The discontinuation of Microsoft Lens for iOS and Android is already well underway, and it’s about to become a real problem if the app continues to handle your quick paperwork tasks. Think receipts, signed forms, warranty cards, anything you would normally capture in ten seconds and file later.
Two appointments will run throughout the entire shutdown. On February 9, 2026, Lens will be removed from the App Store and Google Play, meaning it will no longer be possible to easily reinstall if you change phones or reset your device. On March 9, 2026, Lens will stop creating new recordings as Microsoft shuts down the cloud service that enables the feature.
You should still be able to open your saved data if the app remains on your phone. However, Microsoft warns that access may depend on whether you are logged in to the last account you used in Lens. If any of these files are significant, now is the time to get them out.
The two deadlines, simplified
February 9th is the last day to ensure Lens is installed on your device. After that, even a small hiccup, such as a new installation, can become a dead end.
March 9th is the day the tool ceases to be a tool. The lens can still be useful as a viewer of older objects, but it won’t help you capture anything new.
If you’ve built a habit around Lens, don’t wait until the cutoff breaks mid-week. Do the boring prep once and then forget about it.
Microsoft wants you in OneDrive and Copilot
Microsoft’s replacement path is clear. Document capture will be moved to OneDrive’s mobile scanning feature, and scanning will also appear in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
The big change is where your files go. OneDrive stores in the cloud by default. If you prefer to keep copies on your phone, there is an additional step to downloading them after you capture them.
What you should do now
First, make sure Lens is installed wherever you might still need it before early March. This will maintain your short-term routine.
Next, run a quick test in OneDrive so you know how it behaves. Make sure you can save, share, and organize the result the way you actually do it.
Finally, you can export anything important from Lens while it’s still straightforward. Confirm you’re in the correct account, move the files to a location you control, and you won’t have to troubleshoot access issues after March 9th.
If you’re looking for an alternative, check out the best scanner apps now.
