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MC1192663: OneDrive and SharePoint recognize text in PDFs

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Update

Home » Update » MC1192663: OneDrive and SharePoint recognize text in PDFs

Summary

  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) will be added to the OneDrive mobile app, enabling users to convert scanned PDF files into editable, searchable text.
  • The feature is automatically enabled for all users of OneDrive mobile apps on iOS and Android.
  • To use the feature, users will open a scanned PDF, long-press the page, and select the “Recognize Text” option.
  • After OCR is complete, users will receive a notification that “Text is now selectable.”
  • No action is required from admins, but informing helpdesk staff of the new functionality is recommended.

Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 01 Dec 2025
Release End: 31 Jan 2026
Services: OneDrive
Category: Stay informed
Tags: New Feature, User Adoption

History

12/6/2025 Item Added to Message Center

Microsoft Message

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 mid-December 2025 and is expected to complete by late January 2026.

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:

  1. Open the OneDrive mobile app.
  2. Open the scanned PDF you want to make searchable.
  3. Long-press the page and select Recognize Text (on iOS) or Recognize text (on Android).
  4. 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: We will update this post with new documentation when it becomes available.

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified; review as appropriate for your organization.