Verified July 2026

Microsoft Lens is discontinued: what to use now

Microsoft Lens can no longer create new scans. Here is the official retirement timeline, how to preserve existing scans, and which iPhone alternative fits each workflow.

Retirement began Jan 9 Support ended Feb 9 New scans ended Mar 9

Direct answer: Microsoft ended support on February 9, 2026, and disabled new scans after March 9. Keep Lens installed and stay signed in until you have verified and copied every scan you need.

What Microsoft officially announced

Microsoft says Lens was removed from app stores on February 9, 2026 and stopped creating new scans after March 9, 2026. Previous scans remain accessible only while the app stays installed and the user is signed into the last active account.

Source checked July 14, 2026. This page will be reviewed when Microsoft changes its retirement guidance. Microsoft Support: Retirement of Microsoft Lens.

Microsoft Lens retirement timeline

January 9, 2026

Retirement from iOS and Android began.

February 9, 2026

Support ended and Microsoft Lens was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

March 9, 2026

The app stopped creating new scans. Existing scans can still be opened under Microsoft's stated conditions.

Protect your existing Microsoft Lens scans first

Do not uninstall Lens until you have completed this checklist. Microsoft does not promise access after the app is removed from your device.

Keep Microsoft Lens installed.
Sign in with the last account that was active in Lens.
Open important scans and confirm that every page is readable.
Copy or export the files to a location you control.
Verify the copied files before deleting Lens or changing devices.

Best Microsoft Lens alternatives on iPhone

OneDrive: Microsoft's recommended replacement

OneDrive includes a document scanner and is Microsoft's official recommendation. It is the closest fit for a Microsoft-centered workflow, but Microsoft states that its scanner cannot save scans locally on the device. Microsoft Support.

Apple Notes or Files: best for occasional scans

Apple documents scanning in both Notes and Files. Use this route when you want a built-in, no-download option for simple multipage scans and signatures. Apple Support.

ScanLens: best when you need standalone PDFs and document tools

ScanLens is an iPhone scanner with on-device OCR, local PDF export, PDF merge and split, signatures, password protection, and optional sync to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Free exports include a ScanLens watermark; advanced tools and third-party cloud sync are Premium. ScanLens.

How to choose

Choose OneDrive if your scans should go directly into Microsoft cloud storage.
Choose Apple Notes or Files for occasional scanning with built-in Apple apps.
Choose ScanLens if you need local files, on-device OCR, or a fuller PDF workflow.

Frequently asked questions

Is Microsoft Lens discontinued?

Yes. Microsoft ended support on February 9, 2026. The app stopped creating new scans after March 9, 2026.

Can I still access old Microsoft Lens scans?

Microsoft says previous scans remain accessible if Lens stays installed and you are signed into the last active account. Copy important scans before uninstalling the app or replacing the device.

What replaces Microsoft Lens?

Microsoft recommends the OneDrive scanner. Apple Notes and Files work for basic scanning, while ScanLens is an option for local PDFs, on-device OCR, and additional PDF tools.