The PocketDex scanner is the fastest way to add cards to your collection. This guide covers how it works, how to get accurate results, and what to do when a card isn't recognized.
1. How the Scanner Works
The scanner uses OCR (optical character recognition) to read the card name, set symbol, and collector number directly from the card. This text data is cross-referenced against the PocketDex card database to find the best match. Image matching is also used as a secondary signal to improve accuracy. Most modern trading card sets are fully supported. Every scan result includes a confidence score so you always know how certain the match is.
2. Tips for Best Results
Lay the card flat on a dark, non-reflective surface.
Ensure good lighting — natural light or a bright room lamp works best.
Avoid direct flash, which causes glare and reduces OCR accuracy.
Centre the card in the camera frame before tapping to scan.
Hold your phone steady — motion blur is the most common cause of failed scans.
Remove the card from its sleeve for best results (or use a clear, scratch-free sleeve).
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Removing sleeves is optional but recommended for the highest confidence scores, especially with foil or holographic cards where glare from the sleeve can interfere with OCR.
3. Understanding Confidence Scores
Every scan result shows a confidence percentage indicating how certain the app is about the match.
85%+
Green — High Confidence
Strong match. Review the result and tap Confirm to add it to your collection.
60%
Yellow — Medium Confidence
Check the suggested match carefully before confirming. The card name and set number should match what you're holding.
<60%
Red — Low Confidence
The scanner isn't sure about the match. Try rescanning with better lighting or use the manual search fallback.
4. Batch Scan Mode
Batch mode lets you scan many cards in a row without stopping to confirm each one — ideal for adding a new set, sorting a binder, or quickly cataloguing a new purchase.
Tap the batch icon in the top-right corner of the scanner to enable batch mode.
Scan cards in sequence — each scan is added to a queue automatically.
When you're done scanning, tap Review Batch to see all matched cards at once.
Confirm or reject each match, then tap Save All to add everything to your collection.
5. When the Scanner Doesn't Recognise a Card
Try rescanning with improved lighting — move closer to a window or turn on more lights.
Use the manual search fallback (magnifying glass icon) to find the card by name or set number.
Some older sets or regional printings (non-English editions) may have limited database coverage.
Use the 'Report Missing Card' option in the scan result screen — the team reviews reports and adds missing cards regularly.
6. Scan History
Every scan you perform is saved automatically in your Scan History.
Access it via Scanner tab → History icon (clock icon, top left).
Useful if you accidentally scanned a card and didn't add it, or want to revisit a previous result.
History shows the matched card image, confidence score, and the date and time of the scan.