How to use Google’s PhotoScan to scan images

Have a stack of old printed photos you want to preserve digitally? Instead of using a bulky scanner, you can use Google’s PhotoScan app to quickly scan, save, and enhance your photos — right from your smartphone.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use PhotoScan to digitize your printed pictures with high quality and minimal glare, making it easy to store, organize, and share your memories online.

📱 What is Google PhotoScan?

Google PhotoScan is a free app developed by Google that allows users to scan printed photos using their smartphone’s camera. It automatically enhances images, removes glare, and crops photos with edge detection — giving you high-quality digital versions of physical pictures.

Available for both Android and iOS, PhotoScan is ideal for preserving photo albums, framed prints, and loose snapshots.

✅ How to Use Google PhotoScan

Step 1: Download and Install PhotoScan

• Android: Google Play Store – PhotoScan
• iOS: App Store – PhotoScan

Install the app and grant the necessary permissions for camera and storage.

Step 2: Launch the App and Position Your Photo

1. Place the printed photo on a flat, well-lit surface.
2. Open PhotoScan.
3. Position your phone so the entire photo fits inside the frame.

Step 3: Scan Using the Multi-Point Capture

PhotoScan uses a smart multi-point system to remove glare and improve quality.

1. Tap the shutter button to start.
2. You’ll see four white dots appear on the screen.
3. Move your phone over each dot slowly to capture different angles.
4. The app automatically stitches the images together and removes any glare.

Step 4: Review and Edit Your Scan

Once the scan is complete, you can:

• Crop the image
• Rotate if needed
• Adjust corners for better alignment

Edits are optional, but helpful for enhancing your final result.

Step 5: Save and Back Up Your Photos

Scanned images are saved to your device automatically. You can also:

• Back up to Google Photos for free cloud storage
• Share directly via email, social media, or messaging apps
• Organize into albums within Google Photos or your gallery app

🧠 Pro Tips for Better Scans

• Scan in natural daylight to minimize artificial shadows
• Avoid using flash or reflective surfaces under the photo
• Wipe old photos gently to remove dust or smudges
• Use a solid, contrasting background (like a black table)

🗂️ Why Use PhotoScan?

• 🔒 Preserve memories by digitizing old family photos
• 💾 Backup printed pictures to the cloud
• 📤 Easily share old photos with family and friends
• ✨ No scanner needed — all from your phone

🚀 Final Thoughts

With Google PhotoScan, you don’t need expensive equipment to digitize and preserve your photo collection. In just a few taps, you can turn your printed memories into beautiful, shareable digital images — all from the palm of your hand.