How to scan old photos with your phone

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Scanning old photos with your phone can be easily accomplished using various apps and built-in features. This guide provides detailed methods to ensure high-quality scans, whether you are using iOS or Android devices.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start scanning old photos with your phone, make sure you have the following:
  • •A smartphone with a camera (iOS or Android) with at least 8 MP resolution.
  • •A photo scanning app installed (e.g., Google PhotoScan, Microsoft Office Lens, or Adobe Scan).
  • •Good lighting conditions (natural light or a well-lit room).
  • •A flat surface to place the photos on while scanning.
  • •Optional: A tripod or phone stand for stability.

Method 1: Using Google PhotoScan

Google PhotoScan is a free app designed specifically for scanning photos. It uses your phone's camera to capture images and eliminates glare.
  • •Step 1: Download and install Google PhotoScan from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  • •Step 2: Open the app and grant necessary permissions (camera and storage). You will see a screen with a camera view.
  • •Step 3: Position your photo within the frame and tap the capture button. The app will guide you to capture multiple points to eliminate glare.
  • •Step 4: Once scanning is complete, the app will process the images. You can verify the scan by checking the preview.
  • •Step 5: If the scan is unsatisfactory, repeat the process or adjust the lighting.

For Windows 11

While Google PhotoScan is primarily a mobile app, you can transfer scanned images to Windows 11 via cloud services like Google Drive.
  • •Step 1: Open Google Drive on your Windows 11 PC.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to the folder where your scans are saved.
  • •Step 3: Download the images to your PC.

For Windows 10

Similar to Windows 11, use Google Drive to access your scans.
  • •Step 1: Open Google Drive on your Windows 10 PC.
  • •Step 2: Locate your scanned images.
  • •Step 3: Right-click on the images and select 'Download' to save them to your PC.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Office Lens

Microsoft Office Lens is another excellent tool for scanning photos, especially if you also want to convert them to PDF or Word documents.
  • •Step 1: Download and install Microsoft Office Lens from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  • •Step 2: Open the app and select 'Photo' mode.
  • •Step 3: Frame your photo and tap the capture button. The app will automatically crop and enhance the image.
  • •Step 4: Review the scan and tap 'Done' to save it.
  • •Step 5: Choose to save it to OneDrive, as a PDF, or directly to your phone.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while scanning, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Unable to access camera' - Solution: Check app permissions in your phone settings and ensure the camera is not being used by another app.
  • •Issue: 'Scan appears blurry' - Fix: Ensure the photo is well-lit and held steady while capturing. Use a tripod if necessary.
  • •Problem: 'Glare on the photo' - Workaround: Adjust the angle of the photo or use a polarizing filter if available.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your scanning experience with these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: N/A - Use voice commands to capture images hands-free if your phone supports it.
  • •Command line: N/A - Not applicable for mobile scanning.
  • •Hidden feature: Use the 'Auto Enhance' feature in scanning apps to improve image quality automatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, use dedicated scanning apps that optimize image quality and reduce glare.