Scanned document on Xiaomi Redmi 8: step-by-step guide with photos and tips

Introduction: Why scan documents from your phone?

The document scanner on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone replaces bulky office devices, saving time and money. Agree, you do not always have a MFP or scanner at hand, and you need to send a copy of your passport, diploma or receipt urgently. Modern smartphones - especially with cameras on 12+ MP, like Redmi 8 - cope with this task is not worse than specialized equipment.

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways: embedded tools MIUI, Google Drive app and third-party utilities, you will learn how to get a clear scan without glare, correctly display lighting and save the file in format PDF or JPG. And why sometimes it is better to use the front camera, and how to correct the distortion of perspective.

Redmi 8 is working on the base. MIUI 10-12 (depending on the firmware version), and the features available may vary slightly. MIUI 14, some menu items may be called differently — but the essence of the process remains the same.

Method 1: Integrated scanner in MIUI (application-free)

Xiaomi manufacturer integrated into the shell MIUI It's a document scanner that many people don't notice, and it's hidden in the standard Camera app, and it allows you to quickly get a scan with automatic edge processing and perspective correction.

To take advantage of it:

1. Open the Camera app on Redmi 8.
2. Fly through the shooting modes left to the Document item (the icon with a piece of paper).
3. Point the camera at the document – the system will automatically highlight its boundaries with a yellow frame.
4. Press the shutter button. The smartphone will take a picture and suggest that you cut it around the edges.
5. Confirm the cropping and save the file to the gallery or export to the PDF.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 No need to install third-party programs – everything works out of the box".
• 🔹 Automatic correction of distortion (if the document is at an angle).
• 🔹 The possibility of retaining PDF or JPG.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ The quality of the scan depends on the lighting – in dark rooms may appear noise.
• ⚠️ No function. OCR (text-recognition).

💡

If a document with small text (for example, a contract), turn on the camera settings mode HDR — This will improve the clarity of the details.

Method 2: Scanning through Google Drive (with text recognition)

If you need to not only scan a document but also recognize text (for example, for editing), use Google Drive.This method is suitable for Redmi 8 with Google services installed.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Drive app and click on it. + → Scan.
2. Point the camera at the document. The system will automatically find the boundaries.
3. Take a picture and confirm the pruning.
4. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Recognise Text.
5. Save the file in format PDF Or export text to Google Docs.

Why this is better than the built-in method:

• 📄 OCR-Recognition – Text can be copied and edited.
• 🔒 Files are automatically saved to the cloud (available from any device).
• 🎯 More accurate edge cutting compared to MIUI Scanner.

Make sure the document is on a flat surface.|

Turn off the energy saving mode (it may interrupt the process)|

Make sure there is enough room in the drive to load.|

Use a rear camera (12 MP) for better quality-->

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Internet connection required to upload a file to the cloud.
• ⚠️ On Redmi 8 with custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), the scanning function in Drive may not be available.

Method 3: Third-party applications (for professional quality)

If the built-in tools don't suit you, install specialized applications. Redmi 8 will work:

How do you choose an app?

• 📱 If you need maximum functionality (signatures, encryption) PDF) — CamScanner.
• 📄 To work with texts and tables - Microsoft Lens.
• 🖼️ If image quality is important, Adobe Scan.

Built-in tools MIUI|

Google Drive|

Third-party applications (CamScanner and others.)|

I photograph and edit manually.-->

Tip: Check the app's permissions before installing, such as CamScanner will request access to Camera, Storage, and Contacts (for cloud sync). If you don't need additional features, limit your rights to Android settings.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a good Redmi camera. 8 (12 MPP, f/2.2) So we can look at the common problems and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If a document with a glossy surface (such as a photo in your passport), turn off the flash, it will create glare. Instead, use an external light source (desktop lamp) at an angle of 45.°.

Problem 1: The text on the scan is blurred.

• 🔍 Reason: Smartphone flinched during shooting or the document lay uneven.
• 🛠️ Solution: Use a delay timer (3 seconds) or an external trigger button (e.g. headphones) and you can also attach your phone to a tripod or lean on a stack of books.

Problem 2: The edges of the document are curved (“barrel effect”).

• 🔍 Reason: The camera is not perpendicular to the document.
• 🛠️ Solution: Turn on the camera settings Grid (the lines according to the rule of thirds) and align the document on it. Or use applications with automatic perspective correction (Adobe Scan).

Problem 3: The colors on the scan are distorted.

• 🔍 Reason: Wrong white balance (for example, shooting with an incandescent lamp).
• 🛠️ Solution: Manually set Daylight in camera settings or scan the document in natural light.

Comparison of formats: PDF vs JPG vs PNG

After scanning, Redmi 8 will offer to save the file in one of the formats. Which one to choose?

Advice for Redmi 8:

• 📎 If you are scanning a multi-page document (such as a book), choose a PDF.
• 🖼️ For one page with a photo (for example, a diploma) is better suited PNG.
• 📧 If you need to send a scan by e-mail with a restriction on the size of the attachment — JPG (set the quality 80-90%).

💡

For official documents (passport, diploma) always use PDF — This format is adopted by state bodies and banks without additional questions.

Additional chips: how to improve scans on Redmi 8

A few life hacks that will bring your scans to a professional level:

1. Use a front-facing camera for small documents

The Redmi 8’s 12MP main camera is better than the front camera (8MP), but for ID scans or business cards, the front camera can give a clearer result thanks to:

• 🔍 A wider viewing angle (convenient for smaller documents).
• 💡 Best work at close range (minimum focusing distance - 10 cm vs. 20 cm for the main camera).

2. Set up manual shooting mode

In the Camera app, go to Professional Mode (Pro) and manually install:

• 📸 ISO: 100–200 (less noise).
• ⏱️ Excerpt: 1/125–1/250 (avoid blur).
• 🎯 Focus: manually (stick on the document and hold for locking).

3.Train the scan in Snapseed

Google’s free Snapseed app allows you to:

• 🖼️ Cut and straighten the document (Tools) → Perspective).
• ⚪ Remove shadows and highlights (Tools) → Brush → Lightening).
• 🔍 Increase clarity (Tools) → Details. → Structure).

💡

If the document is bilateral (such as a passport), take a picture of both sides in a row, and then combine them into one. PDF via PDF Merge (available on Google Play).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions