Introduction: Why scan documents from a smartphone
The document scanner on Xiaomi's Redmi smartphone replaces bulky office devices, saving time and money.Modern models range from the Redmi Note 12 to the budget Redmis A2 β They have cameras with a resolution of 13 to 200 MP, which allows you to create scans with detail comparable to professional equipment.
In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of scanning: from built-in functions MIUI to third-party applications OCR (We'll focus on quality settings -- how to avoid blurring, how to get the format right (.PDF,.JPG) We also want to show you which Redmi models support automatic perspective correction (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G algorithmically AI Document Scan).
Method 1: Scanning through a standard Xiaomi camera
The fastest method is to use the built-in Camera app, which is suitable for all Redmi models on the market. MIUI 12 and newer, including Redmi 10C, Redmi Note 11S and the flagship Redmi K60. The algorithm automatically recognizes the edges of the document and corrects distortions.
How it works:
- π· Open the Camera app and select Document Mode (or Professional if the first one is not available).
- π Hover the lens over the document - yellow corners will appear on the screen, marking the boundaries of the scan.
- π― Press the down button. The smartphone will take a picture and suggest that you cut it in the outline.
- πΎ Save the file in format PDF or JPG (available on the save menu).
Important: In Redmi models with a wide-angle camera (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed), turn on the main scan module - the wide-angle can distort the edges of documents. To check the current camera, look at the icon in the upper corner of the screen (usually 1x β basic, 0.6x β wide-angle).
Make sure the document is on a flat surface.|Turn on sufficient light (avoid shadows)|Turn it off. HDR camera-setting|Check that the document mode is available in your model-->
β οΈ Warning: When scanning passports or bank cards through a standard camera, turn off photos uploading to Mi Cloud (settings) β Cloud and Sync: Personal data files should not be stored on Xiaomi servers by default.
Method 2: Mi Scanner app β official solution from Xiaomi
Mi Scanner is a proprietary scanning app preinstalled on most Redmi devices (starting with the first one). MIUI 13) It supports:
- π Multi-leaf scanning (up to 50 pages per one) PDF).
- π OCR (Text recognition) for 12 languages, including Russian.
- π¨ Filters: black and white, color, shades of gray.
- π€ Exports to PDF, JPG, PNG, and directly to Google Drive or Telegram.
Instructions for use:
- Download Mi Scanner from the App Store (if removed) or find it in the Tools folder.
- Allow access to the camera and storage.
- Point the camera at the document β the application will automatically take a picture when recognizing the edges.
- Edit the scan: trim, rotate, apply the filter.
- Click Save and select format. For official documents, we recommend PDF/A (file-format).
Mi Scanner on Redmi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming supports scanning at a resolution of up to 32 MP, which exceeds the capabilities of most office scanners (usually 12-15 MP).
| Parameter | Standard camera. | Mi Scanner | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max, permission. | Depends on the camera (up to 200 MP) | Up to 32 MP | Up to 10 MP |
| OCR (Text Recognition) | β No. | β 12 languages | β 200+ languages |
| Auto-cutting | β Yes. | β Yeah) | β Yes. |
| Export to PDF | β Yes. | β Yes (with quality settings) | β Yes. |
| Support for multi-sheet documents | β No. | β Up to 50 pages. | β No restrictions. |
Standard camera.|Mi Scanner|Google Drive|CamScanner|Other-->
Method 3: Scanning through Google Drive (for PC sync)
If you need to upload a scan to the cloud immediately and access it from a computer, use Google Drive. This method is universal for all Redmi models, including older ones (for example, Redmi). 9A on MIUI Advantage: integration with Google Docs for further editing.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Google Drive app and click on it. + β Scan.
- Point the camera at the document. Drive automatically takes the picture when you recognize the edges.
- Edit the scan: trim, turn, select a filter (Color, C/B, Shades of Grey).
- Click Ready and select the folder to save. the file will be available in format PDF.
Google Drive can recognize text by 200+ languages, including Cyrillic. OCR:
- After scanning, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Choose to recognize the text in the image.
- The text will be highlighted and available for copying or editing in Google Docs.
β οΈ Note: When scanning two-way documents (such as passports) in Google Drive, each sheet is saved as a separate file. PDF, Use third-party applications, for example PDF Merge.
π‘
If the scan turns out to be dark, turn on the flashlight in the Google Drive app before shooting (icon) π¦ This is especially true for Redmi models with a small camera aperture (f/2.2 higher).
Method 4: Third-party applications (CamScanner, Adobe Scan)
If the built-in tools don't suit you, consider third-party apps that offer advanced features such as:
- π Improved edge recognition (useful for curved documents).
- π Package processing (scanning dozens of pages at a time).
- π Protection PDF password.
- π Export to the cloud (Dropbox, OneDrive, Yandex Disk).
Comparison of popular applications:
| Annex | Free version | OCR | Max, permission. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CamScanner | Yeah (with watermarks) | β 60 languages | Up to 20 MP | Auto-cutting, text enhancement, export to Word |
| Adobe Scan | Yes. | β 100+ languages | Up to 16 MP | Integration with Adobe Acrobat, 2GB cloud storage |
| Microsoft Lens | Yes. | β 90 languages | Up to 12 MP | Export to PowerPoint, Optimization for Boards and Slides |
| FineScanner | No (7-day trial) | β 193 languages | Up to 30 MP | Table recognition, export to Excel |
Selection recommendations:
- Adobe Scan is free for students and office workers, and it integrates with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- If you need to scan books or thick documents, choose Microsoft Lens β it has the best perspective correction.
- For professional use (lawyers, accountants) FineScanner is optimal, despite a paid subscription.
How to remove watermarks in CamScanner for free?
Method 5: Scan through Notes on Xiaomi
Little-known life hack: the app βNotesβ on MIUI It can scan documents and save them directly in notes, and it's convenient for quickly creating copies of checks, receipts or business cards. MIUI 14 and newer.
How it works:
- Open the Notes app and create a new note.
- Press the badge. + β Scan of the document.
- Take a picture of the document (autograph when recognizing edges).
- Edit the scan: trim, turn, select a filter (Color, C/B, Document).
- Save the note β the scan will be attached to it in format JPG.
Advantages of the method:
- π Scans are tied to notes (convenient for organization).
- π You can protect the note with a password (Settings) β Protecting notes).
- π€ Quickly sending a scan through Share (Telegram, email, instant messengers).
Limitations:
- β No exports to PDF (only JPG).
- β No. OCR (text-recognition).
- β Maximum resolution β 8 MP (suitable only for small documents).
π‘
The method through Notes is ideal for quick scanning of checks or temporary documents, but is not suitable for official papers (due to low resolution and lack of any documents). PDF).
How to improve the quality of the scan on Xiaomi Redmi
Even with a good camera, scans can be blurred or dark, here are 7 tips for the perfect result:
- Lighting: Use natural light or two sources (such as a desk lamp) + Avoid direct sunlight, which creates glare.
- Shooting angle: Keep the camera strictly perpendicular to the document. AI-The camera (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Enable Document Mode β It automatically adjusts perspective.
- Resolution: In the camera settings, select the maximum resolution (e.g., 50 MP for the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+). 12-16 MP is enough for scans β a higher resolution will increase the file size without increasing the quality.
- Format: π PDF β For official documents (supports multi-leavages). πΌοΈ JPG β for photo documents (smaller size). πΌοΈ PNG β If you need a transparent background (for example, for logos).
Editing:
C.B.
Shades of gray
Stabilization:
Redmi
Redmi 10A
timer
OCR:
Mi Scanner
Google Drive
Russian (Russia)
Russian (Ukraine)
On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C) scanning PDF You may have a strip artifact. To avoid this, save the scan first in the JPG, and then convert into PDF via online services.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When scanning on Xiaomi Redmi, users encounter typical errors.
1. The scan turns out blurry
Causes and solutions:
- πΈ Dirty lens: Wipe your smartphone camera with a soft cloth (do not use alcohol!).
- π Handshaking: Turn on a shooting timer or use a Bluetooth remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Button).
- π± Low resolution: In camera settings, select High Quality or Professional Mode.
- π Incorrect focus: Tap the screen in the document area to capture the focus (a yellow square will appear on the screen).
2.The edges of the document are distorted (the barrel effect)
How to fix it:
- In Mi Scanner or Google Drive, manually drag the trimming corners.
- Enable Document mode in the standard camera - it automatically adjusts the perspective.
- For Redmi models with wide-angle cameras (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) Switch to the main module (sign) 1x).
3. The scan is too dark or light
Decisions:
- π Too light: Turn it off HDR in camera settings or reduce exposure (slider next to the down button).
- π Too dark: Turn on the flashlight or use an external light source. in Mi Scanner, select the filter Improve contrast.
4. PDF weighs too much
How to reduce the file size:
- In Mi Scanner, select Average Quality When Saving.
- Use online compressors such as iLovePDF.
- Save the scan in format JPG, and then convert into PDF.
β οΈ Note: When scanning colored documents (such as diplomas or certificates), do not use the C/B filter - this can make the print unreadable.