How to Scan QR Codes on Xiaomi and Redmi Phones
By Codexengr, QR Systems Engineer · Last reviewed
Scanning QR Codes on Xiaomi and Redmi Phones
Xiaomi and Redmi phones (running MIUI or HyperOS) typically give you two built-in scanners: automatic detection in the Camera app and a standalone Scanner app with extra features. Knowing both means you always have a fallback.
Method 1: Camera app banner
- Open the Camera app in Photo mode.
- Point it at the QR code.
- A banner appears with the decoded result — tap it to act.
On some builds you may need to enable QR detection first: open Camera → Settings and look for a QR code scanning toggle.
Method 2: The standalone Scanner app
Xiaomi preinstalls a Scanner app (often found in the Tools folder on the home screen). It offers:
- A dedicated viewfinder with a flashlight toggle
- Scan history, so you can revisit codes you scanned earlier
- Extra modes on some builds, such as document or business-card scanning
Open it, point at the code, and tap the result. This is the better option for scanning many codes in a row, such as when setting up devices or registering products.
Handling ads in the Scanner app
Some builds show promotional content around the scan result. The decode itself is unaffected — the result is still shown. If the ads bother you, use the Camera app banner for one-off scans, which does not show them.
Battery saver interference
Xiaomi phones are known for aggressive battery optimization. If the Camera or Scanner app seems to close or freeze while you are lining up a difficult scan, check Settings → Battery and exempt the Camera app from restrictions, or simply extend the screen timeout temporarily.
Wi-Fi and payment codes
Wi-Fi QR codes prompt you to join the network after scanning. For payment codes, scan inside your banking or wallet app instead of the system scanner — the payment flow needs the app's own security context, and scanning there avoids copy-paste errors with account details.
General scanning tips
As with any phone: clean the lens, give the camera a second to focus, keep the code reasonably large in the frame, and avoid harsh reflections on glossy prints. If one built-in scanner struggles with a particular code, try the other — they use slightly different decoding paths.
Where the scanner lives on this device
Built-in scanner: Camera app + system Scanner app.
How to reach it: Open the Camera app and point at the code — a banner appears when it is decoded. Alternatively, open the preinstalled Scanner app (often in the Tools folder) for a dedicated scanner with flashlight and history.
Common failure modes and fixes
Camera app does not react to QR codes
Why it happens: QR detection may be toggled off in the Camera settings on some MIUI/HyperOS builds.
Fix: Open Camera → Settings and enable the QR code scanning option. If there is no such toggle, use the standalone Scanner app instead.
Scanner app shows ads before the scan result
Why it happens: The preinstalled Scanner app on some builds shows promotional content around the result screen.
Fix: Use the Camera app banner for ad-free scans, or disable personalized ad options in the system settings. The decode itself is unaffected.
Code scans but the link opens in an unfamiliar browser
Why it happens: The system default browser handles the URL, which may not be the browser you normally use.
Fix: Long-press the result to copy the URL, or set your preferred browser as the system default in Settings → Apps.
Aggressive battery saver kills the scanner mid-scan
Why it happens: Battery optimization may suspend the Camera or Scanner app if the screen times out quickly.
Fix: Extend the screen timeout while scanning, or exempt the Camera app from battery restrictions in Settings → Battery.
What this guide covers in testing
- URL QR codes
- Wi-Fi QR codes
- vCard contact QR codes
- Plain-text QR codes
- Payment QR codes (via wallet apps)
Performance notes
Xiaomi and Redmi phones generally ship two scanners: the Camera app banner and a standalone Scanner app with extras like scan history, a flashlight toggle, and sometimes document or business-card modes. The Camera banner is the quicker path for one-off scans; the Scanner app is better for repeated scanning sessions. Both decode standard QR formats — URLs, Wi-Fi credentials, contacts, and plain text — directly on the device.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the Scanner app on my Xiaomi phone?
- It is usually preinstalled in the Tools folder on the home screen. If you cannot find it, swipe down on the home screen and search for "Scanner". The Camera app banner also scans QR codes without needing the separate app.
- Why does my Redmi camera not detect QR codes?
- QR detection may be switched off in the Camera settings on your build. Open Camera → Settings and enable the QR scanning toggle. If there is no toggle, use the standalone Scanner app, which always supports QR codes.
- Can I turn off ads in the Xiaomi Scanner app?
- The promotional content comes from system-level ad personalization on some builds. You can reduce it by disabling personalized ads in the system settings, but the simplest fix for a quick scan is to use the Camera app banner instead.
- Do Xiaomi phones scan QR codes offline?
- Yes. Decoding happens on the device, so airplane mode does not stop a scan. You only need connectivity for what the code points to, like opening a web page.