WhatsApp is reportedly preparing to introduce a highly awaited document scanning feature for Android users—a functionality that has, until now, remained exclusive to iPhones. With this upcoming update, Android smartphone users may soon be able to scan and send documents directly through WhatsApp with just a single tap.
This feature is expected to greatly simplify the process of sharing important documents for millions of users who rely on WhatsApp for daily communication and file sharing.
According to feature tracking site WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is developing a document scanning feature for Android, spotted in the beta version 2.25.18.29 of the app. Although the feature is still inactive and not yet available for download, early glimpses suggest it will mirror the iPhone's functionality.
Once rolled out, users will be able to scan physical documents using their phone’s camera within WhatsApp and send them instantly—no need for third-party apps.
If implemented like the iOS version, here's how the new feature may function:
Open the chat where you want to send the scanned document.
Tap on the "+" icon (or attachment icon).
Select the "Document" option.
A new “Scan Document” feature will appear at the bottom.
Tap to open your phone’s camera, scan the document, and adjust by cropping if needed.
Send the scanned file directly to your selected contact.
This intuitive process will significantly reduce the steps required to scan and send documents, especially compared to existing workarounds involving third-party scanning apps or Google Drive.
India and other regions with a high Android user base will see a major boost in productivity. Currently, Android users often rely on apps like Google Drive, Adobe Scan, or CamScanner to scan documents, which then need to be manually uploaded or shared via WhatsApp. With native integration, WhatsApp aims to cut this process short.
Imagine scanning and sending a signed form, receipt, or ID proof—all from one platform. This feature could be especially helpful for students, working professionals, and small business owners.
While Google Drive does offer a similar scanning feature, it requires more steps. Scanned documents must be saved, sometimes renamed, and then manually shared via WhatsApp. With WhatsApp’s direct scanner, the workflow becomes one continuous experience without app-switching or intermediate saving.
On the same day, WhatsApp made additional announcements, signaling a broader push toward monetization and feature expansion:
Ads may appear in Status updates, giving users and small businesses a chance to promote products or services directly within the app.
Channels will support subscription models, letting content creators offer exclusive content to paid followers.
WhatsApp clarified that personal chats will remain ad-free, ensuring privacy and clean user experience in direct messages.
While the document scan feature has been spotted in the beta channel, no official release date has been confirmed yet. Since it is still under development and currently inactive in the beta version, it may take a few more weeks or months before it rolls out publicly.
As WhatsApp evolves from a messaging platform to a multi-functional tool, features like built-in document scanning could become everyday essentials. Android users who have long awaited such iOS-exclusive conveniences can finally expect a more streamlined, all-in-one experience—making document handling easier, faster, and more secure.
Stay tuned for updates as WhatsApp begins testing and expanding this feature to all Android devices in upcoming releases.
