Tip Sheet:
Scanning Documents with an Android Phone
Click or Tap on a Question to see the Answer
How do I know if I have an Android or Apple Smartphone?
If you have an iPhone, there will be an image of an apple at the back. The apple will look like this
If there is no image of an apple, you most likely have an Android phone.
I don’t have Google Drive on my smartphone. How do I get Google Drive?
● To get the Google Drive app, download it from the Google Play Store
● To learn about downloading an app from the Google Play Store, click here: How to Download an App or Game on ANY Samsung Phone - YouTube
● On some Android devices, you may need to sign into your Google Account when you open the Google Play Store. If you are already using Gmail, your Google Account will be the same as your Gmail address and password. If you have never created a Google Account, click here to learn more: How To Create a Google Account Using an Android Smartphone - YouTube
Tips for Scanning Document
Avoid dark lighting
Hold your device over the document you would like to scan.
Be sure there are no shadows on your document before you scan it. It is ok to reposition your phone or document if needed.
Tips for Coping when Feeling Nervous or Frustrated
I’m nervous about scanning my document. What should I do?
● Feeling nervous can be a sign that you need practice to feel comfortable and confident.
● Try scanning a ‘practice document.’ This could be a blank piece of paper at first. After, try scanning a document with text, such as a grocery list.
● Remember, practicing is the best way to help your brain remember these new skills!
I feel nervous about even trying this new skill. What can I do?
● Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from trying. Smartphones are generally designed
to withstand mistakes you might make, and will not break if you do make a mistake.
● If your screen does freeze while you’re trying to use your smartphone, you can restart your
device. To learn how to restart your iPhone, click here: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support (CA).
To learn how to restart an Android phone, click here: How to Force Restart an Android Phone
When It’s Not Responding (howtogeek.com) and scroll to the section “Perform a Hard
Reset/Reboot.”
● Remember, practicing is the best way to help your brain remember these new skills!
This process is frustrating. How can I handle frustration?
Frustration will make it harder to problem solve. To reduce frustration and increase problem solving,
follow the steps below.
• Step 1: Pause.
• Step 2: Name what you’re feeling without judgement. Be sure to use the phrase “I am
feeling______.”
• Step 3: Take a 5-minute break, or a little longer if needed. You have the option to do something
to help you feel calm, such as doing some gentle stretches, listening to music, or breathing
deeply until you feel calm.
• You can also check out: The Guide to Mindfulness for Better Learning and/or the guide on
Changing Unhelpful Thoughts for Success while Learning. You can access them here: MTML -