MC1131064 – Microsoft Lens app will retire (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive

Platform:

Android, iOS, mobile, Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Retirement

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Lens mobile app will retire starting September 15, 2025, with new installs disabled by mid-October and removal by mid-November. After December 15, 2025, new scans can't be created. Users should switch to Microsoft 365 Copilot app for scanning; no admin action is required.

Details:
Introduction
We're retiring the Microsoft Lens mobile app for iOS and Android in a phased approach starting September 15, 2025. To continue scanning documents, we recommend using the scan capability in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, where we will continue to invest in new features and improvements.
When this will happen
Mid-September 2025: Retirement process begins.
Mid-October 2025: New installs of Microsoft Lens will be disabled in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Mid-November 2025: Microsoft Lens will be removed from app stores.
Mid-December 2025: Users will no longer be able to create new scans in the Microsoft Lens app.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-08

updated:
2025-08-08

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Scanning Functionality
Users will be unable to create new scans in the Microsoft Lens app after December 15, 2025, leading to disruption in document scanning processes.
   - roles: End Users, Office Administrators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/retirement-of-microsoft-lens-fc965de7-499d-4d38-aeae-f6e48271652d

Transition to New App
Users may face a learning curve and potential productivity loss while transitioning to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for scanning, as they adapt to new features and interface.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/retirement-of-microsoft-lens-fc965de7-499d-4d38-aeae-f6e48271652d

Inaccessibility of Existing Scans
While existing scans will remain accessible, users may experience confusion or frustration if they cannot create new scans, impacting their workflow.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/retirement-of-microsoft-lens-fc965de7-499d-4d38-aeae-f6e48271652d

Documentation Updates Required
Internal documentation referencing Microsoft Lens will need to be updated, which may lead to temporary inconsistencies in user guidance.
   - roles: Technical Writers, Office Administrators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/retirement-of-microsoft-lens-fc965de7-499d-4d38-aeae-f6e48271652d

User Notification Necessity
Failure to notify users about the retirement may lead to confusion and unpreparedness, resulting in operational disruptions.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/retirement-of-microsoft-lens-fc965de7-499d-4d38-aeae-f6e48271652d

Configutation Options**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is planning to retire the Microsoft Lens mobile app, which many people use for scanning documents on their iOS and Android devices. Think of Microsoft Lens as a trusty old scanner that you might have in your office. It's been a reliable tool for turning paper documents into digital files. However, just like how we sometimes replace older office equipment with newer models that have more features, Microsoft is transitioning users to a newer app called Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Imagine you have a favorite coffee machine at work. It's been there for years, but the company decides to replace it with a new model that not only makes coffee but also offers tea and hot chocolate. The new machine is designed to provide more options and improve the overall experience. Similarly, Microsoft 365 Copilot is set to offer enhanced scanning capabilities along with other features, making it a more versatile tool for users.

Starting in mid-September 2025, Microsoft will begin phasing out the Lens app. By mid-October, you won't be able to download it from app stores, and by mid-November, it will be completely removed from these platforms. After December 15, 2025, the app will no longer allow you to create new scans, although any existing scans will still be accessible in the app's MyScans folder.

To continue scanning documents, users are encouraged to switch to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This app will not only handle scanning but also integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 features, much like how the new coffee machine offers more beverage options. For those who have been using Microsoft Lens to save scans to OneDrive, these files will still be accessible in the MyCreations section of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.

There's no need for any administrative action to be taken, but it's a good idea to inform users about this change and update any internal guides or documents that mention Microsoft Lens. This ensures everyone is prepared and can smoothly transition to using the new app. Compliance considerations have not been identified, but it's always wise to review changes in the context of your organization's policies.