NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Easily digitize old, physical photos: Here's how to scan on iPhone and Androids

There’s something about a physical photograph. It’s a moment frozen in time,NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center sometimes dating back generations. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a description of when and where it was snapped scribbled on the back. 

Most of the pictures we take now live on our smartphones and never transform into physical form. This makes finding and sharing photos a breeze. Plus, our smartphones take up significantly less space than multiple photo albums collecting dust on a bookshelf. 

Once upon a time, using a scanner would have been the only option to create digital copies, but advances in technology have made it easier than ever to digitize your precious memories and access them anywhere, anytime. 

Watch this video to see how apps can help digitize old photos. 

Digitizing photos

We found two free, easy-to-use apps to make the transition from physical photos to digital a snap. Consider storing the newly digitized images in the cloud or on an external hard drive so they aren’t taking up space on your device.

Both apps require you to take pictures of the pictures, which can be time-consuming. But thanks to cropping, you don't have to try to get the corners just right until after you've captured the image. Both apps help you easily crop images with the help of a zoomed-in bubble that makes properly aligning the edges a breeze. 

• PhotoScan by Google Photos 

PhotoScan by Google Photos will automatically rotate and crop your photos. This can be a huge help and time-saver if you have a lot of photos to digitize.

The app also has a way to capture the picture while preventing the glare that often happens when taking a picture of a photograph on a smartphone. 

• Microsoft Lens

The Microsoft Lens app scans more than just photos, it also works for whiteboards, business cards and other forms of written text. 

Reviewed-approved tech recommendations 

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. 

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of tech experts test everything from video games and laptops to speakers and TVs so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• The best game console: Nintendo Switch OLED 
• Top Nintendo Switch charger: Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 
• Our favorite wireless keyboard: Logitech Master Series MX Keys 
• Best Xbox gaming controller: Microsoft Bluetooth Elite Series 2 Controller 
• Editors’ Choice laptop: Apple 2023 MacBook Pro 14 M2 Pro 
• Most powerful VR headset: Meta Quest 2 
• The best OLED TV: Sony 4K Ultra HD TV A95K Series 
• Top streaming device: Roku Ultra 2022 
• Best gaming headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro High Fidelity Gaming Headset 
• Top-rated gaming monitor:Acer Predator XB253Q Monitor