How to Scan on iPhone in 3 Ways – Ultimate Guide

Amit Kumar Pathak Amit Kumar Pathak/ Updated: Sep 26, 2024
9 min read
scan on iPhone

Did you know, an average person unlocks their phone over 80 times a day? With smartphones becoming an integral part of daily lives, it’s no surprise that millions of people rely on them for everything from communication to entertainment.

But did you know that an iPhone can also be used as a powerful scanning tool? That’s right, with just a few taps, you can turn your phone into a portable scanner, making everyday tasks easier and more efficient.

In fact, according to a survey by Adobe, over 70% of professionals use their smartphones for work-related tasks, including scanning documents. And with over one billion active iPhones worldwide, that’s a lot of potential scanners!

So how exactly does scanning on an iPhone work? Go through this guide, we’ll show you how to digitize your world with just a few taps on your iPhone or how to scan with your iPhone in 3 ways. Also, if you want to know What TFW Means On iPhone in 2024, then you should read this piece of information.

What’s the Point of Scanning Documents/Paperwork?

Scanning documents may not sound like the most glamorous task, but it can be of significant importance. Gone are the days of cluttered file cabinets and lost paperwork. By scanning documents, you can digitize important information and have it readily accessible at your fingertips.

Having a digital copy of documents is quite a convenient way. It not only helps to store them but also keeps them in an organized way. Now, you will be wondering how. The answer is simple, it eliminates the need for physical storage space and reduces paper waste, contributing to a more eco-friendly environment.

Most importantly, traditionally it was hard to share them with one or more individuals. But technology deserves applause. Because scanned documents can easily be shared with others through email or cloud storage services.

As an outcome, it streamlines collaboration processes in both personal and professional settings, leaving the hassle of physical document exchange behind.

How to Scan With iPhone With 5 Methods?

Next time you need to scan a document or capture an image, reach for your iPhone instead of a traditional scanner. Not only will it save time and money, but it will also make life easier and more organized. 

In this section learn 5 methods concerning how to scan on iPhone:

Method 1: Utilize the Notes App to Scan and Save Important Documents

Scanning documents has never been easier with the Notes app on your iOS or Android. With just a few simple steps, you can quickly scan any document and save it as a PDF file for easy sharing and storage.

Follow the steps below to learn how to scan a document on iPhone using the Notes app:

  1. First, to scan document with iPhone, navigate to your iOS device’s home screen and open the Notes app. This is typically pre-installed on most devices.
  1. Next, tap on “New Note”.
    Tap on New Note
  1. Once you have created it, tap on the camera icon located below. 
    Tap on camera icon located below
  1. This will open a menu with different options for adding media to the note. From the option’s menu, select “Scan Documents”. This will activate your device’s camera and allow capturing images of documents.
    Select Scan Documents
  1. Position your document within the camera frame and ensure alignment within the screen’s yellow bounding box. The app should automatically detect and capture the edges of the document.
    Ensure alignment within the screen's yellow bounding box

This is how you can scan documents or images with the Notes app. If needed, you can manually adjust the corners of the bounding box to make sure all edges are captured correctly.

Scanning multiple documents is possible. Yes, you heard it right. But how? Once you’re satisfied with the scan, tap on “Keep Scan” to save it or “Retake” if you need to rescan.

Method 2: Scan Documents with Ease Using a Third-Party Scanner App on Your iPhone

Looking to elevate your scanning game on your iPhone? Method 2 has got you covered! By utilizing a third-party scanner app, unlock a plethora of advanced features in addition to the basic functionalities of the native apps.

Beyond that, integration with cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, sharing and storing your scanned documents becomes effortless.

Here is the process:

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “scanner apps”. There are many different options available, so choose one that has good ratings and reviews.
  1. Download and install the scanner app and launch it.
  1. Place the piece of writing or image you want to scan on a flat surface with good lighting. Make sure there are no shadows or obstructions on the document.
  1. In the scanner app, tap on the camera icon to take a picture of the document. Keep this in mind, some apps may also have an option to import an existing photo from your camera roll.
  1. Adjust the corners of the document in the frame to make sure it is aligned properly.
  1. Now, tap on the “scan” button to capture an image of the document.
  1. The app will then process and enhance the image to make it look more like a scanned document.
  2. Crop or rotate the image if needed, and adjust any filters or settings for better quality.
  1. Once you are satisfied with the scanned image, save it by tapping on the “save” or “export” button in the app.
  1. Access the scanned document from your phone’s photo gallery or within the scanner app itself. From there, you can email, print, or share the document as needed.

Names of some scanning apps for iPhone users are:

  • Adobe Scan
  • CamScanner
  • Microsoft Office Lens 
  • FineScanner 
  • Genius Scan
  • SwiftScan 
  • OCR Scanner  
  • FP Scanner 
  • Scanner Pro by Readdle
  • Doc Scanner 
  • Evernote Scannable

These specialized apps not only offer enhanced editing tools like cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness but also ensure that the scanned documents look impeccable. Say goodbye to dull scans with these powerful customization options at your fingertips!

So, it’s your call to take advantage of these convenient solutions for a more streamlined workflow when managing important paperwork on-the-go!

Method 3: Make Use of Your iPhone’s Camera 

How to scan with iphone camera? Just like you did in the Notes app, this method of scanning is easy. But, the bummer is there are limited customization options.

Besides this, let’s see how to scan using iPhone’s camera:

  1. Start by launching the “Camera” app.
  2. Now, take a snap of the document or image you wish to scan.
  3. At the last, edit the scanned image or document as you want it to be. 

With this method, you can easily digitize physical papers in a few simple steps.

How to Scan a QR Code With an iPhone?

Scanning a QR code with your iPhone is quick and convenient. To scan a code that looks like QR code, there are 2 ways:

Option 1:

  1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open “Control Center”.
  2. In the Control Center, tap on the “QR Code Reader” icon to enable it. The icon looks like a square with smaller squares inside.
  3. Frame the code in the four white corners, hold it up to the QR code, and wait. 
  4. You will automatically be sent to the QR code links.

Option 2:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Hold your phone steady and position it so that the QR code is within the frame of the camera.
  3. The Camera app will automatically detect and focus on the QR code, but if it doesn’t, tap on the screen to focus on it manually.

Tips for Better Scanning Results

Tip for Better Scanning Results

Concerning achieving optimal scanning results on iPhone, there are some tips and tricks that can make a significant difference in the quality of the scans. Here are a few tips on how to scan with iPhone:

  • Make sure you are scanning documents and images under good lighting. For this purpose, natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, consider using a well-lit room or even a desk lamp to eliminate shadows.
  • Maintain a steady hand when capturing the image to avoid blurriness. If you have one, use a tripod or prop up your iPhone against a stable surface for clearer scans.
  • Cleaning the camera lens before starting to scan can make documents or images with clarity. This is suggested because dust or smudges on the lens can affect the clarity of the scanned documents.
  • Moreover, adjust the settings on the scanning app or camera to achieve the best resolution and contrast for each document type you’re scanning.
  • Take multiple shots of the same document from different angles to ensure that it captures all details accurately and minimizes any potential errors in the final scan.

Conclusion with Future Possibilities

In the world of scanning on iPhone, it’s clear that this technology is redefining how you manage documents in the digital age. With the convenience of scanning at the fingertips, the future possibilities are endless.

Many wonders, how to scan a document on iPhone in an organized way. For them, nowadays, you can imagine a world where all the important documents are neatly organized and easily accessible with just a few taps on your iPhone. 

This technology opens up new avenues for efficiency and productivity in both personal and professional settings.

With advancements in AI and machine learning, you can expect even more intelligent scanning capabilities on iPhones. From enhanced text recognition to automatic organization features, the future holds exciting prospects for document management on mobile devices.

Also Read: How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone? 5 Easy Steps with Pictures

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scan multiple pages into one document on my iPhone?

Yes, you can easily scan multiple pages into one document using the methods mentioned in this guide on how to scan on iPhone. 

Is it possible to scan documents in color?

Yes, you can scan documents in color, grayscale, or black and white. Even, there is an option to choose the preferred scanning mode within the scanning interface.

Is editing scanned documents on an iPhone possible?

The scanning feature on iPhone primarily focuses on capturing documents. But for editing purposes, you can use apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word to edit and annotate.

Is it safe and secure to scan sensitive documents or in general scan on iPhone?

Scanning documents on an iPhone is generally safe and secure as long as you take precautions such as using reputable scanner apps and ensuring the device has adequate security measures in place. 

Are there any limitations to scanning documents on an iPhone?

There may be limitations in terms of file formats supported or advanced editing features compared to dedicated scanners. However, for most of the scanning needs, the iPhone is more than capable.

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