How to scan a document on Xiaomi: from a scanner to a scanner MIUI before professional applications

The document scanner in your pocket is not a fantasy, but a reality for Xiaomi smartphone owners. The brand’s modern devices (from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14) are equipped with everything you need to create digital copies of documents with a quality that is not inferior to specialized MFPs. But how to use these capabilities to get a clear scan without glare, with the correct colors and a minimum file size?

In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from built-in functions. MIUI You'll learn how to scan a passport, diploma or multi-page contract directly from your phone, which save formats to choose (.PDF,.JPG,.DOCX), And how to automatically improve readability, and also hidden chips. MIUI, Not even written in the official instructions.

1. Built-in document scanner in MIUI: Where to look and how to use

Starting with the version MIUI 12, Xiaomi has its own scanning tool, the Document Scanner, integrated into the standard Camera app, but many users are unaware of its existence:

1. Open the Camera app on your Xiaomi.
2. Fly through the shooting modes to the left to the Document item (on some models - Scanner).
3. Point the camera at the document – the system will automatically highlight the boundaries and take a picture.

Advantages of the built-in scanner:

• 🔹 Automatic pruning – removes background and aligns perspective.
• 🔹 Improved text – Increases contrast for better readability.
• 🔹 Exports to PDF — You can create a multi-page file immediately.
• 🔹 Without the Internet – works offline, without uploading data to the cloud.

But there are limitations to this method, and for example, the built-in scanner doesn't support it. OCR (text recognition) and cannot save in format.DOCX. Also, the quality of the scan depends on the lighting - in poor light, the document can turn out dark or with noise.

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If you're in your version MIUI no Document mode, update the Camera app via Google Play or check for system updates in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.

2.The Notes app from Xiaomi: hidden scanner with OCR

Few people know, but Xiaomi’s standard Notes app can not only create text recordings, but also scan text-recognition documents, a technique that is suitable for quickly creating editable copies (for example, to transfer data from a passport to a questionnaire).

Instructions for scanning through Notes:

1. Open the Notes app and create a new note.
2. Click on the icon. + In the lower menu and select the scanner.
3. Point the camera at the document – the application will automatically take a picture.
4. Click Ready, then select Recognise Text (function) OCR).

Features of this method:

• 📄 Supports multi-page documents (up to 50 pages in one) PDF).
• 🔍 Recognising text at 10.+ languages including Russian and English.
• 📱 Synced with Mi Cloud – scans available on all Xiaomi devices.
• ⚠️ Not suitable for color documents – converts everything to black and white.

Important: function OCR It requires an internet connection because text processing takes place on Xiaomi servers. If you scan sensitive documents, use offline applications (about them in the next section).

3. Third-party apps: top-3 scanner

If the built-in tools MIUI Not enough, look at specialized applications. They offer advanced features: manual contrast adjustment, export to the local area.DOCX, We tested dozens of scanners and selected the top three for Xiaomi.

How to choose the right application?

• 📱 For household needs (check scans, receipts) will be enough Microsoft Lens – free and without advertising.
• 📄 Adobe Scan is better for working with contracts – it supports electronic signatures.
• 🔒 For sensitive documents, use CamScanner offline (turn off sync).

Warning: Some apps (like CamScanner) in the free version add watermarks to scans, and to remove them, you will have to subscribe or use alternatives.

4. Scanning through Google Drive: The Cloud Way

If you need to not only scan a document, but also save it to the cloud immediately, use the Google Drive app, which is suitable for Xiaomi owners who are actively using Google services (such as Gmail or Google Docs).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Google Drive app on your phone.
2. Press. + → Scan.
3. Take a photo of the document (you can select an existing photo from the gallery).
4. Cut the boundaries and press Ready.
5. Select the save format: PDF or JPG.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔗 Instant Sync – The scan is available on all devices where you are logged in to Google.
• 🔍 Built-in OCR — You can recognize the text and copy it into the document.
• 📂 Easy management – files are automatically sorted by date and type.

⚠️ Note: When scanning through Google Drive, original files are saved in the cloud in low resolution (up to 150). DPI). If you need high quality, use specialized applications.

Also note that for OCR Google Drive requires an Internet connection. Without the network, you can only save the scan as an image.

5. Professional chips: how to improve the quality of the scan

Even with the most advanced app, the scan can be imperfect: with glare, shadow or warped text. IT-specialists who will help to get a scan quality as in the office MFP.

Optimal settings for scanning:

• 💡 Lighting: Use two light sources from different sides (like a desk lamp and a phone flashlight). Avoid direct sunlight, which creates glare.
• 📏 Location of the document: Place it on a dark, flat surface (ideally a black sheet of paper). Keep the camera strictly perpendicular to the sheet.
• 📸 Camera settings: Manually set focus (stick on the document on the screen) and turn off HDR — It can distort colors.
• 🔧 Post-processing: After scanning, increase contrast on the 10-15% and trim the fields with stock. 2-3 mm.

For advanced users: If you need to scan a book or brochure, use Panorama mode in the Camera app. Take two pictures of a reversal at an angle of 45.° and glue them together in a graphics editor (such as Photoshop Express or Snapseed).

Use two light sources|

Put the document on a dark background|

Shut down. HDR camera-setting|

Set the focus manually|

Cut the margins with the stock 2-3 mm

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If you scan color documents (such as a diploma or certificate), save them in format. JPG permittably 300 DPI. Black and white texts are better suited PDF with the option "Black and white" - this will reduce the file size in the 5-10 once-in-time.

Business document scanner: electronic signatures and encryption

If you use Xiaomi to work with legal documents (contracts, acts, invoices), a simple scan is not enough.

• 🔐 Electronic signature – to confirm authenticity.
• 🔒 Encryption PDF — Protection against unauthorized access.
• 📤 Sending over secure channels (for example, via ProtonMail or Telegram Secret Chat).

The best business scanning apps:

1. SignNow – allows you to put electronic signatures and send documents for signature to counterparties.
2. PDF Expert - editing PDF, encryption.
3. DocuSign – legally significant electronic signatures (supported by GOST R) 34.10-2012 for Russia).

How to add an electronic signature to the scan:

1. Scan the document in PDF via any application.
2. Open the file in SignNow or DocuSign.
3. Click Add a caption and draw it with a stylus or finger.
4. Save the document – the signature will be embedded in the PDF and protected from editing.

⚠️ Note: In Russia, an electronic signature is legally valid only if it is certified by an accredited certification center (for example, CryptoPro or Kontur.Diadok.

For maximum security, scan documents in incognito mode (if the app supports) and immediately after sending, delete the originals from your phone's memory. Use Google or Mi File Manager files for secure removal (Basket Cleanup feature).

7. Alternative methods: scanning without a phone

If your Xiaomi suddenly runs out or your camera breaks, there are ways to scan a document without a smartphone:

• 🖥️ Through the computer: Use the laptop webcam and service Online2PDF (browser-based).
• 📷 Using a camera: Take a picture of the document on a DSLR or mirrorless, then process the picture in Lightroom (Deformation tool). → Automobile).
• 🖨️ Through MFP: If you have a printer with a scanner (such as Xiaomi Mi Printer), send the scan to email or to the cloud directly from the device.

For owners of Xiaomi Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch there is an unexpected life hack: if the document is small (for example, a business card or a check), you can take a picture of it through the camera of a smart watch (if the model supports, for example, Xiaomi Watch). S3). The quality will be worse, but it will be good for emergencies.

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The most reliable way to scan without a phone is to use a computer webcam with a service Online2PDF. He's supportive. OCR and export to editable formats.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even Xiaomi experienced users sometimes make scanning errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

Another common mistake is scanning documents from glossy surfaces (such as passport covers or plastic cards), which inevitably leads to glare.

1. Put the document at an angle 30-45° light-light.
2. Use a polarizing filter (you can buy it for a price). 100-200 ruble).
3. In extreme cases, take a picture of the document through a thin fabric (for example, a handkerchief) – this will reduce glare.

If you scan documents often, add the Scanner widget to the home screen.

1. Click the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select Widgets → Tools → Scanner.
3. Drag the widget to a convenient location.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions