How to Scan a Document With Your Phone (for Free)

To scan a document for free, the method Microsoft recommends is the OneDrive app on iOS and Android: open it, tap the camera or scan button, frame your document, and save it as a PDF in the cloud. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app and the tools already built into your phone do the job too.

You no longer need a bulky scanner: your phone already handles it. Whether you are digitizing an invoice, a contract or a business card, you can scan a document in seconds and save it as a PDF, at no cost. Here are the best methods in 2026.

Method 1: the OneDrive app (recommended)

This is the method Microsoft now recommends to scan a document. The OneDrive app is free on iOS and Android.

1. Open the OneDrive app and sign in.
2. Tap the camera button (scan).
3. Choose the type: document, whiteboard, business card or photo.
4. Frame your document and take the picture. OneDrive detects the edges automatically.
5. Add more pages if you need them (a multipage scan becomes one PDF), then save to OneDrive.

Your documents end up saved in the cloud, reachable from every one of your devices.

Method 2: the Microsoft 365 Copilot app

In the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, under the Documents tab, tap Scan text, then photograph a document containing text. The recognized text opens directly in Word, ready to edit and save to OneDrive or to your phone. Handy when you want the text back, not just an image.

Method 3: the tools built into your phone

Your phone can also scan with no extra app:

• iPhone: the Notes or Files app can scan documents to PDF.
• Android: the Google Drive app has a scan button.

Note: the older Microsoft Lens app was pulled from the app stores on February 9, 2026. Microsoft advises using OneDrive instead.

3 tips for a clean scan

• Lay the document on a flat, well-lit surface.
• Avoid shadows: stand facing the light, not with your back to it.
• Check that all four corners are inside the frame before you capture.

Frequently asked questions

Is scanning really free?

Yes. The OneDrive and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps are free to download, and basic scanning costs nothing with a Microsoft account.

Can I scan several pages into one PDF?

Yes. OneDrive supports multipage scanning: add each page, then save the whole thing as a single PDF file.

Where do my scanned documents go?

With OneDrive, they are saved in your cloud space, backed up and reachable from your computer as well as your phone.

Equip your team with Microsoft 365

Want to get the most out of OneDrive and Microsoft 365 in your business? Contact OKTO Solutions or take a look at our services.