MC1192663 High
(Updated) SharePoint: OneDrive and SharePoint – recognize text in PDFs
Summary AI-generated
OneDrive mobile now offers built-in OCR to convert scanned PDFs into editable, searchable text for all iOS and Android users, rolling out from early January to early February 2026.
Suggested actions AI-generated
- Inform helpdesk staff
- Update OneDrive mobile documentation
Written by Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1) from the text of the post below. It can be incomplete or wrong; the original post is authoritative.
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Original post from Microsoft
Updated February 27, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
Turn scanned PDF files into editable, searchable text using built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the OneDrive mobile app. This feature helps users reuse information, speed up document workflows, and make content easier to find.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability for Worldwide, GCC, and GCCH: Rollout begins early January 2026 (previously mid-December 2025) and is expected to complete by early February 2026 (previously late January).
[How this affects your organization:]
Who is affected: All users of OneDrive mobile apps on iOS and Android.
What will happen:
- Users can recognize text in scanned PDF files directly within the OneDrive mobile app.
- The feature is enabled by default.
- To use the feature:
- Open the OneDrive mobile app.
- Open the scanned PDF you want to make searchable.
- Long-press the page and select Recognize Text (on iOS) or Recognize text (on Android).
- After OCR completes, users will see the message: Text is now selectable.
[What you can do to prepare:]
- No action is required from admins.
- Some users may see this feature before others as rollout progresses.
- Communicate this change to helpdesk staff to assist users with the new functionality.
- Update internal documentation if you provide guidance on OneDrive mobile features.
Learn more: How to use optical character recognition to read PDFs in OneDrive - Microsoft Support
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified; review as appropriate for your organization.
Additional details from Microsoft
- Summary
- OneDrive mobile apps on iOS and Android will enable built-in OCR to recognize text in scanned PDFs, making them editable and searchable. Rollout begins January 2026, completes by early February. The feature is default-enabled, requires no admin action, and helps improve document workflows.