Download a Scanner App
Before you can scan a document with your smartphone, you will need to download a mobile scanning app.
These apps allow you to take a picture of your document and turn it into a file you can easily send or upload, usually a PDF or photo image.
Here are a few popular scanner apps you can download for free:
- Tiny Scanner (Android and iPhone)
- Adobe Scan (Android and iPhone)
- Microsoft Lens (Android and iPhone)
To find one of these apps, open the app store on your phone (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iPhone), search for the app name, and download it.
Steps for Scanning
1. Use a Flat Surface
Place the document you want to scan on a flat surface like a desk or table.
Make sure the document is as smooth as possible — no wrinkles or folds.Scan the Document
Open the scanner app you downloaded.
Follow the simple instructions inside the app.
You will usually need to hold your phone directly above the document and take a clear photo.
Tip: Some apps will guide you by drawing a box around your paper!
Save and Upload
After you scan the document:
The app will let you save it as a PDF or photo file on your phone.
You can email the file to yourself or upload it to a website if needed.
Some apps also let you save it directly to a cloud storage app like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud.
Important: Before sending or uploading, check your scan to make sure it’s clear and all words are easy to read!

Tips for Best Quality Scans
Scanning documents with a phone is fast and easy, but the quality depends on a few simple things:
Make sure there is bright light on your document.
If the room is too dark or there are shadows, parts of your document might be hard to read.
Hold your phone directly above the document — not at an angle.
This helps the scan look flat and clean.
Some apps may even tell you to adjust your phone if you are not holding it straight.
Questions?
If you need more assistance, call us at (405) 900-4525, ext. 1.
We’re happy to help!