# Preparing your mobile device

## During the scan: prepare your mobile device

A smooth scan depends on two things: **a clear camera** and **a stable connection**.\
Do these checks before you start.

***

### Quick checklist (30 seconds)

* [ ] Camera lens is **clean** and not scratched
* [ ] **Portrait orientation lock is OFF**
* [ ] No other apps are **using the camera**
* [ ] Connection is **stable** (Wi-Fi or 5G)
* [ ] I’m unlikely to be **interrupted**
* [ ] I won’t use the **Back** button during the scan
* [ ] **Desktop** setting is set to off

***

### 1) Clean the lens

A smudged lens creates blur and can stop the system seeing light scratches.

* Wipe the lens with a soft cloth (a clean t-shirt works in a pinch)
* Check for obvious scratches or cracks

{% hint style="info" %}
If images look hazy even in good light, the lens is usually the reason.
{% endhint %}

***

### 2) Turn OFF portrait lock (and free up the camera)

* Make sure **portrait orientation lock is OFF**
* Close any apps that might be using the camera (e.g. WhatsApp, Teams, Zoom, Instagram)

{% hint style="warning" %}
If another app is using the camera, the scan can fail or fail to launch
{% endhint %}

***

### 3) Choose the most stable connection

You need a consistent connection for uploads.

* If you have strong Wi-Fi and it’s stable, use Wi-Fi
* If you’re near the house and Wi-Fi is weak or keeps dropping, **turn Wi-Fi OFF** and use **5G** instead
* If signal is poor, move to a spot with better reception before starting

{% hint style="info" %}
A “weak but connected” Wi-Fi signal is worse than 5G — it often drops mid-scan.
{% endhint %}

***

### 4) Avoid interruptions

Interruptions are a common cause of failed scans.

Before you start:

* Set aside a few minutes where you won’t be disturbed
* If possible, put your phone on **Do Not Disturb**
* Don’t switch apps mid-scan

***

### 5) Don’t use the Back button during the scan

Avoid navigating backwards once you’ve started.

* Don’t use the phone’s **Back** gesture/button
* If something looks wrong, continue and use the **corrections** step afterwards

{% hint style="info" %}
You can **correct results** after the report is generated: remove false damage, add missed damage, or edit location/severity.
{% endhint %}

### 6) Turn off Desktop setting

#### How to Turn Off "Desktop Mode" on Your Phone

If you are seeing an error message or the app layout looks strangely zoomed out, your phone's browser might be forcing the "Desktop" version of our site. Here is how to quickly switch back to the mobile version depending on your device:

**For Android (Google Chrome):**

1. Tap the three dots (`⋮`) in the top right corner of your screen.
2. Scroll down the menu and look for Desktop site.
3. If the box next to it has a checkmark, tap it to uncheck it. The page will refresh and the app should work normally.

**For Android (Samsung Internet):**

1. Tap the three lines (`≡`) in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. If the menu shows an option for Mobile site, tap it to switch back. *(Note: If it says "Desktop site," you are already in the correct mode).*

**For iPhone (Safari):**

1. Look at the address bar at the bottom of your screen.
2. Tap the `aA` icon on the left side of the address bar.
3. If the menu says Request Mobile Website, tap it! *(Note: If it says "Request Desktop Website," you are already in the correct mode).*

**For iPhone (Google Chrome):**

1. Tap the three dots (`...`) in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Scroll down the menu.
3. Tap Request Mobile Site (it has an icon of a smartphone next to it).

***

#### If It Keeps Happening (iPhone/Safari Global Settings)

If Safari forces the desktop version every time you open the app, you might have a global setting turned on by accident. Here is how to fix it permanently:

1. Open your iPhone's main Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap Request Desktop Website.
4. Make sure the toggle switch next to All Websites is turned Off (grey, not green).

***

### Adding photos: do it in the corrections step

If you want to add extra images:

* Do it **after you receive the report**, using the **correction tools**
* Don’t try to add extra photos mid-scan “just in case”

{% hint style="warning" %}
 at the end of every image capture, there is a tick or a cross that allows you to accept or reject that image. Take your time
{% endhint %}