected network β†’ Change the network. 3. In the Settings section IP choose DHCP (If you have a static device. 4 Save the changes and reconnect. If the problem persists, restart the router or contact the network administrator (at a hotel, cafe, etc.).

How to avoid becoming a victim of fraud QR-wifi

QR-codes are convenient, but they can be dangerous if they are from an attacker.

Risk 1: Substitution QR-code

In public places (cafes, train stations) scammers can stick their own QR-And you connect to that network, you're connected to the original code:

  • πŸ•΅οΈ Sending all traffic through the attacker’s server (the ability to intercept passwords, bank data).
  • πŸ“² You may become a victim of phishing (fake login pages, banks).

Risk 2: Vulnerable networks

Some of them QR-Codes are connected to networks with outdated security protocols (WEP or WPA), Always check the type of security in the network information before connecting.

How to defend yourself:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use it. VPN: Connect to public networks only through reliable VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or NordVPN).
  • πŸ” Check the source. QR-If the code is pasted on the wall in the cafe, check with the staff whether it is official.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off automatic connection: In Wi-Fi settings, turn off the Autoconnection option for public networks.
  • πŸ”’ Use two-factor authentication: This will protect your accounts even if the password is intercepted.

⚠️ Never connect to networks with names like this "Free_WiFi", "Starbucks_Guest" or "Airport_Public" Fraudsters often use these names to attract victims.

How to generate QR-code for your Wi-Fi network on Xiaomi

If you want to share access to your home network, you can generate QR-It is convenient for guests or connecting other devices (for example, Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Home).

Step 1: Connect to your network

Make sure your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi for which you want to generate the code.

Step 2. Open your network settings

Go to Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi, click on your network name.

Step 3. Generate. QR-code

In the network information, find the option to share or QR-code (some firmware may call it Share) and the system will request confirmation by fingerprint or PIN-code.

Step 4: Save or share the code

You can:

  • πŸ“Έ Take a photo of the code and send it via messenger.
  • πŸ–¨οΈ Print it for guests (for example, in a frame on the wall).
  • πŸ“± Show the code on the screen to another scanning device.

It's important: QR-The code contains the password from your network in plain form. Do not share it with outsiders or publish it in public sources (social networks, forums).

πŸ’‘

QR-Xiaomi Wi-Fi code is generated only for networks that the device is already connected to. If you want to create code for a new network, manually connect to it first.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting to Wi-Fi via QR-Xiaomi

Can I connect to Wi-Fi via QR-code if I have an old version MIUI (for example, MIUI 11)?
On versions below MIUI 12 built-in scanning function QR-There's no Wi-Fi code, but you can: Update the firmware to the current version, use third-party scanning apps (e.g. Google Lens), enter the network data manually, decrypt it. QR-code through an online service (not recommended for security).
Why is it after scanning? QR-The network is saved but not connected?
This is a typical problem for networks with additional authentication (for example, in hotels or airports). Solutions: Open your browser and try to go to any site (for example, google.com). You should see a login page. Check if the mode is on Save traffic in the Wi-Fi settings. Restart the router (if it is your home network).
Can we create? QR-code for Wi-Fi without a smartphone (for example, on a computer)?
Yes, you can generate QR-code on PC using online services: Qifi (a simple open source generator). QR Code Generator (select Wi-Fi type) You will need to generate: Network name (SSID). Password, security type (WPA/WPA2). ⚠️ Note: Do not use online generators for corporate networks or networks with high security requirements.
Does this feature work on Xiaomi tablets (like the Xiaomi Pad 6)?
Yes, all Xiaomi tablets are based MIUI 12+ Supports Wi-Fi connection through QR-Instructions are identical to smartphones: Open Settings β†’ Wi-Fi. Click on the icon. QR-Scan the code. On the Xiaomi Pad 6 and Pad 5, the function is stable, but you may need to update the firmware to the latest version.
What to do if you update after the update MIUI fade away QR-code in the Wi-Fi settings?
This is a rare error that occurs after an incorrect update: πŸ”„ Reset network settings: Go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings. πŸ“² Clear the Settings app cache: Open Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ App management. Find the Settings app. Select Clear cache. πŸ”§ Install the update manually: Download the latest firmware version for your model from the official Xiaomi website and install it through System Update.