WhatsApp is making Android users’ lives easier by rolling out a highly anticipated feature previously exclusive to iPhones: in-app document scanning. With this update, Android users can now scan documents directly from within the WhatsApp app, eliminating the need for third-party scanner apps.
This game-changing functionality is now available to WhatsApp Beta testers on Android and promises to simplify how users share important files. Here’s everything you need to know about this brand-new feature and how you can make the most of it.
Previously available only for iOS users, the Document Scanning feature is now arriving on Android, starting with the beta version 2.25.18.29. This addition allows users to scan physical documents using their phone’s camera and share them instantly in PDF format—all without leaving the app.
With this update, WhatsApp transforms into more than just a messaging platform—it becomes a document management tool too.
The new scanning feature significantly streamlines workflows for Android users, especially those who frequently share receipts, IDs, contracts, or other paperwork digitally.
Here’s what makes it beneficial:
No more third-party apps: Say goodbye to switching between scanning apps and WhatsApp to send files.
Instant document sharing: Scan and share documents as PDFs without leaving the chat screen.
Professional-quality scans: The app auto-adjusts the image, enhancing readability and clarity.
If you're a beta tester, here’s how you can access and use the feature:
Update WhatsApp Beta
Go to the Google Play Store, check for WhatsApp updates, and install the latest version (2.25.18.29 or above).
Find the New Option
Open any WhatsApp chat and tap the attachment icon (📎). You’ll now see a new option labeled “Scan Document.”
Start Scanning
Tapping this option will open your phone’s camera. Simply point it at the document you want to scan.
WhatsApp offers two scanning modes to suit different user needs:
Manual Mode: You can manually crop and select the specific area of the document you wish to scan.
Automatic Mode: WhatsApp automatically detects the document's edges and captures a perfectly cropped scan in seconds.
This flexibility helps you scan faster and more accurately, no matter the type or size of the document.
Once scanned, WhatsApp will automatically convert the image into a high-quality PDF. From there, you can:
Review the scan
Add a caption or message
Instantly send it within the chat
This entire process takes place seamlessly inside the app, improving efficiency for users who rely on WhatsApp for personal and professional communication.
In addition to document scanning, WhatsApp is also testing another exciting feature: AI-powered chat summaries. Using Meta's artificial intelligence, users can now get concise overviews of long conversations, making it easier to catch up on missed messages.
This tool is especially helpful in group chats or business conversations, where information overload is a common issue.
WhatsApp continues to evolve beyond just messaging by introducing features that cater to practical, everyday needs. With the launch of in-app document scanning for Android, WhatsApp is eliminating barriers between communication and productivity.
If you're an Android user and want early access to this feature, consider joining the WhatsApp Beta Program via the Google Play Store. For everyone else, this update is expected to roll out in the stable version soon.
Stay updated, scan smarter, and simplify your digital life—right from your WhatsApp app.
