WhatsApp has launched a new feature allowing users to scan documents directly through the app using their phone’s camera. The tool is currently available for selected beta testers through the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.19.21, available on the Google Play Store.
This new functionality removes the need for third-party scanning apps. When users select “Scan document” from the document-sharing menu, the app opens the camera and provides a live preview, helping them align the document properly before capturing it.
To meet different user preferences, WhatsApp has added two scanning modes. The manual mode lets users capture the image when they feel it’s perfectly positioned, ideal for adjusting lighting or angles. Meanwhile, the automatic mode detects the document’s edges and takes the photo instantly, making the process quicker and more convenient.
Once the image is captured, WhatsApp processes it on the device and converts it into a PDF file. This file can then be sent easily in both private and group chats. Importantly, the entire scan-to-PDF process uses Android’s built-in APIs and happens locally on the user’s phone, ensuring both speed and privacy.
For now, the feature is limited to certain testers, but Meta has confirmed it will become more widely available in the coming weeks. The addition is expected to be especially useful for students, professionals, and anyone needing quick document sharing on the go.