TL;DR
Microsoft has published a final schedule for retiring its Microsoft Lens scanning app across iOS and Android. The app will be unsupported after February 9, 2026, and scanning via the installed app will stop on March 9, 2026.
What happened
Microsoft confirmed updated dates for winding down Microsoft Lens (formerly Office Lens). According to a support page summarized by Android Police, the app is to be retired from iOS and Android devices beginning January 9, 2026, with support ending on February 9, 2026. The company says users who already have the app installed can continue to create new scans through March 9, 2026; after that date the app will no longer allow new scans but will still provide access to previously created scans if it remains installed. The firm had previously signaled plans to delist the app from major stores and to phase out services last year; the current timetable uses the same multi-step phase‑out approach but with revised dates. Microsoft and reporting outlets note that many smartphones now include built-in scanning features, which underpins the decision and leaves users with native or third‑party alternatives.
Why it matters
- Users must note the staggered shutdown dates to preserve any scans they need before creation is disabled.
- Removal from app stores means new installs will be blocked after February 9, 2026.
- Built-in OS scanning tools and third‑party apps are viable replacements for users who relied on Lens.
- Access to existing scans depends on keeping the app installed on a device after the cutoff.
Key facts
- Microsoft Lens was previously known as Office Lens.
- Retirement from iOS and Android devices starts January 9, 2026.
- The app will no longer be supported after February 9, 2026.
- Microsoft says new scans can be created in the installed app until March 9, 2026.
- After March 9, 2026, users will not be able to create new scans but can access prior scans if the app remains installed.
- Microsoft planned an earlier delisting from app stores and a mid‑December cutoff in the prior announcement; the current timeline updates those dates.
- Microsoft's support page and coverage via Android Authority / Android Police reported the schedule.
- Suggested alternatives include native phone scanners and apps such as Adobe Scan, CamScanner, Abbyy FineReader PDF, and Genius Scan.
What to watch next
- Confirm whether Microsoft will provide tools or guidance for exporting scans before the March 9 cutoff (not confirmed in the source).
- Whether the app is actually removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on February 9, 2026 as stated.
- How users and enterprises respond — for example, whether many migrate to native OS scanning or third‑party services (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- PDF scanner: A mobile app or device function that captures paper documents and converts them into digital PDF files.
- Delist: To remove an app from an app store so new users cannot download it.
- Native scanner: A document‑scanning feature built into a smartphone's operating system, not requiring a separate app.
- Support cutoff: The date after which a company stops providing updates, fixes, or official assistance for an app.
Reader FAQ
When will Microsoft Lens stop being supported?
Microsoft says support ends after February 9, 2026.
Can I still create new scans after the support end date?
You can create new scans in an already installed app until March 9, 2026; after that new scans are not possible.
Will I lose access to my existing scans?
According to Microsoft, previously created scans will remain accessible if the app stays installed on your device.
Will Microsoft provide migration or export tools for scans?
not confirmed in the source
Why is Microsoft shutting down Lens?
The source indicates Lens has become largely redundant due to built‑in scanning capabilities in modern smartphone operating systems.
Here is the new (and final) schedule for Microsoft Lens' shutdown By Karandeep Singh Oberoi Published 3 minutes ago Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and Mass Media…
Sources
- Here is the new (and final) schedule for Microsoft Lens' shutdown
- Microsoft Lens Retirement: Migration to OneDrive and Copilot
- Microsoft Lens mobile app will be retired starting January 9, 2026
- Microsoft Lens mobile app will be retired starting September 15, 2025
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