Scanning documents on Xiaomi: from scanner to scanner MIUI before professional applications

Scanning documents with the help of Xiaomi smartphone has long ceased to be a problem – modern models are equipped not only with high-quality cameras, but also with built-in tools for digitizing paper originals. However, not all users know that a document scan on Xiaomi can be done without third-party applications using standard features. MIUI Or branded services like Mi DocViewer, and if you want professional quality, you can connect specialized programs with autocorrect perspective and improve the text.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods: from quick scanning through the Camera to creating multi-page PDF We'll focus on settings that affect scan resolution, save format, and compatibility with cloud services, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as why scans are blurred or with distorted edges.

If you need to scan your passport, contract or student ID right now, start with the first section about the built-in scanner. MIUI. For regular work with documents (for example, for study or office), tips on setting up third-party applications from the latest sections will be useful.

1. Built-in document scanner in MIUI: where to find and how to use

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi's smartphone firmware has a hidden document scanner tool, the Document Scanner, integrated into the standard Camera app, but many users don't notice it:

1. Open the Camera app on your Xiaomi.

2. Flick the shooting modes left to Document (some models call it Scanner).

3. Point the lens over the document - the system will automatically highlight the boundaries of the sheet with a yellow frame.

After shooting, the scan will open in preview mode, where you can:

• 🔍 Cut the edges - if the frame has captured the extra, pull around the corners.
• 🎨 Color adjustment – select C/B, Color or Gray Shades.
• 📄 Add pages - click +, to scan the next sheet.
• 💾 Save - select the format (PDF or JPEG) and folder (for example, Downloads or Documents).

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Note: On Redmi Note 10 and older, the built-in scanner supports automatic perspective correction, but only in good lighting. In dark conditions, it is better to use a flashlight or third-party applications.

The main advantage of this method is that it does not need to install additional software, but it has limitations:

• ❌ No function. OCR (text-recognition).
• ❌ The maximum scan resolution is 12 MP (even if the camera supports 48 MP).
• ❌ Watermarks or signatures cannot be added.

2.Scanning through Mi DocViewer: Cloud Storage and Editing

Mi DocViewer is a proprietary application from Xiaomi for working with documents, which is preinstalled on most models (starting with the introduction of the new model). MIUI It not only scans, but also allows editing. PDF, Add notes and sync files with Mi Cloud.

To make a scan through Mi DocViewer:

1. Open the application (the icon of the blue folder with the document).
2. Press. + in the lower right corner and select Scan Document.
3. Take a photo of the sheet – the program will automatically cut the edges and improve contrast.
4. Click Ready and select a folder to save (such as Work Papers).

Advantages of Mi DocViewer over standard scanner:

• 📁 Cloud Sync – scans are automatically loaded into Mi Cloud (if enabled).
• 🔄 Package processing – you can scan up to 50 pages in a row in one PDF.
• 🖊️ Editing – adding text, highlighting with a marker, inserting stamps.

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Note: If you delete the Mi DocViewer app, all the documents stored in it will remain in the MiDocViewer folder in the phone's internal memory, but access to cloud copies will be lost.

On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 14 models, the Smart Improvement feature appeared in the Mi DocViewer, which automatically removes shadows from fingers and improves the clarity of small text (for example, in contracts).

Make sure the document is on a flat surface|

Turn on bright light (preferably daylight or lamp) 5000K)|

Turn off Portrait mode in camera settings|

Check the space available in Mi Cloud (if you need synchronization)-->

3.Google Drive: Scanning with Automatic Text Recognition (OCR)

If you need to not just scan the document, but extract the text for further editing, the best option is to use Google Drive. OCR (optical character recognition) and saves scans in PDF searchable.

Instructions for scanning through Google Drive:

1. Open the Google Drive app on your phone.
2. Press. + → Scan.
3. Take a picture of the document. The system will automatically trim the edges and improve contrast.
4. Click Ready, then select Save (the file will appear in the My Drives section).

To extract text from the scan:

1. Open the saved one. PDF Google Drive.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Choose Open with Help → Google Documents.
4. The service automatically recognizes the text and creates an editable file.

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Attention: Function OCR Google Drive only works for texts in English, Russian, Chinese and major European languages. For rare languages (such as Arabic or Japanese), recognition accuracy drops to less than a few. 60-70%.

Comparison of save formats in Google Drive:

4 Third-Party Applications: CamScanner, Adobe Scan and Alternatives

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t suit you, look for specialized apps that offer advanced features like watermarks, electronic signatures, cloud sync, and batch processing.

Top.-3 Apps to scan for Xiaomi:

• 📱 CamScanner – market leader with autocorrected perspective and support OCR 200+ The free version adds a watermark, but it can be removed in the settings (Settings) → Watermark → Shut down).
• 📄 Adobe Scan – Integration with Adobe Acrobat for Professional Editing PDF. Supports scanning of business cards with auto-creating contacts.
• 🔍 Microsoft Lens – optimized for Office 365, perfect for scanning tables and diagrams (keeps the data structure).

🔹 Comparison between CamScanner and Adobe Scan:

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Note: When you first run, CamScanner will request access to Camera, Warehouse and Contacts. Denial of access to contacts will not affect the scanner, but may limit the function of recognizing business cards.

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If you need to scan a book or a multi-page document, CamScanner has a Packet Scan mode. Press and hold the shutter button - the app will automatically take photos of each new page as you flip through.

5.Scanning through Notes on Xiaomi: A Quick Way for Short Documents

Few people know, but Xiaomi’s standard Notes app can also scan documents, a method that can quickly digitize checks, receipts, or small entries (up to 3 pages).

How to scan through Notes:

1. Open the Notes app.
2. Create a new note and click on the Camera icon in the bottom menu.
3. Select the Scan Document mode.
4. Take a photo of the sheet – the program will automatically cut and straighten the image.
5. Click Save – the scan will attach to the note as an image.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No exports to PDF — only JPEG/PNG.
• ❌ No function. OCR.
• ❌ Maximum 3 pages per note.

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6.Scan Optimization: How to Improve Quality and Reduce File Size

Even if you've done a scan through the most advanced app, it might need to be refined. Here are the key parameters to look out for:

Permission and DPI

• 📏 150 DPI — enough for text documents (contracts, books).
• 📏 300 DPI — optimal for documents with small text or graphs.
• 📏 600 DPI — only required for professional printing (e.g. scanning photos for printing).

2. File format

• 📄 PDF — Best choice for multi-page documents (supports text search when OCR).
• 🖼️ JPEG — Suitable for color scans (such as IDs), but loses quality when editing.
• 🖼️ PNG — without loss of quality, but weighs in 2-3 more JPEG.

3. Lighting and angle of shooting

• 💡 Use two light sources (such as a desk lamp and a phone flashlight) for uniform lighting.
• 📐 Keep your phone strictly perpendicular to the document – angle over 10° It will distort the perspective.
• 📱 On Xiaomi models with a wide-angle camera (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) It is better to use the main module, not super-wire.

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Always use C/B mode and 300 resolution to scan your passport or driver's license. DPI. This will reduce the file size and improve the readability of small details (serial number, holograms).

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes experience scanning problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The scan is blurred

• 🔍 The reason: Autofocus worked not on the text, but on the background.
• ✅ Solution: Manually touch the screen in the text area before shooting.

Problem 2: The edges of the document are curves

• 📐 Reason: The document is not flat or the phone is held at an angle.
• ✅ Solution: Use Hand-trimming mode in the app or put the document on the table and take a picture from above.

Problem 3: Shadows from fingers or lamps

• 🌑 Reason: The light source is located on the side.
• ✅ Solution: Illuminate the document from above or use a ring lamp.

Problem 4: PDF weighs too much

• 📉 Reason: Too high resolution or format PNG.
• ✅ Solution: Convert to PDF Compressed via Google Drive or CamScanner.

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Note: On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-When scanning in a dark room, the screen can automatically illuminate the screen, which distorts the colors of the scan. Turn it off in the camera settings (Settings) → Auto-lighting → Off.).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions