How to Scan Photos on Xiaomi Phone: 5 Proven Ways

Scanning photos on Xiaomi smartphones is easier than ever.Modern models with MIUI 12-14 They offer built-in tools for digitally archiving paper images, and third-party applications extend the possibilities to a professional level. But how do you choose the best method among dozens of options? This article will help you understand the nuances of scanning on different Xiaomi devices – from budget Redmi to flagship Mi 13 Ultra.

We're going to look at not only the basics through the standard Camera app, but also the advanced techniques using Google Photos, Adobe Scan and specialized quality utilities. We're going to focus on lighting settings, resolution and save format, which directly affect the final result. And for owners of older models, we're going to give you alternative solutions that take into account the limitations of iron.

1. Built-in capabilities MIUI: scanning through the camera app"

The most affordable way is to use the standard Camera app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones. MIUI 12 and works on all models starting with the 2019 Redmi Note 8 Pro.The algorithm automatically aligns perspective, removes shadows and improves contrast.

To activate the scan mode:

• 📷 Open the Camera app and go to the Additional section (or Depending on the version) MIUI).
• 📄 Select the Scan Document Mode (on some models it may be called Scan).
• 🎯 Point the camera at the photo so that it fits fully into the frame. The system will automatically take the picture when positioned correctly.
• ✅ Confirm the result or manually edit the boundaries if the automatic recognition has worked incorrectly.

Make sure the photo is on a flat surface.|

Turn off the flash if the lighting is sufficient |

Wipe the camera lens from dust|

Use the back camera for better quality-->

Important: Xiaomi’s built-in scanner saves files in format PDF It is the default, but you can export it as JPEG The resolution of the scan depends on the model of the phone - flagships (Mi). 12T Pro, Mi 13) give up to 12 MP, and budget devices are limited to 8 MP.

⚠️ Warning: When scanning glossy photos, avoid direct sunlight, which creates glare that cannot be removed by software. Use diffuse light or point the camera at an angle. 10-15 degree.

2.Google Photos: Automatic Improvements and Cloud Storage

Google Photos offers more advanced scanning algorithms thanks to Google Lens technology, which not only aligns perspective, but also automatically adjusts colors, removes scratches and improves text clarity (if there is one in the photo), the main advantage is free cloud storage of scans in original quality (up to 15 GB).

Instructions for scanning through Google Photos:

1. Install the app from Google Play (unless it is preinstalled).
2. Open Google Photos → Click on the Search icon (magnifying glass) → select the lens.
3. Point the camera at the photo. The system automatically offers the option to scan the document.
4. After capture, adjust the corners and click Save. The file will appear in your gallery and cloud.

Google Photos is better suited for scanning old B/B photos thanks to the algorithm for restoring details in the shadows. 1980-90-Faces are often lost due to insufficient exposure – Google’s AI partially restores these areas.

Xiaomi's built-in camera|

Google Photo |

Adobe Scan|

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Adobe Scan: Professional Quality for Archives

If you need to scan photos for print or professional use, Adobe Scan is the best choice. PDF/A (Archival standard, offers manual white balance adjustment and allows you to export files directly to Photoshop for further retouching.

Features of Adobe Scan for Xiaomi:

• 🔍 Improved edge recognition – pinpoints boundaries even for curly-cut photos.
• 🎨 Color profiles – the choice between sRGB, Adobe RGB and CMYK printer.
• 🔒 Protection PDF — the ability to set a password for scanned files.
• ☁️ Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud (2GB) free).

For scanning:

1. Install Adobe Scan.
2. Select Document or Photo mode (the second one is optimized for color reproduction).
3. Take a picture, adjust the perspective and apply the Enhance filter for automatic correction.
4. Export in PDF or JPEG 300 dpi resolution.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon processor 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) Adobe Scan can slow down when processing scans in high resolution. DPI up to 150 in export settings.

4. Specialized applications for photo restoration

Standard tools are not enough to scan damaged or faded photos, and applications with restoration functions will help:

• 🖼️ PhotoScan by Google — optimized for archiving family albums, automatically removes glare from the glass (if the photo is framed) and glues several pictures to improve detail.
• 🎨 Remini uses AI to increase resolution and restore colors. 1970-80-xen.
• 🔧 CamScanner – offers manual brightness/contrast tuning and scan support RAW (on devices with Snapdragon 8xx).

Example of PhotoScan:

1. Install the app and select Scan Photo mode.
2. Take 4 pictures from different angles (the program will tell you the position).
3. Wait for processing - the AI will remove glare and improve clarity.
4. Save the result in Google Photos or on your device.

Comparison of specialized applications:

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To scan photos larger than A4 (For example, posters, use CamScanner panorama mode. 2-3 fly-over 20%, And then combine them in an app.

5. Optimizing phone settings for better scan quality

Even with the best app, the scanning result depends on your Xiaomi’s hardware capabilities. Here are the key settings to check before you start:

• 📸 Camera Resolution: Go to Camera Settings → Resolution and select the maximum value (for example, 48 MP on Mi 11).
• 🔦 Regime. HDR: Turn it on. HDR Auto in camera settings – this will help balance light and shadows in high contrast photos.
• 📱 Performance: Activate Performance Mode in Settings → Special opportunities → Performance mode (available on Snapdragon devices) 8xx).
• 🔋 Power saving: Turn it off while scanning to avoid automatic processor frequency reduction.

For models with a telephoto lens (Mi 10 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra), it is recommended to use it to scan small photos (for example, passport shots). Switch to a telephoto lens in the Camera app and take a picture with a 2-fold zoom - this will reduce distortion at the edges.

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On devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) enable the “Natural Colors” mode in the display settings before editing scans – this will help to more accurately assess the color reproduction.

6. Alternative methods: scanning without applications

If you need to scan a photo urgently, and install additional programs is not possible, use these methods:

• 📧 Email: Take a picture of a document in good light, send it to your email (like Gmail) and open it on your computer. Google services will automatically offer tools for cropping and turning.
• 💬 Messengers: Telegram and WhatsApp have built-in tools for cropping and perspective correction. Send your photos to Save Messages and edit before saving.
• 🖥️ USB-Debugging: Connect your phone to your PC, turn on File Transfer Mode and use Vuescan (free version available on the official website.

To scan through Telegram:

1. Open a chat with you ("Saved Messages").
2. Press the paper clip. → File. → Choose a photo.
3. Before sending, click on the pencil icon for editing.
4. Use the pruning and turning tools, then save back to the gallery.

⚠️ Note: When scanning through messengers, photos are compressed to resolution 1600×1200 (2 This method is suitable only for temporary use.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when scanning photos, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔹 Blurrence at the edges is caused by the wrong angle of shooting. Keep the camera strictly perpendicular to the photo or use a tripod.
• 🔹 Yellow is the result of a wrong white balance. 4000-5000K camera-setting.
• 🔹 The stripes in the glossy photos are due to the glare of the lamps. Use two sources of scattered light from different sides.
• 🔹 Low resolution – check the settings of the application. Adobe Scan defaults to 150 dpi instead of 300 dpi.

If the scanned photo is too dark, don't make the editor brighter, it will add noise.

1. Open the source file in Snapseed (a free application from Google).
2. Go to the Tools. → Curves.
3. Raise the average tones (central part of the chart) by 10-15%.
4. Apply the Details filter with the Structure setting: +20%.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions