How to scan a document on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways with illustrative examples

Scanning documents through a smartphone has long replaced bulky MFPs, and Xiaomi Redmi 9 with its 13-megapixel camera and proprietary tools MIUI It's as good as a specialized scanner, but many users still don't know how to scan a passport, receipt, or diploma properly to keep the text readable and the file compact. From the built-in Documents app to hidden Google Drive features and third-party utilities OCR-discernment.

Redmi 9's feature is optimized paperwork, with automatic edge trimming, perspective correction, even PDF/A (long-term storage archive) exporting, but to keep the result from disappointing, it's important to consider the lighting, angle and camera settings, and we tested everything on real documents, from thin checks to multi-page contracts, and we found the best options for each case.

1. Scanning through the standard application "Documents"

The easiest way is to use the Documents app, which is pre-installed, which automatically recognizes the boundaries of the sheet, removes the shadows, and saves the files to the Mi Cloud.

1. Open the app and tap on the + icon in the lower right corner.
2. Select Scan Document (if no option, update the app via Google Play).
3. Point the camera at the document. Redmi 9 automatically takes a picture when you recognize the rectangle - you do not need to press the button!
4. Edit the boundaries (if necessary) and click Ready.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Automatic perspective correction – even if you shot the document at an angle, the app will straighten the image.
• 🔹 Exports to PDF Possibility to add multiple pages to a single file.
• 🔹 Mi Cloud integration – scans synced between Xiaomi devices.

⚠️ Warning: When scanning your passport or driver’s license, turn off the Improve text feature in the app settings – it can distort small details (such as holograms).

Clear the camera lens of dust | Place the document on a flat surface | Turn on bright light (but avoid glare) | Turn off Night Mode in the camera settings-->

2. Using Google Drive to scan

Google Drive has a built-in document scanner with OCR (Text Recognition) function, which is suitable if you need to not only save the image, but also find the text inside the file later.

1. Open Google Drive and click + → Scan.
2. Take a picture of the document. For best results, use the Document mode (will appear automatically).
3. Confirm the scan and select the format: PDF or JPEG.
4. Click Save - the file will appear in your Drive.

Comparison with the "Documents" appendix:

When to choose Google Drive:

• 📄 You need to recognize the text for editing (for example, transfer data from the contract to Word).
• 🌍 Documents in foreign languages — OCR Google supports Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc.
• 📱 You need cross-platform (access from PC, iPhone, tablet).

Standard annex “Documents»|Google Drive|Application side (CamScanner, Adobe Scan)|I photograph and edit manually.-->

3.Side of the application: CamScanner vs Adobe Scan

If the built-in tools don't work, consider the specialized utilities. We tested two leaders:

CamScanner (free version with watermarks)

Pros:

• 🔍 Advanced processing – removes shadows, aligns curved scans.
• 📎 Package processing – up to 50 consecutive pages can be scanned.
• 🔒 Password protection for confidential documents.

Cons: The free version adds a watermark CamScanner to each sheet.

Adobe Scan (completely free)

Pros:

• 📱 Integration with Adobe Acrobat – you can sign right away PDF.
• 🌐 OCR 100+ languages (including Ukrainian, Belarusian, and).
• ☁️ Autosynchronization with Creative Cloud (2 GB) free).

Cons: Slower processing scans on budget smartphones (due to the heavy engine).

Recommendation: Adobe Scan is better suited for Redmi 9 – it is optimized for Helio G80 processors and does not slow down during processing. CamScanner should be used only for batch scanning (for example, books or multi-sheet contracts).

4.Scanning through Professional mode in the cell

If you want the highest quality (for example, for a scan of artwork or color certificates), use the camera's manual settings:

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Professional (or Pro) mode.
2. Set the settings: ISO: 100-200 (less noise); Shutter speed: 1/125-1/250 (to avoid grease); White balance: Daylight (even if you shoot with a lamp); Focus: Macro (if you scan small text).

Gallery → Edit

When necessary:

• 🎨 Scanning watercolor drawings or photos (saves color profile).
• 📜 Digitize old documents with yellowed paper (manually adjusting white balance gives the best result).
• 🔬 Work with small print (for example, instructions for technology).

⚠️ Note: When shooting in Pro Redmi mode, the 9 saves files in the RAW-format (weight up to 20 MB per image) To save space, convert them to JPEG Gallery → Exports.

💡

If the document shines under the light (for example, a laminated ID), stick a matte tape on it before scanning - this will remove the glare without loss of quality.

5. Preservation and processing of scans

After scanning, you need to save the document properly and prepare for use.

File formats

• PDF is a universal format for official papers. MIUI supports PDF/A (archival standard).
• JPEG is suitable for color scans (such as diplomas), but loses quality when compressed.
• PNG is free of quality losses, but weighs 2-3 times more than JPEG.

Size optimization

To reduce the weight of PDF without losing readability:

1. Open the file in Google Drive.
2. Select File → Compress (or Save as → Reduced Size).
3. Specify the resolution of 150-200 DPI – this is enough to print on A4.

Additional processing

To improve scans, use:

• 📱 Google’s PhotoScan app removes glare and restores colors.
• 💻 iLovePDF service combines several PDF In one, adds watermarks.

💡

For official documents (passports, contracts) always save scans to PDF/A – this format ensures that the file will open in 10-20 years without distortion.

6 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a good Redmi 9 camera, you can get a poor scan.

📸 Mistake: Blurred text

Reason: Shooting from the hand or too close.

Solution: Use a delay timer (3 seconds) or a smartphone stand. The minimum distance to the document is 15 cm.

🌑 Mistake: Dark corners or shadows

Cause: Uneven lighting (for example, one lamp on the side).

Solution: Shoot with two light sources (front and back of the document) or use a flash in manual mode (power 30–50%).

🔴 Mistake: Red or yellowish tint

Cause: Wrong white balance (especially under incandescent lamps).

Solution: In Pro mode, set White Balance → Daylight or manually calibrate on a white sheet of paper.

Check yourself: If you see pixels (squares) on the scan as you zoom in, the resolution is too low. Repeat the shooting with a resolution of at least 8 MP.

7. Alternative methods: scanning without a smartphone

If Redmi 9 is not available and you need to scan the document immediately, use:

• 🖥️ MFP or printer with scan function – connect via Wi-Fi (instructions are usually on the sticker on the device).
• 📷 Camera – even a simple “soap” will give better quality than a smartphone, with the right settings.
• 🌍 Online services (e.g, Online2PDF) — Upload a photo of the document and the system converts it into a PDF.

Travel tip: Hotels or business centers often have public scanners (such as in the lobby or coworking).Ask at the reception - usually it's free for guests.

FAQ: Frequent scanning questions on Redmi 9