Modern Xiaomi smartphones running the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS provide users with a lot of tools for interacting with the digital world. One of the most popular use cases is working with QR codes, which are widely used for payment, authorization on sites or receiving discounts. However, a situation often arises when the required code is not on paper, but directly on the display of your device - in a messenger message, in a browser or in an electronic ticket.
Device owners often wonder how to start the recognition process without resorting to the help of a second phone. Fortunately, the ecosystem Xiaomi provides several built-in solutions that allow you to read data from your own display in a couple of touches. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from using a standard camera to specialized system functions, so that you can choose the most convenient option for yourself.
Using the built-in scanner in the Camera application
The most obvious and fastest way to recognize the code is to use the standard application Camera. In most current firmware versions from Xiaomi, the scanning module is already integrated into the main shooting interface. You don't need to look for separate utilities in the menu, just open the application and point the lens. However, if the code is on the screen of the same phone, it is impossible to physically point the camera without using a mirror or a second device.
Here the function of analyzing images from the gallery comes to the rescue. After you take a screenshot of the code or save a picture from the Internet, the system's algorithms can process the file. In some versions MIUI when you open an image in the gallery, a tooltip or "Recognize QR" button appears. If automatic recognition does not work, try a long tap on the image.
⚠️ Attention: The function of automatic recognition of QR codes in the gallery may be disabled in the privacy settings or require an Internet connection to process the image on the servers.
It is also worth checking the settings of the camera application itself. Sometimes developers make the scanning function a separate mode. Go to the camera settings and make sure the switch QR code scanner is activated. This ensures that when you hover over a code in real life, the system will instantly prompt you to follow a link or perform an action.
If automatic recognition in the gallery does not work, try zooming in on the image with your fingers before looking for the scan button - this sometimes activates the algorithms.
Scanning through the "Scanner" widget on the desktop table
For those who are faced with the need to read codes from the screen regularly, the most ergonomic solution would be to place a special widget on the main screen. Xiaomi skins allow you to add various quick access tools to your desktops, and the scanner is no exception. This method allows you to start the image analysis process directly from the interface, bypassing unnecessary menu transitions.
To activate this tool, you need to hold down an empty space on the desktop and select the item Widgets. In the list that opens, find the tool category or section related to system utilities. There you will find a control that may be called "Scanner", "Scan" or have a square barcode icon.
- 📱 Drag the widget to a free area of the home screen for instant access.
- 🖼️ When you tap on the widget the system will prompt you to select an image from the gallery or take a new photo.
- ⚙️ In some versions of HyperOS, the widget immediately opens a navigation interface with the ability to select a file.
Using the widget significantly saves time, especially when you need to quickly pay for a purchase in an online store, where the code is displayed in the browser. You don't have to minimize the store app, find the camera, take a photo of the screen, and then open the gallery. All actions are performed within one window on top of current applications.
Using Google Lens on Xiaomi
If the built-in system tools for some reason do not cope with the task or the interface seems inconvenient to you, you can always turn to a powerful tool from Google - Google Lens. This technology is deeply integrated into Android and is available on almost all Xiaomi smartphones, even if you have some MIUI services disabled. Google's machine learning algorithms are often more accurate and recognize broken or complex codes faster.
There are several ways to launch Google Lens. The easiest way is through the Google search bar widget on the home screen. There is usually a camera icon next to the microphone. Clicking on it will take you to the scanner interface. Here you can select the "Gallery" tab and specify the path to the saved screenshot with the QR code.
Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Google → Permissions → Camera (Allow)For proper operation, make sure the application has the necessary permissions. Sometimes access rights may be reset after a system update. If Google Lens doesn't see the code in the screenshot, try cropping the image to leave just the code and try again. This will eliminate the influence of background elements on the operation of recognition algorithms.
⚠️ Attention: For Google Lens to work fully, a stable Internet connection is required, since part of the data processing takes place on the company's servers.
The advantage of using this method is its versatility. Google Lens can not only open links, but also translate text from images, recognize dog breeds or plants, and copy handwritten text. This makes it an indispensable assistant that goes far beyond a simple barcode scanner.
Why Google Lens may not work?
Sometimes the service may not be available due to network problems or if modified versions of Google system applications are installed on the device. In this case, try clearing the application cache through the settings.
Third-party applications for advanced functionality
Despite the rich functionality of standard tools, some users prefer to install specialized applications from Google Play. This is relevant for those who need scan history, create their own QR codes, or work with specific data formats that a standard camera ignores.
There are many solutions on the market, from simple scanners to document processors. When choosing an application, pay attention to the rating and number of installations to avoid malware. Good applications usually do not require suspicious permissions, such as access to contacts or a microphone, if their main function is image analysis.
| Application name | Main function | Presence of advertising | Working from the screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR & Barcode Scanner | Quick scan | Minimum | Yes (from gallery) |
| Binary Eye | Open source | No | Yes |
| Kaspersky QR Scanner | Checking links for viruses | No | Yes |
| ScanBot | Documents + codes | Available in Pro version | Yes |
One of the key functions of advanced scanners is the ability to analyze code without saving a screenshot. Some apps can capture images from the clipboard or offer an "overlay" feature where the camera scans an area of the screen in real time (though this is technically difficult to implement on a single non-rooted device). Most often, they simply provide a convenient interface for selecting a file.
Third-party applications are indispensable if you need bulk scanning or checking the safety of links before clicking.
Instructions for scanning via a screenshot and gallery
Let's consider a step-by-step algorithm for the most common scenario: you have an image of the code in correspondence or on the site and you need to activate it. This method works on 99% of Xiaomi devices and does not require the installation of additional software.
First you need to capture the image. Open the desired screen with a QR code and take a screenshot using the button combination Volume down + Power or by swiping down with three fingers on the display (if the gesture is activated in the settings). Make sure that the code is completely included in the frame and is not blurred.
☑️ Scanning algorithm through the gallery
Next go to the application Gallery. Find the photo you took in the Screenshots album. At the bottom of the screen or in the “More” menu (three dots) there should be a button with a scanner icon or the text “Recognize QR”. After clicking, the system will analyze the picture and display the result: link, text or contact.
If the button does not appear automatically, try selecting the area with the code with the editing tool. Sometimes the system only responds to the selected area. You can also use the "Share" function and select "Scanner" or "Google Lens" from the list of applications, if they are installed.
⚠️ Attention: The gallery interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI. In older versions, the function may be hidden in the photo editing menu.
Solving problems and common errors when scanning
Even with all the necessary tools, users may encounter a situation where the phone refuses to read the code. Most often, the problem lies not in a device failure, but in the image quality or display settings. Understanding the reasons for failures will help you quickly eliminate obstacles.
One of the common reasons is low screen brightness. If you are trying to scan a code from the screen of another device or take a photo of your screen, make sure that the brightness is turned up to maximum. A dim display creates insufficient contrast between black and white code modules, which confuses recognition algorithms.
- 🌑 Make sure there are no glare or reflections on the screen that distort the geometry of the code.
- 📐 Hold the camera or phone strictly parallel to the plane of the screen to avoid perspective distortions.
- 🧹 Wipe the camera and screen from fingerprints, which can act as a filter.
It is also worth considering that some QR codes are too small or low resolution. In this case, try zooming in on the image before scanning. If the code is damaged or partially covered by interface elements, standard tools may not be able to cope, and then you will have to look for the original image in higher quality.
What to do if the code is dynamic?
Some codes in bank applications are updated every 30 seconds. Take a screenshot quickly and scan immediately, otherwise the code will become invalid at the time of recognition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Xiaomi camera not see the QR code on the screen of another phone?
This may occur due to the low brightness of the second screen, the presence of a protective film with glare, The code size is too small or your camera lens is dirty. Try increasing the brightness and wiping the camera.
Is it possible to scan a code without taking a screenshot directly from the browser?
Some versions of MIUI have a “Smart Scanner” function in the notification shade or in the Security application, which allows you to capture an area of the screen. You can also use the Google Lens feature through the Google Assistant by calling it with a long Home button.
Is it safe to follow links from scanned QR codes?
Not always. Attackers can create code that leads to a phishing site. Use scanners with a link preview function (show the URL before clicking) or an anti-virus check, for example, from Kaspersky.
Where can you find the history of scanned codes on Xiaomi?
In the standard Camera application, the history is usually not saved for the sake of privacy. However, in the Scanner application (if it is installed separately) or in Google Lens, the history of actions is available in the user profile or in the application settings.
What to do if, after updating HyperOS, the scanner button in the gallery disappeared?
In new versions of shells, functions may move. Try updating the Gallery application via GetApps or Play Market. If the function is removed, use the Scanner widget on the desktop or Google Lens as an alternative.