(Updated) SharePoint: OneDrive and SharePoint – recognize text in PDFs

OneDrive mobile apps will gain built-in OCR to make scanned PDFs editable and searchable, rolling out worldwide from early January to early February 2026. The feature is enabled by default, requires no admin action, and helps improve document workflows and content findability.

Updated December 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline. 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:
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.