How to make a scan on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: full instructions

In the digital age, every smartphone owner needs to quickly convert a paper document to an electronic form. Users of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often wonder how to scan a phone without resorting to bulky office MFPs. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to turn your camera into a powerful portable scanner in seconds.

There are several proven ways to do this, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party apps from Google Play, and in this article, we’ll take a look at each method so you can choose the one that’s best for your situation, and you’ll learn to get clear images of documents, recognize text, and save files in the right format.

Before you start scanning, make sure your camera lens is clean. Fat spots or dust can significantly reduce text readability, especially when automatically recognizing characters.

Use of the built-in Scanner application

The easiest and fastest way to create a digital copy of a document is to use a preinstalled application. MIUI HyperOS is simply called the β€œScanner” and is often combined with functions. QR-You can find it in the Tools folder on your desktop or by searching the menu.

Once you start the app, you need to switch to document mode, usually by clicking on the Documents tab at the bottom of the screen or selecting the appropriate item on the menu, and the camera automatically determines the boundaries of the paper and prompts you to take a picture.

When you press the shutter button, the system will prompt you to process the image, and you can choose a color mode, like "Black and White" for text or "Color" for photos, and the finished file is saved in a gallery or a special scan folder.

⚠️ Note: In some global firmware versions, the functionality of the built-in scanner may be limited to basic reading. QR-If you do not find the Documents mode, proceed to the alternative methods described below.

The main advantage of the native tool is that it is deeply integrated with the system, it works quickly, does not require the installation of additional software and consumes a minimum of battery resources. For everyday tasks, such as scanning checks or certificates, this is quite enough.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for scanning

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Scanning through Google Lens and Disk

If a standard application is missing or lacking in functionality, Google services come to the rescue. Almost every Android smartphone has a Google Lens, which is great at recognizing text and document boundaries.

You can run the service through a widget on your desktop, through the Google app or directly from the camera interface, if such an option is provided by the manufacturer. Select Text or Document mode, hover the camera and take a picture.

Once the image is processed, you can save it directly to Google Drive cloud storage, which is especially handy as the file automatically syncs to your account and will be accessed from any other device.

For more advanced work with documents, it is recommended to use a separate Google Drive application. Inside it there is a built-in scanning function that allows you to create multi-pages. PDF-It's the perfect way to generate reports or contracts.

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Use the Save as PDF mode in Google Drive to combine multiple page photos into a single document, rather than storing them as separate pictures.

Third-party applications for professionals

When you want maximum processing quality, automatic contrast improvement, or complex layout text recognition (OCR), you should turn to specialized applications, and Adobe Scan is already the leader in this niche, which is free for basic use.

Another popular option is Microsoft Lens, which integrates perfectly with Office, which can align a whiteboard or document image, remove glare and shadows, making text clear and readable.

There are other good alternatives, each with its own interface and feature set, depending on how often and for what purpose you scan documents.

  • πŸ“„ Adobe Scan: Better Automatic Text Recognition and Noise Clearing.
  • πŸ“ Microsoft Lens: Ideal for users of the Office ecosystem and working with whiteboards.
  • πŸ“± CamScanner: Powerful functionality, but may require a subscription to remove watermarks.
  • πŸš€ VFlat: Specializes in scanning books, automatically aligning curved pages.

Installing third-party software gives you access to advanced settings such as manual perspective correction, batch scanning, and cloud synchronization with various services, but it’s worth remembering the permissions you give to applications.

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party scanners, carefully review the permissions requested. Do not give access to contacts or microphones to document scanning applications unless there is a direct need to do so.

πŸ“Š What kind of scanning do you use most often?
Built-in Xiaomi app
Google Lens/Disk
Adobe Scan
Other annexes

Comparison of scanning methods on Xiaomi

To make it easier for you to choose a tool, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the advantages and disadvantages of each method depending on your current needs.

The table shows key characteristics such as the presence of multi-page mode, the quality of OCR and the need to install additional software. Note the column with the save format, as official documents often require PDF.

MethodInstallationMulti-pageText Recognition (OCR)Formats
Built-in scannerNot requiredLimited.BasicJPG, PDF
Google DrivePre-installedThere is.High.PDF, JPG
Adobe ScanRequired.There is.ProfessionalPDF
CamScannerRequired.There is.High.PDF, JPG, DOCX

As you can see from the comparison, embedded tools are good for one-off operations, whereas specialized applications benefit from functionality when working with large volumes of documentation.

Quality setting and image processing

Regardless of the method chosen, the quality of the original image is critical. Lighting is the most important factor. Try to scan documents in bright but diffuse light to avoid sharp shadows and glare.

Put a document in a contrasting background, and if you're scanning a white piece of paper, put it on a dark surface of a table, and this will help the automatic framing algorithms to define the boundaries of the document more precisely.

Keep your phone parallel to the surface of the document. Sloping can distort the proportions of the text, making it difficult to read and recognize. Many applications have an auto-alignment feature, but it's better to make a quality source.

Secrets of the Perfect Scan
To improve the readability of small print, use Magic Color or Contrast Increase mode in the editor settings. If the document is crumpled, try smoothing it out or use the VFlat app, which virtually aligns the text.

Once you've created a picture, be sure to use the built-in editing tools. Cutting the extra fields, rotating the image, and filtering the color (e.g., translating into b/b) make the document more presentable and easier to read.

⚠️ Warning: When scanning glossy documents (such as laminated certificates or photos), avoid flashing. The flash will create a large white spot that will obscure information. Use only natural or room light.

Saving and transferring scanned files

Once a document has been scanned and processed, it must be saved correctly, and the PDF format is the standard for text documents, as it keeps layout and looks the same on any device.

If you plan to edit text in the future, choose a format that supports text. OCR or save a copy in an editable format (DOCX), If the app allows it, you can archive your document photos in a format that's fine. JPG high-quality.

File transfers can also be done in a variety of ways: You can send a document via instant messengers, email, or use Mi Drop (now Xiaomi Share) to quickly transfer to other Xiaomi devices without loss of quality.

To organize the order in the file system, create a separate folder β€œScans” and sort documents by date or category, which will save you time in the future when you need to find a specific help or contract.

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Using Google Drive (Mi Cloud) to save scans ensures that your documents are not lost even in the event of a phone loss or breakdown.

How to scan documents in the Mi Cloud application?
Open the Security or Files app, find the Mi Cloud section, which often has a document download feature, but direct scanning is best done through the Scanner, and then select the Mi Cloud as a save location when exporting the file.
Can I scan documents without the internet?
Yes, the built-in Scanner app and most third-party apps work offline, but text recognition (OCR) and cloud synchronization will require Wi-Fi or mobile internet connections.
Why is the scan blurry?
The main reasons are: polluted camera, poor lighting, shaking hands or low resolution in the application settings. Wipe the lens, provide stable light and keep the phone still at the time of the shot.
Where are the scanned files stored on Xiaomi?
By default, files are saved in the Gallery folder in the Scanner or Documents album. In the file manager, the path usually looks like Internal Storage/MIUI/scan or Internal Storage/DCIM/Camera, depending on the application used.
How to remove watermark in CamScanner?
In the free version, watermarking is a must-have, and can be removed by paying for a Premium subscription, and the alternative is to use watermark-free apps like Adobe Scan or Xiaomi’s built-in scanner.