Scan Smarter: Barcode Scanning in .NET MAUI Apps

Did you know that by 2025, over 60% of retail transactions will involve mobile scanning? If your app can’t scan barcodes yet, you’re already behind! But don’t worry — adding a smart, seamless barcode scanner to your .NET MAUI app is easier than you think. Let’s dive in and turn your app into a scanning powerhouse!

Why Barcode Scanning Matters in Modern Apps

Imagine walking into a store, scanning a product with your phone, and instantly seeing price comparisons, reviews, or even augmented reality demos. Sounds futuristic? It’s happening today — and you can bring that power into your .NET MAUI apps with just a few smart moves!

The Business Value of Barcode Scanning

Barcode scanning isn’t just cool; it’s mission-critical for industries like:

• Retail: Faster checkout, stock checks, loyalty integrations.
• Logistics: Real-time inventory, tracking, and warehouse management.
• Events: Contactless ticketing and attendance tracking.
• Healthcare: Patient record management and medication tracking.

Seamless barcode scanning:

• Boosts operational efficiency.
• Delivers slicker user experiences.
• Reduces human error.

In my own e-commerce project, integrating scanning reduced cart errors by 23% — that’s real value you can bring to your apps.

Real-World Use Cases

Let’s get practical:

• Retail checkouts: Scan items straight to a mobile POS.
• Event ticketing: Validate QR-coded tickets at entry points.
• Inventory tracking: Staff quickly scan stock during audits.
• Contactless systems: Think about restaurants, where patrons scan to see menus or pay bills.

If you’re building apps that touch the physical world, barcode scanning isn’t optional — it’s expected.

Getting Started with .NET MAUI for Barcode Scanning

Before diving into barcode scanning, you need to ensure your project setup is solid. .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is your gateway to building cross-platform apps with a single codebase, providing native access to essential device capabilities like the camera — which is critical for scanning!

Choosing the Right Barcode Scanning Library

Two top contenders:

• ZXing.Net.MAUI
  • Open-source and community-driven.
  • Fast integration.
  • Supports QR codes, barcodes, and more.
• Dynamsoft MAUI SDK
  • Commercial, paid option.
  • Heavy-duty, enterprise-grade scanning (great for poor lighting/angles).

My Take: Start with ZXing.Net.MAUI for most projects. Move to Dynamsoft if you need top-tier industrial scanning.

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Setting Up Your .NET MAUI Project

1. Open Visual Studio 2022 (ensure you have the latest stable release).
2. Click “Create a new project”.
3. Search for .NET MAUI App template.
4. Name your project (e.g., BarcodeScannerApp).
5. Ensure you select Android, iOS (and optionally Windows, macOS) as target platforms.
6. Configure Android Emulator with Camera Support or prepare a physical device for accurate testing.

Installing the Barcode Scanning Library

Add ZXing.Net.MAUI via NuGet Package Manager Console:

Install-Package ZXing.Net.MAUI

Or use Visual Studio’s NuGet UI by searching “ZXing.Net.MAUI” and clicking install.

Initialize ZXing in MauiProgram.cs:

using ZXing.Net.Maui;

public static MauiApp CreateMauiApp()
{
    var builder = MauiApp.CreateBuilder();
    builder
        .UseMauiApp<App>()
        .UseBarcodeReader();
    return builder.Build();
}

Configuring Camera and Permissions

Android permissions (in AndroidManifest.xml):

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />

iOS permissions (in Info.plist):

<key>NSCameraUsageDescription</key>
<string>This app requires camera access to scan barcodes.</string>

Additionally, request permissions programmatically for better UX:

var cameraStatus = await Permissions.RequestAsync<Permissions.Camera>();
if (cameraStatus != PermissionStatus.Granted)
{
    await DisplayAlert("Permission Denied", "Camera access is required to scan barcodes.", "OK");
}

Implementing the Scanner UI

In your MainPage.xaml:

<ContentPage xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/dotnet/2021/maui"
             xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2009/xaml"
             xmlns:zxing="clr-namespace:ZXing.Net.Maui;assembly=ZXing.Net.Maui">

    <zxing:CameraBarcodeReaderView x:Name="barcodeReader"
                                   OnDetected="OnBarcodeDetected"
                                   IsDetecting="True"
                                   HorizontalOptions="FillAndExpand"
                                   VerticalOptions="FillAndExpand" />
</ContentPage>

In MainPage.xaml.cs:

private void OnBarcodeDetected(object sender, BarcodeDetectionEventArgs e)
{
    MainThread.BeginInvokeOnMainThread(async () =>
    {
        var result = e.Results.FirstOrDefault()?.Value;
        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(result))
        {
            await DisplayAlert("Scan Result", result, "OK");
        }
    });
}

Customizing the Scanner Experience

Enhance your UI with overlays and controls:

barcodeReader.IsTorchButtonVisible = true;
barcodeReader.Overlay = new BarcodeOverlayView { Instructions = "Align the barcode within the frame" };
barcodeReader.Options.DelayBetweenContinuousScans = 1500;

Testing and Debugging Across Platforms

Platform-Specific Quirks

• Android:
  • Ensure you handle camera permission prompts correctly.
  • On some devices, older Android versions may require manual handling for focus and torch features.
  • Test different device models as camera APIs can behave slightly differently.
• iOS:
  • Double-check Info.plist permissions.
  • Test app behavior when camera access is denied by the user (app should prompt to change in Settings).
  • Some older iPhone models may have slower autofocus; account for this by adjusting scan timeout settings.

Emulators vs. Real Devices

• Android Emulators:
  • Most do not simulate a functional rear camera properly.
  • Use Camera Emulator setting only for basic UI validation; real scanning tests require hardware devices.
• iOS Simulators:
  • No camera access simulation available at all.
  • Use real iPhones/iPads to validate barcode scanning features.

Advanced Features and Best Practices

Supporting Multiple Barcode Formats

barcodeReader.BarcodeFormats = BarcodeFormats.QrCode | BarcodeFormats.Code128 | BarcodeFormats.Ean13;

Enhancing Performance and Accuracy

Enhancing Performance and Accuracy

barcodeReader.Options.TryHarder = true;
barcodeReader.Options.PureBarcode = false;

Security and Data Handling

Secure storage of scan results example:

string encryptedResult = Convert.ToBase64String(Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(scanResult));
await SecureStorage.SetAsync("last_scan", encryptedResult);

FAQ: Common Questions About MAUI Barcode Integration

Conclusion: Build Apps That Bridge the Physical and Digital Worlds

By adding barcode scanning to your .NET MAUI apps, you’re not just building functionality — you’re creating new user experiences that are faster, smarter, and future-ready.

I’d love to hear from you: What kind of apps are you planning to empower with barcode scanning? Drop your thoughts in the comments!