PhotoScan by Google Photos

4.1 Photography Updated January 7th, 2026

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If you've ever flipped through an old photo album and wished you could digitally preserve those precious memories with the same quality and warmth, then PhotoScan by Google Photos is here to grant your wish. This nifty little app is a game-changer for anyone looking to digitize their old printed photos with ease and efficiency.

The Magic of PhotoScan

So, what makes PhotoScan stand out from the plethora of scanning apps out there? Well, it’s not just a simple point-and-shoot kind of app. PhotoScan uses advanced technology to ensure your photos are captured in the best quality possible. It intelligently detects edges, corrects perspective, and removes glare. I mean, who wants a photo with that annoying flash glare?

Getting Started

Getting started with PhotoScan is as easy as pie. Once you download the app, it walks you through a quick tutorial. You simply position your phone over the photo you want to scan and follow the on-screen prompts. The app guides you to move your camera around the photo, ensuring multiple angles are captured. This process helps the app stitch together a high-quality, glare-free image. It’s almost like magic!

Why You’ll Love It

I’ve got to say, one of my favorite features is the edge detection. Gone are the days of having to manually crop each photo. PhotoScan does it all for you, and it does it well. Plus, the automatic enhancements it applies can really bring your old photos back to life, making them look as vibrant as they did years ago.

Another fantastic aspect is how seamlessly it integrates with Google Photos. Once scanned, your photos can be backed up online, organized, and even shared with family and friends. It’s a great feeling to know that those memories aren’t just sitting in a dusty album anymore; they’re safe and sound in the cloud.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While I absolutely adore PhotoScan, it’s not without its quirks. Depending on the lighting and the condition of the original photo, sometimes you might need to scan a photo more than once to get the perfect shot. But honestly, it’s a small price to pay for the convenience and quality it offers.

Final Thoughts

Overall, PhotoScan by Google Photos is a must-have app for anyone looking to preserve their photographic memories. Its user-friendly interface, combined with powerful scanning technology, makes digitizing old photos a breeze. Whether you’re looking to create a digital archive or just want to share memories with loved ones, this app has you covered. So go ahead, give your old photos a new lease on life with PhotoScan!

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Screenshots

PhotoScan by Google Photos screenshot
PhotoScan by Google Photos screenshot
PhotoScan by Google Photos screenshot
PhotoScan by Google Photos screenshot

Download

Download from Google Play Download from App Store

Related Apps

Pros

  • High-quality scans with advanced algorithms.
  • Easy to use interface for quick scanning.
  • Supports both Android and iOS devices.
  • Automatic edge detection and cropping.
  • Free to download and use.

Cons

  • Requires good lighting for best results.
  • No built-in photo editing features.
  • Limited cloud storage options.
  • May struggle with glossy photos.
  • Can be slow on older devices.

FAQ PhotoScan by Google Photos

What is PhotoScan by Google Photos?

PhotoScan by Google Photos is a mobile application designed to help users digitize their printed photos. By using advanced algorithms, it captures multiple images of a physical photo and stitches them together to produce a high-quality digital version, free from glare and distortion. This allows users to safely preserve and share memories in a digital format.

How does PhotoScan ensure glare-free digital photos?

PhotoScan uses a multi-image capture method to eliminate glare. It prompts users to move their phone over the photo in a specific pattern, capturing multiple images. The app then uses advanced processing to combine these images into a single, glare-free digital photo, ensuring that the final output is clear and high-quality.

Is PhotoScan compatible with all smartphones?

PhotoScan is available for both Android and iOS devices. It requires Android version 5.0 or later and iOS version 9.0 or later. The app is designed to work with a wide range of smartphones, but for optimal performance, it's recommended to have a device with a decent camera and processing capabilities.

Does PhotoScan store my scanned photos online?

PhotoScan itself does not automatically store scanned photos online. However, it integrates seamlessly with Google Photos, allowing users to back up their scans to the cloud. This feature provides an easy way to organize, search, and share photos, but users have control over whether or not to use this integration.

Are there any costs associated with using PhotoScan?

PhotoScan by Google Photos is a free application available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. There are no hidden fees or in-app purchases required to use its core features. However, if you choose to use Google Photos for cloud storage, you may need to consider storage plans if you exceed the free storage limits.