How to scan documents with your Android

You're working from home when you get a message from your colleagues. They need a copy of a sales contract that's in your possession. The problem: You don't have a scanner. Fear not—your Android™ phone comes packed with features that can turn any paper document into a PDF file.

Asurion Experts help you get the most from your favorite devices. Whether you need to screen record or want tips on using Android shortcuts, we have a solution. Here's how to scan documents on Android in just a few steps.

Preparing your device for scanning

Before initiating the scanning process, verify that you have adequate lighting in your space. Position the document so it's free from glare or shadows, and clear away any nearby clutter. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any grime on the lens that might cause camera issues.

Once you're satisfied with your setup, open your preferred scanning app. Samsung® phones let you scan actual documents directly from the camera app. Google Drive™ is another option that comes pre-installed on most Android phones. Alternatives include Microsoft™ Lens and Adobe® Scan, which can be downloaded from the Google Play™ store.

How to scan documents on Android devices with your camera

1. Open Camera.
2. Position your document in line with the viewfinder.
3. Tap Scan. Wait for the scanning process to complete.
4. Tap Save. If you're unhappy with the result, tap Retake to repeat the process.
5. The image saves to the Gallery.

To edit the scan and convert it to a PDF in Samsung Notes, take these steps.

1. Open Samsung Notes.
2. Tap New note > Attach > Image.
3. Tap Gallery and select the document. Tap Done.
4. Tap More options > Save as file.
5. Tap PDF file. Select the folder to save it to. 
6. Tap Done.  

How to scan a document on Android with Google Drive

1. Open Google Drive.
2. Tap + > Scan > Camera.
3. Position your document in line with the viewfinder.
4. Tap Scan document. 
5. If you need to edit the result, tap Clean > Apply. 
6. Tap Done. Tap Save, Download, or Share based on your preferences.

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Scanning documents with Microsoft Lens

Microsoft Lens offers advanced editing tools. It allows you to easily transfer scans into Word®, OneNote®, and OneDrive®, which is a plus if those tools are part of your workflow. It's a free app available for download through the Google Play store. 

1. Open Microsoft Lens.
2. Tap Document.
3. Position your document in line with the viewfinder.
4. Tap the round Camera button to capture the scan.
5. Make any necessary editing adjustments using the displayed tools. Tap Done.
6. Select a location to store your scan. Tap Save.

Scanning documents with Adobe Scan

If you want to scan a document and automatically convert it to a PDF, Adobe Scan is a great choice. It's free to use with minimal editing tools, but advanced features require a paid subscription. You can download Adobe Scan through the Google Play store. 

1. Open Adobe Scan. 
2. Tap Camera > Document. 
3. Position your document in line with the viewfinder. Keep your device steady until the scan finishes.
4. Use the available editing tools to clean up the scan if necessary.
5. Tap Continue > Save PDF.
6. The document saves to Adobe Cloud Storage. To modify the file location, tap More and select from the available options. 

Capturing a high-quality scan

Scanning a document with a smartphone is similar to taking a picture. The wrong image perspective or unfavorable lighting can drastically impact the final result. To improve image quality, follow these steps.

Align your document

Lay your document flat on a table so it's clearly visible. Avoid placing it in areas with direct sunlight or harsh lighting.

Adjust focus and clarity

The built-in camera and other apps allow you to zoom in or out on an image. Use your fingers to adjust the viewfinder so it captures the entire document.

Crop and adjust borders

Scanning tools automatically detect your document's borders, but they're not always correct. You may need to adjust the border manually so the final scan doesn't include the background. 

Sharing and exporting your scanned files

After scanning a document with your Android device, you can export it and send it to others. To send the file via email, follow these steps.

1. Open your preferred email app.
2. Start a new email.
3. Locate the scan in its saved location and attach it to the email.
4. Complete the email message and send it to the chosen recipient.

You can access scans saved to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive by logging into your account from a connected device.