--- sourceDocument: Yokohama Mobile Configuration and Navigation sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/yokohama/mobile Release : - yokohama ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Yokohama Mobile Configuration and Navigation ft:clusterId : - mobile bundleId : - mobile workflow : - evelopment, Data and Analytics --- # Mobile barcode scanning # Mobile barcode scanning {#ariaid-title1} * Release version: Yokohama * * Updated January 30, 2025 * * ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Mobile barcode scanning ServiceNow's mobile barcode scanning feature allows users to utilize their mobile device cameras to efficiently scan barcodes directly into their instance using the ServiceNow mobile applications on iOS and Android. This capability accelerates data entry for assets and improves accuracy compared to manual input. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **Multi-scan barcode scanning:** Users can scan multiple barcodes sequentially within a single scanning session without exiting the interface. This streamlines data capture and allows reviewing a list of scanned items before submission. * **Grouped barcode scanning:** Enables scanning and grouping of multiple related barcodes (e.g., asset number, serial number, model number) as a single set, configurable via buttons to enhance workflow efficiency. * **Supported barcode types:** ServiceNow mobile apps support a wide range of 1D and 2D barcode formats on both platforms, with certain advanced types available exclusively on iOS. Note that Code-128 and Code-39 scanning on Android may have inconsistencies due to known library issues; enabling enhanced barcode scanning can improve accuracy. * **Zebra scanning device integration:** Android users can leverage Zebra external scanners with the ServiceNow mobile app, provided camera permissions for the Zebra device are disabled in the app settings. The scanner inputs barcode data directly into QR/Barcode input fields, and can be configured for advanced features like adding a tab key after scanning to facilitate multi-barcode entry. * **Improved iOS scanner framework:** From ServiceNow iOS app version 18.3 onward, a new barcode scanning framework enhances reliability and barcode type compatibility, although it may not support some older iOS devices. ## Practical Considerations for Customers * Perform barcode scanning in well-lit environments and keep the device camera steady to ensure accurate scans. * Use flashlight features on mobile devices as needed to improve scanning conditions. * Configure grouped inputs and multi-scan buttons to optimize workflows that require capturing multiple barcodes rapidly. * Be aware of platform-specific barcode support and scan reliability nuances, especially on Android devices with Code-128 and Code-39 barcodes. * For enhanced external scanning capabilities, integrate Zebra devices on Android with appropriate permission settings and optionally configure scan output behavior for seamless data entry. By leveraging these features, ServiceNow customers can expect faster, more accurate asset data collection and improved mobile scanning workflows within their ServiceNow environment. Use the camera on your mobile device to scan barcodes into your instance using mobile applications. ## Multi-scan barcode scanning {#sg-mobile-scanning__section_hcn_cn2_tlb} To scan barcodes as accurately as possible, make sure that you: * Scan in a well-lit environment. Both Android and iOS mobile devices have flashlight apps that you can use to make sure your device's camera has adequate light to scan barcodes accurately. * Keep the device camera in a steady position while scanning. If the camera is shaking, barcode scans will become blurred and inaccurate. {#sg-mobile-scanning__ul_oww_rk5_5zb} |-|-| | Use multi-scan to scan multiple barcodes sequentially without leaving the scanning interface. Enter information for your assets faster than manual entry or individual scans. After scanning in multiple barcodes, end users can review a list of their scanned items. | | [ ] {#sg-mobile-scanning__table_hcp_y52_tlb} ## Grouped barcode scanning {#sg-mobile-scanning__section_wb2_dn2_tlb} |-|-| | Use grouped barcode scanning to scan multiple barcodes and group them into a set. For example, a single item that has an asset number, serial number, and model number. You can configure a button to use grouped entries to accept multiple barcode scans. | | [ ] {#sg-mobile-scanning__table_kr1_z52_tlb} ## Supported barcode types {#sg-mobile-scanning__section_bby_why_gmb} The ServiceNow mobile apps for iOS and Android support scanning the following barcode types: Note: * Code-128 and Code-39 barcode scanning isn't consistent on Android devices due to a [known open issue with Android libraries](https://issuetracker.google.com/u/0/issues/207732702). Incorrect scanned values might be intermittently returned. For more accurate barcode scanning, see [Enable enhanced barcode scanning](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Cwgs3mOmazRyeylCV3Ofbw "Add the EnableCameraFocusEnhancement and the EnableMaxCameraResolution mobile properties to enhance barcode scanning for Android devices."). * Starting with version 18.3 of ServiceNow iOS apps, the barcode scanner uses a new framework that improves its reliability, ease of use, and enables scanning a wider variety of barcode types. However, the new barcode scanner framework isn't compatible with some older iOS devices. See [KB1702599](https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB1702599) on the ServiceNow Support website for details. You must be logged in to the website to view this content. {#sg-mobile-scanning__ul_stw_2lk_tcc} * 1D barcodes: * Both iOS and Android: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code-39, Code-93, Code-128, ITF, Codabar * iOS only: Code 39 Full ASCII, Code 93i, GS1 DataBar, GS1 DataBar Expanded, GS1 DataBar Limited, MSI {#sg-mobile-scanning__ul_wnt_fs1_scc} * 2D barcodes: * Both iOS and Android: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF-417, AZTEC * iOS only: MicroPDF417, MicroQR {#sg-mobile-scanning__ul_bql_rs1_scc} {#sg-mobile-scanning__ul_mgb_ch2_yz} ## Zebra scanning devices {#sg-mobile-scanning__section_p2h_rtw_5mb} The Android version of ServiceNow mobile apps can be used with most Zebra scanning devices. The scanner only works when permissions for the Zebra device camera have been denied for the ServiceNow mobile app. If you have already granted permissions to the Zebra device camera, you can turn them off in the settings for the Zebra device. In the ServiceNow app, when the cursor is in a QR/Barcode input field, the scanner outputs the results. End users can modify the barcode output to include a return/enter string at the end of each scan with other apps, such as DataWedge. For more information, see [Enable barcode scanning with an external scanner](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/16qGYMhIvKKJDRb4iSCMSw "Set the externalScanEnabled mobile property to True to enable barcode scanning with an external scanner while the device camera is available in other parts of the mobile app."). Also refer to [Add a Tab Key after Scanning a Barcode](https://supportcommunity.zebra.com/s/article/Add-a-Tab-Key-After-Scanning-a-Bar-Code?language=en_US) in the Zebra documentation. This article explains how to add a tab key which automatically moves the scanner cursor when scanning multiple barcodes. * **[Multi-scan for mobile applications](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/rfW3qv3OX20qgpMDjoAW1g)** Use multi-scan to quickly scan multiple barcodes or groups of codes. With multi-scan, you can input information for your assets faster than manual entry or individual scans. * **[Configure a grouped input for multiple scans](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/hKDYgMNguCzULEijHigHTg)** Enable your users to scan several barcodes sequentially. Users can scan barcodes without leaving the scanning interface when you configure a grouped input. You can configure grouped inputs on buttons to accept multiple barcode scans.