Help: common scanning problems and fixes
The most frequent issues when scanning with a phone, and how to solve them. If you are still stuck, send us a question at the bottom of this page.
Why won't the camera open?
If the page is open inside Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, tap the ⋯ menu and choose Open in browser. Check the camera permission of your browser in the phone settings. As a fallback, take the photo with the camera app and use Upload images.
I tapped Download PDF but cannot find the file
In-app browsers often block downloads: use Share PDF or open the page in Safari or Chrome. On iPhone the file is in the Files app, Downloads folder; on Android it is in the Download folder.
The crop does not match the page
Drag the 4 dots onto the corners; a magnifier helps you place them precisely. Next time, use a dark background and shoot straight from above.
The scan has glare, shadows or faint text
Turn on Auto fix or choose Monochrome for printed text. When shooting, turn off the flash and tilt the phone slightly. Fully washed-out areas cannot be recovered by any software.
How do I install the scanner as an app?
Android: tap Install app at the top of the page. iPhone: open it in Safari, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen. It keeps working offline.
Why is scanning many pages slow?
Each page is processed on your device to keep your documents private, so older phones are slower. Split long documents into files of about 20 pages.