Microsoft Lens Shuts Down: What iOS and Android Users Need to Know
Microsoft has announced it will retire Microsoft Lens, formerly known as Office Lens, on February 9, 2026. The app, loved for its simple yet powerful document-scanning features, will be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on the same day. Users can continue scanning documents until March 9, after which the app will no longer function for new scans. Previous scans will remain accessible if the app stays installed.
The news isn’t entirely unexpected—Microsoft first hinted at the retirement last August—but it still leaves dedicated users searching for reliable alternatives.
Why Microsoft Lens Was a Favorite
When Office Lens launched in 2015 and rebranded as Microsoft Lens in 2021, it quickly became a go-to scanning tool. The app allowed users to convert physical documents, whiteboards, and even handwritten notes into digital formats with ease. It offered features like auto-cropping, PDF conversion, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps.
Many tech reviewers hailed it as a “killer app” for professionals and students alike. Its decline in recent years has been attributed to the rise of multi-featured apps and built-in scanning features on smartphones.
Recommended Microsoft Lens Alternatives
For users looking to continue scanning documents, several options exist:
1. OneDrive
Microsoft now recommends its OneDrive app, which includes a built-in scanner. It offers automatic cropping, cloud storage, and integration with Microsoft 365 tools—perfect for users already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
2. Adobe Scan
A popular choice for both Android and iOS users, Adobe Scan provides PDF creation, text recognition (OCR), and cloud syncing. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to digitize receipts, notes, and documents quickly.
3. CamScanner
CamScanner remains a robust alternative, offering features like batch scanning, annotation, and PDF export. While some advanced features require a subscription, its free version is sufficient for basic scanning needs.
4. Genius Scan & PDFgear Scan
Both apps offer reliable scanning tools with OCR support and cloud export options. They are lightweight and user-friendly, making them excellent replacements for Microsoft Lens.
5. Open-Source OSS Document Scanner
For those who prefer open-source solutions, OSS Document Scanner provides customizable scanning features without relying on commercial apps. It’s a solid option for tech-savvy users or organizations seeking privacy-focused solutions.
Making the Transition Smooth
To avoid losing access to your scans, users should backup all documents from Microsoft Lens before March 9. Exporting files to OneDrive, Google Drive, or another cloud service ensures continuity. Migrating to a new app may take a few minutes to get used to, but the alternatives listed above cover nearly all features Microsoft Lens offered.
The retirement of Microsoft Lens marks the end of an era for a once-essential scanning app. However, iOS and Android users have multiple alternatives to keep their document workflows intact. Whether you stick with Microsoft’s ecosystem via OneDrive or explore third-party apps like Adobe Scan or CamScanner, scanning documents digitally remains as accessible as ever.
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