How To Scan A Document With IPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Scanning documents with your iPhone has become incredibly convenient, replacing bulky scanners with a device you already carry everywhere. Whether it’s receipts, contracts, or handwritten notes, your iPhone can quickly create digital copies. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to help you scan documents efficiently using your iPhone.

This article will cover multiple methods, including using the built-in Notes app, the Files app, and even third-party applications. We’ll also discuss tips for optimizing your scans and troubleshooting common issues, making sure you get the best possible results.

What’s the Best Way to Scan Documents Using My iPhone?

Scanning with the Notes App

The Notes app provides a simple and effective way to scan documents directly on your iPhone. Here’s how:

Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
Create a new note or select an existing one.
Tap the camera icon located above the keyboard.
Choose “Scan Documents.”
Position your iPhone over the document you want to scan. The app will automatically detect the edges and capture the image.
If the automatic capture doesn’t work, tap the shutter button manually.
Adjust the corners of the scan if needed by dragging the circles.
Tap “Keep Scan” to save the scanned page.
Repeat steps 5-8 for additional pages.
Tap “Save” when you’re finished scanning all pages. The scanned document will be saved as a PDF within your note.

Scanning with the Files App

The Files app offers another convenient method for scanning documents, especially if you prefer to keep your scans organized in specific folders.

Open the Files app on your iPhone.
Browse to the location where you want to save the scan.
Tap the three dots icon in the upper-right corner.
Select “Scan Documents.”
Position your iPhone over the document. The Files app will automatically detect the edges and capture the scan.
If needed, manually tap the shutter button to capture the scan.
Adjust the corners of the scan by dragging the circles.
Tap “Keep Scan” to save the page.
Continue scanning additional pages as needed.
Tap “Save” when you have scanned all the desired pages. The scanned document will be saved as a PDF in the selected location.

Using Third-Party Scanning Apps

Several third-party apps offer advanced scanning features and enhanced image processing. Some popular options include Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, and ScanPro App. These apps often provide features like optical character recognition (OCR), automatic edge detection, and cloud storage integration. To use these apps:

Download and install a scanning app from the App Store.
Open the app and grant it access to your camera.
Follow the app’s instructions to scan your document. This usually involves positioning your iPhone over the document and tapping a button to capture the image.
Use the app’s editing tools to adjust the scan, crop the edges, and enhance the image.
Save the scanned document to your preferred location, such as your device’s storage or a cloud service.

Tips for Better Scans

Ensure good lighting: Scan documents in a well-lit area to avoid shadows and blurry images.
Clean your camera lens: A clean lens ensures sharper and clearer scans.
Hold your iPhone steady: Avoid shaky hands to prevent blurry scans. Use a document stand if necessary.
Crop carefully: Make sure to crop the edges of the scan accurately to remove any unnecessary background.
Adjust image settings: Most scanning apps allow you to adjust brightness, contrast, and color settings to improve the quality of the scan.

Comparison of Scanning Methods

Feature	Notes App	Files App	Third-Party Apps
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Easy	Varies
Built-In	Yes	Yes	No
Advanced Features	No	No	Yes (OCR, enhanced image processing)
Storage Options	iCloud	iCloud Drive, On My iPhone	Cloud services, device storage
Best For	Quick, simple scans	Organizing scans in specific folders	Advanced features and customization

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

Blurry scans: Ensure good lighting and hold your iPhone steady. Clean your camera lens.
Poor edge detection: Manually adjust the corners of the scan to ensure accurate cropping.
Dark or faded scans: Adjust the brightness and contrast settings in the scanning app.
File size too large: Reduce the image quality or compress the PDF to reduce the file size.
App not working: Restart the app or your iPhone. Check for app updates.

Scanning Documents Made Easy

Scanning documents with your iPhone is a breeze with the right tools and techniques. Whether you use the built-in Notes or Files app, or opt for a third-party scanning app, you can quickly and easily create digital copies of your important documents.

FAQ

How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF on my iPhone? When using the Notes or Files app, tap “Keep Scan” after each page and then “Save” when you’re finished. All pages will be combined into a single PDF document.

Can I scan documents directly to email on my iPhone? Yes, after scanning a document, tap the share icon and choose the Mail app to attach the PDF to a new email.

Is it possible to edit a scanned document on my iPhone? Yes, you can use third-party apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or PDF Expert to edit scanned documents on your iPhone.

How do I improve the quality of my iPhone scans? Ensure good lighting, clean your camera lens, hold your iPhone steady, and adjust the image settings in the scanning app.

Do I need a special app to scan documents on my iPhone? No, you can use the built-in Notes or Files app. However, third-party apps offer more advanced features and customization options.