Our smartphones have transformed into versatile tools, replacing everyday items such as wallets, car keys, and now scanners. The built-in camera feature of your iPhone unlocks scanning capabilities. You can effortlessly scan documents, QR codes, and more, making it easy to digitize physical files, access restaurant menus, or compare grocery prices. This guide will explain how to leverage the scanning feature on your iPhone.
Scanning Documents Using an iPhone
The primary method of scanning a document with an iPhone is integrated into the in-built Notes app of iOS. To begin, open the app and initiate a new note. Click on the camera icon located in the bottom menu bar, select Scan Documents, then aim your phone’s camera at the document you wish to scan.
Photo by Julia Mercado / BuyTechBlog
The device will automatically scan the document, but you can manually control the process by clicking the white button at the bottom of the screen or pressing the volume button, similar to capturing a photograph.
For multi-page documents, repeat the scanning procedure for each page. When finished, hit the Save button in the bottom right corner. If you need to revise or edit a scan, click on the stack icon in the bottom left corner. The scanned pages will be stored together as one note in your library.
Photo by Julia Mercado / BuyTechBlog
You can also use your iPhone to convert the text in your document into a separate note. Tap and hold on the text in your scanned document, highlight the text you want to convert, and create a new note or copy the text into an existing note.
Scanning a QR Code Using an iPhone
To scan a QR code, open the Camera and point it towards the QR code. Click the generated link beneath the code to directly navigate to your browser, leading you to the website or PDF linked by the QR code.
Alternatively, you can use the Code Scanner built into iOS. Navigate to settings, select Control Center, and click on the green plus icon next to Code Scanner to add it to your Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of your home screen and select the Code Scanner. The icon is a small QR code framed by four corners.
Photo by Julia Mercado / BuyTechBlog
This selection will open a version of your camera. Just align the code within the four white corners and wait. The Code Scanner will automatically display the linked content in your browser.
Scanning a Barcode Using an iPhone
While iPhones do not currently support barcode scanning natively, numerous third-party applications provide this function. Each app offers different capabilities depending on the barcode. For instance, Goodreads is useful for cataloguing books in your library. ShopSavvy can assist you in finding discounts on potential purchases, while Barcode Scanner allows you to look up any item, save it to your history, and even generate your own QR codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about iPhone scanning
How can I scan a document using my iPhone?
You can scan a document using your iPhone’s in-built Notes app. Simply open the app, start a new note and tap the camera icon in the bottom menu bar. Then select ‘Scan Documents’ and point your phone’s camera at the document you wish to scan. You can either let the camera auto-scan the document or manually capture the scan using the white button at the bottom of the screen or the volume button. For multi-page documents, repeat the process for each page and hit the ‘Save’ button when finished.
How do I scan a QR code with an iPhone?
To scan a QR code, open the Camera app on your iPhone and aim it at the QR code. Then tap the link that appears beneath the code to be directed to the linked site or PDF. Alternatively, you can use the Code Scanner built into iOS by adding it to your Control Center from the settings, then selecting the Code Scanner from the Control Center, and pointing your camera at the QR code.
Can I scan barcodes with my iPhone?
While iPhones do not have native support for barcode scanning, there are several third-party apps that can perform this function. Apps such as Goodreads, ShopSavvy, and Barcode Scanner can all scan barcodes, with each offering different capabilities depending on the type of barcode and your requirements.
Can I extract text from a scanned document on my iPhone?
Yes, your iPhone has the capability to extract text from a scanned document. After scanning the document, tap and hold on the text in your scanned document, then highlight the portion you wish to extract. You can then create a new note from the extracted text or copy and paste the text into an existing note.
More about iPhone scanning
- Apple Support: Use the Notes app to scan documents
- Apple Support: How to use QR codes
- Barcode Scanner App
- Goodreads App
- ShopSavvy App
3 comments
nice! Been looking for a way to scan documents with my iPhone. gona try this out.
Wow! This is informative. can’t believe I’ve been using my iPhone for years and never knew about all this.
oh wow, this is a game changer for me, always hated carrying around a scanner! Now all I need is my iPhone…so good!