OneDrive File Issues

How to Set Document as the Default Scan Filter in OneDrive

Olivia Miller Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to permanently set the OneDrive mobile app's scanning feature to use the 'Document' filter by default.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Mobile (iOS/Android)
Scenario: Scanning physical documents using the camera function inside the OneDrive mobile app.
Observed behavior: The scanning feature defaults to the 'Lighten' filter, and there is currently no apparent setting in the app to make 'Document' the permanent default filter.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive mobile app is updated to the latest version, as Microsoft frequently updates app interfaces, automatic detection algorithms, and feature sets.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Select the Filter and Submit a Feature Request

Since there is no permanent setting to change the default filter, you must manually select 'Document' for your scans and use the in-app feedback tool to request this feature from Microsoft.

Currently, Microsoft OneDrive uses an auto-detect algorithm that defaults to filters like 'Lighten' depending on lighting conditions. There is no built-in toggle to override this behavior permanently.

Manually select the Document filter

Open the OneDrive app, tap the camera icon to start a scan, and manually swipe the filter options at the bottom of the screen to select 'Document' before confirming your scan.

Open Help and Feedback

Navigate to the main screen of the OneDrive app and tap your profile picture (avatar) located in the top-left corner. From the side menu, select 'Help and Feedback'.

Report a Problem

Tap on 'Report a Problem' or 'Suggest a Feature'. Type a brief message explaining that you would like the ability to set 'Document' as the default permanent scanning filter, and submit your request.

Manually Select the Filter and Submit a Feature Request

Batch Scanning: If you are scanning multiple pages in a single session by tapping 'Add', the app will temporarily remember your manually selected 'Document' filter for the remaining pages in that specific batch.

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Try WPS Office for Built-in Document Scanning

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OneDrive app remember my last used scan filter?

No, the OneDrive mobile app currently does not remember your last used scan filter between sessions. It relies on its automatic detection system, which often resets the filter to 'Lighten' or 'Whiteboard' based on the camera's environmental assessment.

Why does my OneDrive scan always default to the 'Lighten' filter?

The OneDrive app uses an automatic lighting detection algorithm designed to improve overall readability. When it detects shadows or poor lighting, it defaults to the 'Lighten' filter to make the text more legible, even if 'Document' might look more natural.

Will Microsoft add a default scan filter setting to OneDrive?

Microsoft continually updates its apps based on user feedback. While they have not officially announced a permanent default scan filter setting, users submitting feature requests via the 'Help and Feedback' section significantly increases the likelihood of it being added in future updates.

Document & File Issues