No need for a bulky scanner: your phone already does the job. Whether it's scanning an invoice, a contract, or a business card, you can scan a document in seconds and save it as a PDF, for free. Here are the best methods in 2026.
Quick answer: To scan a document for free, Microsoft recommends using the OneDrive (iOS and Android): open it, tap the camera/scan, frame your document, and save it as a PDF in the cloud. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app and the built-in tools on your phone also work.
Method 1: The OneDrive application (recommended)
This is the method Microsoft now recommends for scanning documents. The OneDrive app is free on iOS and Android.
- Open the OneDrive and sign in.
- Touch the camera (scan).
- Choose the type: document, whiteboard, business card or photo.
- Frame your document and take the photo. OneDrive automatically detects the edges.
- Add more pages as needed (multi-page scan = one PDF), then save to OneDrive.
Your documents are thus saved in the cloud, accessible from all your devices.
Method 2: The Microsoft 365 Copilot application
In the Microsoft 365 Copilot, on the Documents, tap Scan text, then take a picture of a document containing text. The recognized text opens directly in Word, ready to be edited and saved to OneDrive or your phone. This is handy when you want to retrieve the text, not just an image.
Method 3: Tools built into your phone
Your phone can also scan without an additional application:
- iPhone: The Notes or Files app allows you to scan documents to PDF.
- Android: The Google Drive app offers a scan button.
Note: The old Microsoft Lens has been removed from app stores since February 9, 2026. Microsoft recommends using OneDrive instead.
3 tips for a clear scan
- Place the document on a flat, well-lit surface.
- Avoid shadows: position yourself facing the light, not with your back to it.
- Check that all four corners are within the frame before capturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scan really free?
Yes. The OneDrive and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps are free to download, and basic scanning is free with a Microsoft account.
Can I scan multiple pages into a single PDF?
Yes. OneDrive allows multi-page scanning: add each page, then save everything in a single PDF file.
Where do my scanned documents go?
With OneDrive, they are saved in your cloud space, backed up and accessible from your computer as well as your phone.
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