Latest news with #scanning
CNET
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNET
How to Scan a QR Code Using Any Android Phone or iPhone
QR codes are those square barcode-looking things that when scanned by your iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra or any other phone, can send you straight to a particular webpage or to download an app, all without having to type in a complicated URL. While they used to be a rare sight, many businesses -- especially restaurants -- adopted them during the pandemic as a way of giving easy access to information like menus, without you having to touch anything. Read more: Best Phone to Buy in 2025 They can be great time-savers, but they're not always obvious in how to use them, particularly if you have an older Android phone. Here's how to scan a QR code with any phone. How to scan a QR code on an Android phone As QR codes have become more common, more manufacturers have built QR scanners directly into the default camera app. Most phones (whether iPhone or Android) bought within the past few years will be able to scan them because the function has been built directly into Android and iOS, but if you're using a much older handset on outdated software then you may not. If that's the case, you should also know that it's not safe to use a phone that doesn't receive software updates anymore. Here's how to do it: Open your phone's camera Point it at the QR code, ensuring that it's in focus and can be clearly seen If a link appears on screen, tap it to open Give it a try: Scan this QR code with your phone's camera. Andrew Lanxon/CNET If no link appears it may either be that the camera can't recognise it as a QR code or your phone doesn't support QR code scanning in the camera app. If that's the case you'll need to download a QR code scanner. Best QR code scanner for older Android phones While there are loads of QR scanners available for free in the Google Play store, the best option is Google's own Google Lens, which offers a variety of text scanning and translation tools but also has a QR scanner. Download and install the app (if it isn't already a default app on your phone) and when you open it, grant permission to use the camera. Got a scanner? Scan that code! Andrew Lanxon/CNET Then, point it at your QR code and the app will reveal the hidden information, be it a website link or whatever. Keep the scanner app in a location you'll remember as you'll need to use it whenever you want to scan a QR code.
Geeky Gadgets
22-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Did You Know? Your iPhone Is a Powerful Document Scanner!
Are you still relying on third-party scanner apps to manage your documents? If so, it's time to rethink your approach. Your iPhone already comes equipped with powerful, built-in tools that can scan, edit, organize, and share documents seamlessly. By using the Notes and Files apps, you can streamline your workflow without the need for extra downloads. These native tools offer a practical, secure, and cost-effective solution for document management. The video below from DHTV will help you unlock their full potential and make the most of your iPhone's capabilities. Watch this video on YouTube. How to Scan Documents with the Notes App The Notes app is a versatile and user-friendly tool for scanning documents. It's perfect for quick, on-the-go tasks like capturing receipts, handwritten notes, or single-page documents. Follow these steps to scan with Notes: Open the Notes app and create a new note. Tap the camera or paperclip icon, then select 'Scan Documents.' Align your document within the frame. The app will automatically capture the scan, or you can manually take the photo. After scanning, you can enhance the document by cropping, rotating, or applying filters such as grayscale or black-and-white. Save the scan directly in Notes and organize it into folders for easy access. Sharing is just as simple—send your scans via email, text, or other apps without leaving the Notes interface. This makes Notes an excellent choice for quick and efficient document management. Advanced Scanning with the Files App For users who require more robust organization options, the Files app provides advanced features that transform your iPhone into a portable document management system. Here's how to scan using Files: Open the Files app and navigate to the folder where you want to save your scan. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select 'Scan Documents.' Position your document and let the app capture the scan automatically or manually. The Files app allows you to save scans directly into specific folders, rename files for clarity, and create new folders for better organization. You can also export scans as PDFs and share them via email or other platforms. With its folder-based structure, Files is ideal for managing larger volumes of documents or professional paperwork, offering a more structured approach to document storage and retrieval. Customizing Your Scans Both the Notes and Files apps offer customization options to enhance your scanning experience. These features ensure your scans are tailored to your specific needs, whether for personal or professional use. Key customization options include: Allowing or disabling the flash for better lighting in different environments. Applying filters to improve document readability, such as black-and-white or color enhancements. Combining multiple scans into a single file for multi-page documents. Choosing your preferred file format, such as PDF or image files. These tools allow you to create high-quality, organized scans that are easy to share and store. Whether you're digitizing important records or simply organizing your notes, these features provide flexibility and control. Notes vs. Files: Which App Should You Use? While both the Notes and Files apps are effective for scanning, they cater to different use cases depending on your needs: Notes: Best for quick scans and basic organization. Ideal for capturing receipts, handwritten notes, or single-page documents on the go. Best for quick scans and basic organization. Ideal for capturing receipts, handwritten notes, or single-page documents on the go. Files: Designed for more advanced organization. Its folder-based system is perfect for managing larger volumes of documents, making it a great choice for professional or long-term use. Choosing between the two depends on your specific requirements. For casual, everyday scanning, Notes is a convenient option. For more structured and detailed document management, Files offers the tools you need to stay organized. Additional Features to Explore Your iPhone's scanning capabilities extend beyond the Notes and Files apps, offering additional features that enhance its functionality. These include: Scan from Email Apps: Attach scanned documents directly to emails without switching between apps, saving time and effort. Attach scanned documents directly to emails without switching between apps, saving time and effort. Markup Tools: Annotate your scans by highlighting text, adding comments, or drawing directly on the document for added clarity. Annotate your scans by highlighting text, adding comments, or drawing directly on the document for added clarity. Integration with Other Apps: Seamlessly share scanned files with apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or cloud storage services such as iCloud or Google Drive. These features make your iPhone a versatile tool for managing documents in various contexts, whether for personal, academic, or professional purposes. Why Choose Built-In Apps Over Third-Party Options? Using your iPhone's native apps for scanning offers several advantages over third-party scanner apps. These include: Cost-Effective: No need to pay for additional apps or subscriptions, as the tools are already included with your device. No need to pay for additional apps or subscriptions, as the tools are already included with your device. Secure: Built-in apps are integrated into the iOS ecosystem, making sure better privacy and data security compared to third-party alternatives. Built-in apps are integrated into the iOS ecosystem, making sure better privacy and data security compared to third-party alternatives. Convenient: Seamless integration with other iPhone features and apps simplifies your workflow. Seamless integration with other iPhone features and apps simplifies your workflow. Storage-Friendly: Avoid cluttering your device with unnecessary downloads, freeing up valuable storage space. By using these built-in tools, you can simplify your workflow while maintaining a secure and efficient document management system. These apps are designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, making sure a smooth and intuitive user experience. Maximize Your iPhone's Scanning Potential Your iPhone's built-in scanning tools, available through the Notes and Files apps, are more than capable of handling most document management tasks. From capturing and editing scans to organizing and sharing files, these apps provide a comprehensive solution that eliminates the need for third-party software. Whether you're scanning a single page or managing an extensive archive, your iPhone has everything you need to stay organized and efficient. Start exploring these features today to experience a smarter, more streamlined way to handle your documents. Find more information on iPhone document scanning by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Source & Image Credit: DHTV Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
