Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often don’t even know that their device already has a powerful tool for digitizing paper media. The built-in Scanner (or Mi Scan) app is a multifunctional combine that replaces the need to install third-party software from Google Play. Not only does he keep his documents in place. PDF, But also recognize text, translate inscriptions in real time and read QR-code.
Using native solutions from the developers of MIUI or HyperOS, there are a number of undeniable advantages, such as deep integration into the system, the absence of intrusive advertising (in some regions), and high speed algorithms. Optical character recognition (OCR) here works on the basis of Google or Baidu engines, providing accuracy comparable to paid counterparts. Let's see how to make the most of this feature.
Where to find and how to start the scanner
The search for the scanning tool can vary depending on the firmware version and the region the smartphone is released for, and most often the app shortcut is called the “Scanner” and can be found in the Tools folder on the desktop or in the menu of all apps, but there is a faster activation method that does not require finding an icon.
The fastest way to launch is through the camera. QR-A code or text document, and in the corner of the screen, a pop-up prompt will appear, "Push to scan." If that doesn't happen, check the camera settings where the Google Lens feature or the built-in image analyzer should be active. Also, quick access can be obtained through the control panel (curtain), adding the corresponding widget there.
If standard methods didn't work, try typing the word "Scanner" into a global search for a system. In some cases, the app may have been hidden or removed by the user before, and in this situation, it's easy to return it by finding it in the GetApps store or Google Play called "Mi Scan." Launching through the Google Assistant or Xiao AI voice assistant is also a viable option for those who prefer voice control.
Interface and basic operating modes
Once you start the app, you'll see a camera interface with a set of modes at the bottom of the screen. Documents mode is often chosen by default, but the switch allows you to change functionality on the fly. The main window is divided into zones: viewfinder, shutter button and scan type menu. It's important to choose the right mode before you start, because the image processing algorithm depends on this.
- 📄 Documents: Mode for scanning text files, contracts and books with automatic edge alignment.
- 🏞️ Images: Used to save photos of objects without strong compression and text processing.
- 🌐 Translation: instant translation of text entering the lens, with the result overlaying on the original.
- 🛒 Products: search for products by barcodes or visual similarity in online stores.
⚠️ Note: When choosing the "Goods" or "Translation" mode, an active Internet connection is required, since the request is processed on the server. Offline mode is only available for basic scanning. QR-codes and photo retention.
At the top of the screen, you often have additional settings, such as flash, timer or framing grids. For quality document digitization, it is recommended to include a grid to keep the phone parallel to a piece of paper. Automatic document boundary definition works only correctly when there is good contrast between the sheet and the table surface.
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To get the sharpest scan possible, avoid using a flash when scanning glossy magazines - it will create a glare that will make part of the text unreadable. It is better to use natural light.
Step-by-step: scanning documents in PDF
The process of digitizing paper media takes seconds, if you know the right sequence of actions. First, make sure that the document is on a flat surface and the lighting is evenly distributed throughout the sheet area. Point the camera so that the text is clear, and press the shutter button.
The system will automatically determine the boundaries of the document and suggest that you adjust them. If the automation is wrong, you can manually remash the corners of the frame using your fingers. Once the frame is confirmed, the system will suggest using filters: "Original", "Enhance" or "Black and white". For text documents, the best option is "Black and white" or "Improving" mode, because they increase the contrast of the text.
☑️ Checklist of the perfect scan
If you need to scan a multi-page document, don't rush to the gallery. Use the page add feature, which is usually represented by the + or Add button in the preview interface. You can sequentially photograph all the pages, and then the system will combine them into one file. Save is in PDF or JPG format, the format choice is available before final saving.
Textwork: OCR and Recognition
One of the most useful features is OCR (Optical Character Recognition), which allows you to turn a picture of text into an editable file. After scanning a document, click the "Recognize Text" or "Text" button in the bottom menu, the system analyzes the image and highlights the text blocks.
You can copy the entire text, or you can select a specific paragraph, and even more so, the built-in algorithms allow you to save the structure by recognizing titles and lists, which is extremely convenient for students and office workers who need to quickly transfer information from paper to notes or messengers.
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Copying | Save text in the clipboard | Clear image |
| Share. | Sending to messengers | Installed annexes |
| Search | Google text request | Internet |
| Translation | Translation into another language | Internet, language package |
It is worth noting that the quality of handwriting recognition can vary: print is recognized with almost absolute accuracy, even if the photo is taken at an angle. For complex fonts or faded checks, it is recommended to use the “Improving” mode before starting the recognition procedure.
Real-time translation and QR work
Translation mode turns your smartphone into a universal translator for travel. Switch to the appropriate mode, point the camera at a sign, restaurant menu or instruction. The text on the screen will be replaced by translation almost instantly, retaining the original formatting.
To work with QR-It's not always mandatory to run an application separately with codes and barcodes, but through Scanner, you can not only open links, but also scan codes from saved images in the gallery. This is useful if you've been sent a screenshot with an access code or a Wi-Fi password.
The scanner's secret menu
⚠️ Please note: Be very careful when scanning. QR-The link may lead to a phishing site. Always check the address in the pop-up window before you click.
Customization of quality and file preservation
The quality of the final file depends on the resolution settings and compression format. In the Scanner settings, you can choose the preferred default save format, and you should also pay attention to the folder where the files are saved so that you do not lose them in the stream of photos from social networks.
Usually, the scans are saved to a separate folder inside the gallery, called "Scanner" or "Mi Scan." From there, files are easily found through the file manager via the Internal Storage/MIUI/scan path. Regularly cleaning this folder will help free up space if you use the feature frequently.
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Use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) to automatically synchronize the scanner folder so that you do not lose important documents when your smartphone breaks or is lost.
To work with documents professionally, you can set up automatic quality improvement, and in the scanner settings menu, activate the auto correction and shadow removal options, which will make the scans more readable by removing the yellowness of the paper and the shadows from the fingers holding the phone.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may experience a situation where the scanner is not focused or gives an error when saving. Most often the problem lies in a lack of free memory or contamination of the camera lens.
If an app crashes right after launch, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Scanner → Memory → Clean. In extreme cases, removing app updates or resetting the camera settings in general helps.
In some cases, especially on global firmware, the scanner's functionality may be reduced compared to the Chinese version. If you're critically lacking in features, you can try installing it. APK-File of Chinese version of Mi Scan, but this can lead to unstable operation of the system.