WhatsApp continues to evolve and, in its eagerness to concentrate useful functions, it has integrated a document scanner directly in the appThis allows you to scan papers with your phone's camera and send them in the chat itself, without relying on third-party apps or cumbersome processes.
The idea is simple: take advantage of the phone's camera to capture, crop, and enhance documents such as invoices, tickets, or forms, and convert those screenshots into a file ready to share. It's already available on iPhone starting with a specific version, and, according to various sources, on Android. is being rolled out gradually or it can be solved with very effective alternatives while reaching everyone.
What is the WhatsApp scanner and how does it work?
A scanner, in its classic sense, digitizes a paper document to convert it into an image or PDF. On a mobile device, this task is performed by the camera, and scanning apps detect edges, correct perspective, and apply filters to improve readabilityWhatsApp has brought that experience into the app itself, integrating a simplified flow that starts with the attachment menu of each conversation.
The function acts as a “specialized camera” focused on documents: it automatically identifies margins, trim and straighten It allows you to add more pages in the same session to create a multi-page file. It also offers controls to improve the result when the paper is wrinkled, the color is uneven, or the lighting is off.
This approach is different from simply “taking a photo”: WhatsApp’s scanner mode optimizes text and form captures, with color, black and white, or grayscale options. This selection of color profiles reduces noise, enhances contrast and makes it easier to read on screen or print later.
If you've already used apps like Files or Notes on your iPhone to scan, the experience will be familiar, as WhatsApp opens a dedicated camera view reminiscent of those tools. The advantage is that you don't leave the chat: Capture, edit, and send in the same conversation with just a few taps.
Availability, version and compatibility
According to the information from several sources, WhatsApp's built-in scanner is available in iOS from version 24.25.89 onwardsIf you're using an iPhone and don't see the option, check the App Store to see if there's a pending update, as the rollout is usually staggered and may take time to reach all users.
On Android the situation is more nuanced: there are articles that indicate that not yet officially active in general, while others report that the “Scan document” option is already in the same Documents menu, as explained in the article about sending documents of different formats (Possible gradual rollout or regional testing). Therefore, if you have an Android phone, we recommend checking the attachments menu to see if it's already there. If not, use the alternatives discussed below.
The feature is part of the attachment menu within each chat, along with options like Photos, Camera, Location, Contacts, Document, or Poll. On iPhone, it's found by going to + > Documents > Scan document, a location that may go unnoticed if you were expecting to find it inside the traditional camera icon.
It is worth remembering that WhatsApp maintains its file sending limit in 2 GB per document (If you need to reduce the size, check out our guide to sending compressed files.). This isn't usually a problem for scanned PDFs, but it's important to keep in mind if you're merging a lot of high-quality pages or including very large images in the same file.
How to scan a document from a chat on iPhone
Make sure you have WhatsApp updated to at least the latest version 24.25.89If you meet that requirement, the process is quick and easy, even though the function is somewhat hidden within the Documents option.
Within the chat where you want to send the file, tap the button + (attach) and choose Documents. You'll see three options: "Select from Files," "Select Photo or Video," and "Scan Document." Click "Scan Document" and a special camera will open that automatically detects the edges of the paper.
Place the document on a uniform surface with good contrast (for example, a dark table if the paper is light) and make sure the lighting is even. You'll see how WhatsApp delimits the contour and capture the page in automatic mode; if you prefer, you can switch to manual shooting for complete control over the timing of the shot.
When you finish a page, you can add more in the same session and create a single file with multiple sheets. When you're done, tap Save, and WhatsApp will show you the completed document. On iPhone, the result appears as a Multi-page PDF ready to send, accompanied by the text box to include a message and the Send button.
Some articles initially raised the question of whether the export would be in PDF or not; in practice, and as several users have shown with screenshots and videos, the flow ends generating a PDF that you can share or keep, making it easy to archive and print later if you need to.
Scanner settings and page editing
While you are scanning, several control icons are displayed at the top that are good to know. The first one toggles between automatic or manual capture: In automatic mode, the phone shoots when it correctly detects the document; in manual mode, you'll have to press the button to confirm each shot.
You also have a switch for the flash, useful if the ambient light is poor. Keep in mind that harsh, frontal lighting can cause glare; use flash only when absolutely necessary and, if possible, bounce the light or avoid angles that reflect too much off glossy paper.
Another key setting is the mode color/grayscale/black and whiteBlack and white generally offers the greatest legibility in printed text, as it increases contrast and reduces distractions; grayscale can be ideal for stamps or shades; color mode is recommended if the document includes logos, underlines, or elements that need to retain their hue.
After one or more captures, you will see thumbnails of the pages. You can access the preview to trim edges, correct the perspective, rotate a skewed page, or delete one you're not happy with. If something went wrong, don't worry: rescan from scratch using the corresponding button.
When you're satisfied with the result, tap Save to compile all the pages into a single file. This simple edit within WhatsApp save steps compared to taking individual photos and then retouching them in another app, maintaining a direct flow within the chat.
Send, save, and manage your scanned PDFs
Once you generate the PDF, you can add some text and press Send. That document will be stored in the conversation, and you can always refer to it, forward it to other chats or groups, and share it with other applications if you need to (email, cloud storage, etc.).
From iPhone, it is possible to save a local copy in the app Archives and manage it from there: move to folders, label, duplicate, or even send to print. If you handle sensitive documentation, consider protecting the document with a password (Lock PDF) before sharing or archiving; and review our Guide to protecting your privacy on WhatsApp.
In professional environments, this feature greatly streamlines everyday tasks: sending delivery notes, invoices, contracts, or reports from your mobile phone is much more straightforward. WhatsApp Business and standard WhatsApp benefit equally from this feature. immediate digitalization, so it is useful for both SMEs and self-employed people who live with their phone in their hands.
Don't forget the limit of 2 GB per document when working with very large scans. If you're approaching that size, consider adjusting the quality or splitting them into multiple PDFs, as a file that's too large won't improve readability and will complicate sending over networks with poor coverage.
And, of course, common sense: avoid sharing confidential information in groups with people you don't know or in unsecured conversations. Although WhatsApp encrypts messages end-to-end, it never hurts to minimize the exposure of sensitive data.
And on Android? Alternatives while it reaches everyone
On Android, several sources agree that, as of recently, WhatsApp does not yet integrate the scanner Generally speaking, although some people already see "Scan Document" within Documents, suggesting a gradual rollout. If it doesn't appear yet, the best solution is to use a dedicated scanning app and then share the PDF via WhatsApp in two taps.
The simplest and most reliable alternative is Google filesWhen you install and open it, you'll see a scan button in the lower right corner. Pressing it opens a camera focused on paper, with automatic mode by default to detect and capture pages as soon as they're framed correctly. If you're not convinced by the automatic mode, switch to Manual to decide the exact moment.
After capturing, Files takes you to a preview with tools to crop, correct edges, and apply filters that improve readability. You can repeat as many times as necessary until you achieve a clean result. When you're done, click Done, and the system will compile all the pages into a Multi-page PDF.
With the PDF generated in Files, share it on WhatsApp from the document's sharing menu. Choose the contact or group, add the message, and send. Even if you're not in the chat when you scan, the workflow is very fast, and the scanning quality in Google Files is excellent. daily documentation.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers include their own file managers and scanners (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.), and that Android also has an app called "Files" that is less complete than Files by Google despite the name. If your phone already has one, scan toolGive it a try; the important thing is to get a crisp PDF that you can share on WhatsApp in seconds.
