iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To scan a paper document on a supported Samsung Galaxy, open Camera, point it at the page and tap Scan when prompted. Save the result to find it in Gallery. For a QR code, use Camera or the Scan QR code control in Quick settings; text capture uses a separate control on supported models. Samsung’s built-in tools cover these basic tasks without a separate scanner app, though available controls and labels depend on your model, software and region.
Scan a paper document with Camera
- Open Camera and frame the document in the viewfinder.
- When the Scan prompt appears, tap it and follow the on-screen controls to capture the page.
- Save the scan. Samsung says the resulting image is stored in Gallery.
Samsung says its document scanning feature can remove unwanted shadows, hands and other items and align rectangular shapes. Results can vary with the device and capture conditions, so check the saved image before sharing or relying on it. Samsung’s document scanning guide
Edit a scan or export it as a PDF
- Open Samsung Notes and start a note.
- Attach an image from Gallery, select the scan and tap Done.
- Use the note’s available options to edit the image or import or export the document as a PDF.
Samsung also lists Nearby Share, Quick Share and Private Share for sharing scans, and Samsung Cloud, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive as storage and sharing options. Which options appear can depend on the device and account setup. Samsung’s document scanning guide
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Scan text from a page
Text capture is distinct from saving a document image. On supported models, Camera can offer a text scanning control when it detects text. The exact control and settings vary by device; consult Samsung’s guide to Galaxy Camera modes and settings for model-dependent options. On Samsung’s Galaxy S26 guide for Australia, the path is Camera > Menu > Settings > Scanning, where Scan Text can be enabled. That path is specific to the S26 guidance for Australia, not a universal Galaxy menu. Samsung Australia’s S26 instructions
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Scan a QR code
Use Camera
- Open Camera and point it at the QR code.
- When a notification appears, review its destination or action before tapping it.
Use Quick settings
- Open the Quick settings panel and tap Scan QR code. If the control is not visible, its placement or availability may vary by device.
- Align the code in the scanner and review the resulting notification before choosing what to do.
Samsung Support Canada says a separate QR scanner app is not needed. QR codes may open websites or apps, connect to Wi-Fi, or start downloads, so only proceed when you trust the code and recognize the proposed action. Samsung Canada’s QR scanning guide
Why the Scan button or QR control may be missing
- Document detection is disabled or unavailable: Samsung’s Camera settings guide describes a Scan documents and text setting that can show a button when a document is detected, as well as an optional Auto scanning setting. Camera settings differ by model, so look for equivalent scanning controls in your Camera settings rather than assuming every Galaxy has the same path. Samsung’s Camera settings guide
- The feature is model- or region-specific: For the Galaxy S26 Australian variant, Samsung directs users to Camera > Menu > Settings > Scanning to enable Document scan, Scan Text and Scan QR Codes. Do not treat that menu path as universal. Samsung Australia’s S26 instructions
- The page is not meeting detection conditions: Samsung Germany says the Galaxy S26 intelligent document scanner requires One UI 8.5 or later; its guidance also specifies a rectangular document occupying at least 20% of the camera area with all four corners visible. These requirements apply to that S26 feature guidance, not all Galaxy phones. Samsung Germany’s S26 scanner guidance
- QR scanning in Camera is turned off: Samsung UK advises enabling Scan QR codes in Camera settings if Camera will not scan a code. The menu can differ by region and model. Samsung UK’s QR scanning guide
Improve QR code recognition
- Make sure the whole code is visible, clear and not damaged.
- Improve lighting and avoid glare, reflections and shadows.
- Move the phone closer or farther away until the code comes into focus.
- Tap the code on screen to help Camera focus on it.
These steps follow Samsung Support Canada’s troubleshooting advice. Samsung Canada’s QR scanning guide
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What about multipage documents?
Samsung’s current US support guide covers the Camera scan and Samsung Notes workflow, including PDF import and export. A Samsung Business Insights article from August 1, 2023 describes multipage scanning through the Microsoft Office app, but it references older devices and software. Treat that as older, device-dependent guidance rather than a guaranteed workflow for current Galaxy phones. Samsung Business Insights’ 2023 guide
Quick Recap
Best Value
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
