How to scan documents on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to send a copy of their passport, contract or check via email. The built-in MIUI operating system allows them to do so in a couple of touches without requiring additional software. The standard camera app is optimized for recognizing paper edges and automatically improving text readability.

Many users are unaware of the hidden functionality that turns a regular lens into a powerful office tool. Understanding how to scan documents on Xiaomi will save you time and eliminate the need to search for photoshop or special programs in the Play Market.

Use of built-in scanner in the Camera application

The fastest way to get a digital copy of paper is to use the regular Camera app, which already contains the necessary image processing algorithms in the MIUI shell, and you don't need to download anything, because the functionality is built into the system software by default.

Launch the app and find Documents Mode. If you can't see it swipe left or right on the home screen, click More and select the appropriate icon, and the camera automatically determines the boundaries of the sheet and prompts you to take a picture.

After pressing the shutter button, the system will suggest you choose a save format, you can leave the image as a photo or immediately convert it to PDF, which is especially convenient for generating multi-page reports without using third-party converters.

  • πŸ“„ Open the Camera app on the main screen.
  • πŸ” Switch to Documents mode via the menu More.
  • πŸ“Έ Point the lens over the text and wait for automatic capture.
  • πŸ’Ύ Save the file in the gallery or send it to the messenger immediately.

It is important to note that the quality of the scan depends on the lighting, and try to avoid glare on the glossy surface of documents, as they can make part of the text unreadable.

Customization of quality and preservation formats

For professional use, it is important to understand the difference between output formats. A standard camera often saves files in JPG format, which is good for pictures, but not ideal for text. However, in scan mode, Xiaomi offers optimization.

You can find a text enhancer in the camera settings. The AI Document algorithm removes shadows and aligns perspective, making the image look like a scanner. If you want a black and white version to save space, select the appropriate filter before saving.

Secrets of the PDF format
The PDF format preserves the structure of the document and allows you to combine several pages into a single file, which is impossible when saving individual JPG images without additional processing.

If standard settings don’t work, try changing the resolution in the general settings of the application. High resolution will allow you to zoom in on text without losing character clarity when printing.

πŸ’‘

Use a tripod or elbow around the table when scanning to avoid lubricating the image due to hand shaking.

Not everyone knows that you can scan not only at the time of shooting, but also after the fact. If you have already photographed a document with a regular camera, the Gallery app on Xiaomi can process such pictures, which saves when there was no Documents mode at hand.

Open the image, click on the More button (three dots), and select the Scan or Recognise text option, and the system will analyze the image, align the edges, and improve contrast, and it works as a full-fledged post-processing.

This feature is particularly useful for extracting text from images, so you can copy the scanned text into the clipboard and paste it into notes or messages, and the accuracy of Russian and English recognition is quite high.

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Open the photo of the document in the Gallery appendix.
  • βš™οΈ Click on the Action menu and select Scan.
  • βœ‚οΈ The system will automatically cut the extra fields and level the sheet.
  • πŸ“ Copy the recognized text or save the processed file.
πŸ“Š What is the most common way you scan documents?
Xiaomi's built-in camera
Google Lens app
Third-party scanner (CamScanner)
Through the IFI office

Alternative apps from Google Play

Staffing is good for household tasks, but it often requires advanced features. Third-party applications like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens or TurboScan provide more flexible settings. They allow you to manage color reproduction, remove stains, and automatically upload files to the cloud.

Installing third-party software is justified if you need to process large amounts of documentation regularly. QR-codes, business cards and even tables, converting them to an editable Excel format.

When choosing an application, pay attention to the permissions it requests. The scanner only needs access to the camera and storage. If the program requires access to contacts or location without an obvious need, it is worth considering data security.

β˜‘οΈ Scanner selection criteria

Done: 0 / 4

Comparison of scanning methods on Xiaomi

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand when to use the built-in camera and when to turn to third-party solutions.

MethodQuality of processingSpeed of operationOCR presence
Documents regimeHigh.Instantly.Basic
Gallery (post-processing)Average.Quickly.There is.
Google LensExcellent.Middle-AverageAdvanced.
Third-party annexesProfessionalDepends on the software.Complete.

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi’s built-in tools cover 90% of the needs of the average user, but for specific tasks such as batch processing or complex recognition, specialized utilities are better suited.

Elimination and advice for improvement

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the camera does not see the border of the document or scans a curve.This can be due to lens contamination or poor background contrast.

If the document is on a motley tablecloth, the algorithm may go wrong. Place the sheet on a monochromatic dark surface so that the boundaries are clearly visible. Also make sure that the frame is free of foreign objects such as hands or handles.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use flash when scanning glossy documents (passport, license). LED-The module will create a white spot that will cover up important information, and it will be impossible to restore it.

You can use digital zoom to improve the readability of small print, but don't overdo it. Double zoom is acceptable, then the quality drops sharply. Better get closer physically.

πŸ’‘

The quality of the scan depends on 80% of the correct lighting and cleanliness of the lens, not the megapeaks of the camera.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you save scanned documents on Xiaomi?
By default, files are saved to the DCIM/Camera folder or to a special Scanner folder in the internal storage, and you can find them through the Explorer app or in the Scanners album in the Gallery.
Can I scan multi-page documents into a single file?
In normal camera mode, each page is saved as a separate photo. PDF-File is more convenient to use the "Documents" mode with the subsequent choice of the option to create PDF third-party.
Why is the text on the scan blurred?
Blurring occurs due to hand movement or poor focusing. Press the screen in the text area to force the camera to focus, and hold the phone still at the time of the shot.
Does a document scanner work without the internet?
Yes, basic scanning and image saving work offline, but text recognition (OCR) and translation functions may require a network connection to process data on servers.