Document scanning on Xiaomi Redmi: from standard tools to professional solutions

Why scan documents from your phone and why Redmi does not perform better than a scanner

Scanning documents with a smartphone has long ceased to be a temporary measure — for many it is the main way of digitizing papers. Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, thanks to quality cameras (even in budget models like the Redmi Note 12 or Redmi). 10C) And built-in tools, which allow you to get scans that are not inferior to specialized devices, the main advantages: instant result, no need to connect to the PC and the ability to edit. PDF right on the phone.

However, not all users know that to scan on Redmi, you do not need to install third-party applications. MIUI (Xiaomi’s shell has hidden features, and standard services like Google Drive or Microsoft Lens are integrated at the system level. In this article, we will analyze all the ways – from the simplest (photos on camera with subsequent processing) to professional (scanning with a camera with a scanner). OCR-text-recognition).

We'll focus on the nuances that affect the quality of the scan: lighting, angle, camera resolution and save formats, for example, in Redmi models with the main camera 48.+ MP (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) scans are clearer if you manually set the resolution of 12 MP in the camera settings – this reduces the noise level in artificial lighting.

Method 1: Scanning through the standard Camera app» + MIUI Tools

The fastest method, which does not require the installation of additional programs. MIUI 12 and newer (including Redmi) 13C, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Algorithm of actions:

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Document mode (the icon with the image of a piece of paper). If this mode is not available, use Photos.
2. Point the camera at the document so that it fits fully in the frame. MIUI Automatically highlight the boundaries of the sheet with yellow corners.
3. Take a picture. After the shooting, a button will appear in the lower right corner, called Tools.
4. Select the option of Trimming and Correction → The system will automatically straighten perspective and improve contrast.
5. Click Save How PDF Export to get a file in format PDF or JPEG.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need to go online, you do it locally on your phone, but there are limitations.

• 🔹 No. OCR — The text on the scan will not be recognized as editable.
• 🔹 Quality depends on lighting – in dark rooms, scans are cloudy.
• 🔹 No batch processing – each sheet will have to be scanned separately.

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If your Redmi model does not have Document mode in the camera, turn on the Grid in the camera settings (Section Additional) → Help with the shooting. This will help you to position the document in the frame.

Method 2: Google Drive – built-in cloud-saving scanner

If you need to not only scan, but also upload a document to the cloud, use Google Drive. The scan feature is built into the app and is available on all Redmi services with Google.

1. Open Google Drive and click + → Scan.
2. Point the camera at the document. Drive will automatically find the boundaries and take a picture.
3. If necessary, edit the scan: trim the edges, change the color (black and white/color) or rotate the image.
4. Click Ready and select the folder to save. the file will be available in format PDF.

Pros of the method:

• 📁 Automatic upload to the cloud – scans sync with all your devices.
• 🔍 Basic OCR — text on the scan can be selected and copied (works only for Latin and Cyrillic alphabets).
• 🔄 Version history – you can roll back changes if you accidentally saved the wrong option.

Cons:

• 🚫 Internet is required to download scans in Drive.
• 📱 Size Limit – The free version of Drive allows you to upload files up to 15GB, but it’s not critical for scans.

Method 3: Microsoft Lens – the best balance of quality and functionality

Microsoft Lens (formerly Office Lens) is one of the most advanced scanning solutions on Redmi. OCR 100+ languages (including Russian), can scan boards, business cards and even 3D-objects, how to use them:

1. Install Microsoft Lens from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and select the mode: Document, Board or Business Card.
3. Take a picture. Lens will automatically crop and straighten the image.
4. In the editor, select the save format: PDF, Word, PowerPoint or just an image.
5. Export the file to OneDrive, Google Drive, or save it locally.

Microsoft Lens for Redmi:

Method 4: Application side – CamScanner, Adobe Scan and alternatives

If built-in tools aren't enough, consider specialized applications that offer advanced features: cloud storage, electronic signatures, encryption. PDF And even automatic email.-3 solution:

• 📄 CamScanner is a market leader with support OCR, The free version adds a logo to the scans.
• 📑 Adobe Scan – Integration with Adobe Acrobat, Automatic Text Improvement, Export to Editable PDF.
• 🔐 FineScanner is a domestic application with support for Russian cloud services (Mail.ru Cloud, Yandex.Disk).

Comparison of applications by key parameters:

For Redmi with a small amount of memory (for example, Redmi) 9A or Redmi 10A) We recommend Adobe Scan, which weighs less than 50 MB and does not overload the system. If you want maximum functionality (for example, for business), you should choose CamScanner despite watermarks in the free version.

Clean your phone’s camera from dust and prints|Turn off the energy saving mode (it may interrupt the process)|Check the free space on the phone (scans in high quality take up the phone) ~5-10 MB on page)|Set up autofocus manually if the document is small text-->

Method 5: Scanning through MIUI Notes (Notes) – a hidden function

Few people know, but the standard app notes in MIUI It's hidden, but it works well even on older models like the Redmi Note 8:

1. Open your notes and create a new note.
2. Click on the Camera icon in the lower menu.
3. Select Scan Document Mode (may be called Text depending on version) MIUI).
4. Take a picture of the document. The app will automatically crop and straighten the image.
5. Save the scan as part of the note or export to PDF via the menu Share.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant Access – No additional applications need to be installed.
• 📎 Linking to notes - convenient for organizing project documents.
• 🔒 Local storage – scans are not sent to the cloud without your consent.

Limitations:

• 🚫 No. OCR — scan text is not recognized.
• 📏 Size limit – the maximum resolution of the scan is lower than in specialized applications.

💡

Annex “Notes” to the MIUI uses the same image processing algorithms as a standard camera, but saves scans in a more compact format (suitable for saving space).

How to improve the quality of scans on Xiaomi Redmi: 7 professional tips

Even with the most advanced app, the scan can be unsatisfactory, if you do not take into account the technical nuances.

1. Lighting: Use natural light or two artificial light sources at an angle of 45°. Avoid shooting in direct sunlight – they create glare.
2. Camera resolution: In camera settings (Settings) → Camera. → Photo resolution, choose 12 MP instead of maximum.
3. Stabilization: Use a delay timer (3 or 10 seconds) or an external remote (such as headphones with a volume button) to avoid grease.
4. For text documents, choose Black and White or Shades of Grey, which will reduce file size and improve readability.
5. Perspective: Keep your phone parallel to the document. Most apps have a grid-like hint.
6. After scanning, use the Improve tool (available in Microsoft Lens and CamScanner) – it automatically raises contrast and removes shadows.
7. Storage: For important documents, save scans in PDF/A — This format ensures that the file is opened through 10+ years.

For Redmi models with wide-angle cameras (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) You can use it to scan large documents (A3 format), but you will have to manually trim the edges in the editor.

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If you scan documents frequently on trips, add the scanning app widget to the home screen. MIUI This is done in a long tap on the free screen space. → Widgets → select the desired application.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced Redmi users make scanning errors, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If the scan is blurry in good light, check if the camera settings are on Motion Shooting or Night Mode, which automatically reduce the sharpness to smooth the image.

• 📸 Scan turns dark: Turn on Mode HDR In camera settings or use a flashlight (but don't point it directly at the document).
• 🔍 Text not recognized: Make sure the language is OCR The application corresponds to the language of the document. For Russian text in CamScanner, you need to choose Russian (Russia), not just Russian.
• 📄 PDF weight too much: In export settings, select Compression or Quality: Medium. 150-200 dpi.
• 🔄 The document is saved sideways: Most apps have a Turn button (circle arrow icon). If it's not, edit the scan in Google Photos.

Another common problem is that autofocus doesn't work on small text, so you can manually tap the screen in the text area to capture the focus, or use Macro mode (if you have one in your Redmi model).

⚠️ Warning: When scanning your passport or other ID cards, turn off geotags in your camera settings (Settings) → Camera. → Geometry. This will prevent your location from leaking.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions