WhatsApp is working on a major productivity update for Android users — the ability to scan documents directly within the app. This feature has already been available on iOS for months and is now in development for Android, as spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.25.18.29 by WABetaInfo.
Document Scanning Feature Coming to Android
The new feature will be accessible under the “Documents” attachment menu in WhatsApp. Users will see a third option labeled “Scan Document”, in addition to “Browse documents” and “Choose from gallery”. Tapping it will open a camera interface.
Key features include:
- Auto-detect and auto-capture documents
- Scan multiple pages to generate a single PDF
- Save scanned PDFs locally or share via chat
- All processing handled securely within the app
The scanned document will be converted into a PDF file and can be sent to contacts, yourself, or shared to other apps.
Status: Still in Development
While this feature is present in the beta app code, it is currently not yet enabled for public beta testers. WhatsApp will likely roll it out gradually in a future update.
Meta AI Message Summaries Also Being Tested
In addition to the document scanner, WhatsApp is also testing a new AI-powered feature called “Summarise with Meta AI”. This feature shows up in some group or individual chats with lots of unread messages.
What it does:
- Condenses long conversations into a brief summary
- Uses Meta’s Private Computing framework to maintain message privacy
- Available in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.18.18 and above
This could save time for users who frequently miss large numbers of messages, especially in active group chats.
Alternatives While You Wait
If you're an Android user and need to scan documents today, you can try these alternatives:
- Google Drive – Tap the “+” → “Scan” to use the built-in scanner
- Microsoft Lens – Excellent free document scanning app
- Adobe Scan – Scans, enhances, and exports high-quality PDFs
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp is clearly pushing toward more utility-focused features. With document scanning and AI summaries on the horizon, the platform is evolving from just a messaging app into a multifunctional productivity tool. Keep your WhatsApp updated to be among the first to try these new features once they roll out on the beta and stable channels.