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Your iPhone Has 3 Built-in Document Scanners—Yes, Really! Here’s How to Use These Hidden Features

Scanning documents and photos sometimes seems pretty old-school, like sending a fax. But it’s surprising how often you need a scanner. Maybe your bank needs a signature, you have to scan W-2s and pay stubs for a mortgage application or you need to scan and save receipts for your home business.

I usually discover I need a scanner soon after I’ve congratulated myself for offloading that ugly old printer-scanner combo that was gathering dust in my spare bedroom. Depending on the document that needs scanning and how important I think the quality needs to be, I typically take a picture on my phone, then text or email it to the recipient, or go to FedEx or the UPS Store and have them do it.

Well, color me shocked to learn that I have had a scanner on my phone this entire time! Like, a real scanner that actually scans—not takes a picture that I have to crop and try to fix the lighting and shadows and then pray that the recipient will take pity on my very substandard offering.

If you have an iPhone, you have a scanner too. Most of us actually have two or even three scanners, if you can believe it. Ahead, I’ll show you where to find them and how they work. Read on to learn how to scan things on your iPhone without downloading a third-party app.

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Why are third-party scanners problematic?

For one thing, third-party scanners often cost money. My iPhone bill is big enough already, so why would I pay $5 or $10 a month for something that’s already included on my phone? And even though many scanning apps, like the popular AdobeScan, are free to download and use initially, some capabilities (for example, scanning long documents), require an upgrade.

Another perk to the built-in iPhone scanners is that they keep your documents more private, in that you’re not introducing yet another company into the chain. When you sign up for third-party apps, you have to agree to additional terms and conditions beyond what you already have agreed to with Apple. I’m not saying scanner companies will use your info for nefarious purposes, but why add additional eyes when it’s not necessary?

It’s also just easier. With iPhone scanners, there’s no downloading from the App Store and no signing up for yet another service. Anytime I can avoid filling out a form, entering my contact info and email address (and verifying that email address), I’m all in. And if you already have tons of apps eating up your data, why get another one?

Where are the built-in scanners hidden in your iPhone?

Your iPhone has three scanners, one in the Preview app, one in the Files app and one in the Notes app. They use the same scanning interface, but getting to them takes a slightly different approach. (We have step-by-step instructions coming up.) They have the same capabilities as third-party scanners, automatically detecting and capturing your document, cropping out the background and allowing you to save or send them as needed.

The one in the Preview app is probably a little more straightforward, since as soon as you open the app, you’re given the option to Scan Documents. There’s very little room for error because you don’t have to tap through menus to find it.

Do all iPhones have these features?

The Notes and Files app scanners have been around for many years, starting with iOS 11. The Preview one is brand new with iOS 26, which was released in September 2026. So as long as you’re not running a really ancient operating system, your phone should have scanning capabilities.

How do you use the Preview scanner?

To use the Preview scanner, navigate to the Preview icon, which is the one with the photographer’s loupe against a blue background. You can also search for Preview in your App search.

  1. Open Preview.
  2. Tap “Scan Documents.”
  3. Position your document.
  4. Allow your phone to capture the image automatically (then skip to Step 8).
  5. Alternatively, turn off Auto Shutter to manually scan. (The selection button is on the screen.)
  6. Press the Shutter to scan manually.
  7. Drag the corners to fit the document edges (manual scan only).
  8. Save or retake the image once the scan is complete.

Preview scans can be saved in the Cloud, Files, Documents or anywhere else you’d like to keep the scan.

How do you use the Notes scanner?

The built-in Notes app is nearly as easy as the Preview scanner, but there are a couple more steps. Here’s how to scan a document in Notes.

  1. Open Notes.
  2. Open an existing Note, or tap the square-and-pencil icon to start a new Note.
  3. Tap the paperclip icon to open the attachment menu.
  4. Tap “Scan Documents.”
  5. Position your document.
  6. Allow your phone to capture the image automatically, then skip to step 10.
  7. Alternatively, turn off Auto Shutter to manually scan. (The selection button is on the screen.)
  8. Press the Shutter to scan manually.
  9. Drag the corners to fit the document edges (manual scan only).
  10. Save or retake the image once the scan is complete.

Notes scans are saved as new Notes, but you can move them to other locations.

How do you use the Files scanner?

The built-in scanning option in the Files app is very similar to the other options on your iPhone. Navigate to the Files app, then follow these steps.

  1. Open Files.
  2. Tap the three dots in the upper right.
  3. Tap “Scan Documents.”
  4. Position your document.
  5. Allow your phone to capture the image automatically, then skip to step 9.
  6. Alternatively, turn off Auto Shutter to manually scan. (The selection button is on the screen.)
  7. Press the Shutter to scan manually.
  8. Drag the corners to fit the document edges (manual scan only).
  9. Save or retake the image once the scan is complete.

Like with Preview, scans taken in the Files app can be saved in multiple locations within your folder hierarchy.

Do Androids have a similar feature?

Yes. On Google Pixel phones, scanning is available through the Camera app or the Drive app. On Samsung Galaxy phones, you can use the Camera app to scan and the Gallery app to edit the document. Then, export your document as a pdf in the Samsung Notes app.

Sources:

  • Apple: “Scan text and documents in Preview on iPhone”
  • Apple: “How to scan documents on your iPhone or iPad”
  • Google: “Scan documents with your Pixel phone or tablet”
  • Samsung Galaxy: “Scan and edit documents on your Galaxy phone or tablet”

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The post Your iPhone Has 3 Built-in Document Scanners—Yes, Really! Here’s How to Use These Hidden Features appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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