How to Scan Documents on iPhone (2026 Guide)

Want to scan any physical documents on your iPhone? Well, there are multiple ways to go about it, and I am not even talking about any third-party app. There are multiple built-in methods with Notes, Files, and Preview apps (introduced in iOS 26). So, whether it is a receipt, a signed form, or even a multiple-page contract, here is every way to scan documents on an iPhone. 

How to Scan Documents in iPhone

I browsed multiple Reddit and Apple forums, looking for suggestions from different users on how to scan documents on all Apple iPhones, and after thorough research, here are all the methods I have found.

Scan Files Using iOS Files App

The iOS Files app has a native document scanner, allowing you to not only scan but also store it in a specific location. 

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone and navigate to the folder to save the document.
2. Here, tap on the 3-dots icon at the top right and select Scan Documents.

3. Capture the document by tapping on the shutter button.
4. Now, tap on the preview to adjust the corners.
5. Once done, tap on the checkmark at the top right to save the document.

This is an easy way to create PDF on iPhone, and the scanned file will be saved in said folder. 

Scan Documents with Notes App on iPhone

This is another common method to scan physical files from your iPhone. I use it quite often on my iPhone Air and even on my old iPhone 13, as it makes it easy to store all files in one place. 

1. Open the Notes app on your iPhone and tap on the compose icon to create a new note or select an existing one to open.
2. Here, tap on the attachment icon and select Scan Documents.

3. Position the camera towards the document to scan it.
4. It will automatically take the shot when the file is in frame, or you can tap on the shutter button.
5. After the image is clicked, tap on the checkmark at the top right to save it.

The scan is inserted directly into the note as a PDF and can be renamed, shared, or exported from there.

Using the Preview App (iOS 26 or later)

The iOS 26 update brings the Preview app to iPhones for the first time. It comes with its own scanner along with considerably stronger PDF tools that you can use if you have an iOS 26-eligible device. 

1. Open the Preview app on your iPhone and tap Scan Documents on the main screen.

2. Hover the camera over the document, and it will capture it automatically.
3. Next, tap on the checkmark once the page looks right.

4. To export it, tap on Scanned Document at the top and select Export.

Preview also allows inserting a fresh scan into an already existing PDF, which is useful when only one page of a longer document needs to be replaced or added.

Using Scanner on Apple Mail App

If you want to share a quick scan over an email, then you can use the native iOS Mail app's built-in scanner to do so. 

1. Launch the Mail app on your iPhone, start composing a new email, and tap inside the message body.
2. Tap on the attachment icon and select Scan Documents.

3. Capture the page the same way as the other methods.
4. The scan attaches directly to the email once saved.

This method only works if the Mail app is set as your default email client on your iPhone. If not, then you need to change the default app on your iPhone. 

How to Sign Scanned Documents on iPhone

Adding a signature to a scan takes a few taps on an iPhone and does not require any printing. Here's how to do it: 

1. Open a scanned document inside the Files app and tap on the Markup icon.
2. Tap on the + icon and select Add Signature.

3. Add a previously saved signature, or create a new one by signing with a finger or Apple Pencil.
4. Resize and position the signature box, then tap on Done.

The saved signature is stored for future use, so it does not need to be recreated for the next document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are scanned documents on iPhone searchable?

Not by default. The built-in Notes and Files scanners save documents as image-based PDFs, meaning the text is part of the image rather than selectable or searchable. 

Q. Where are scanned documents saved on an iPhone?

Scans made through Notes stay inside the note itself, while scanned documents from the Files app or Preview save directly to the chosen folder, whether that is iCloud Drive or local storage on the device. 

Q. Which iPhones support the new Preview app scanner?

Preview is available on iPhone 11 and newer models running iOS 26. Older devices that cannot update to iOS 26 will not have access to the Preview app and should rely on the Notes or Files app scanners instead.

This is all we have on how to scan documents on the iPhone, and I bet that, like me, you might be amazed by the number of options that are available in iOS itself. It also ensures that your private and confidential papers don't leave the device while still allowing you to edit them or add a signature if required.