If a scan did not work or the results do not look right, this article will help you figure out what happened and what to try next.
Getting a better scan
The quality of the photo has a big effect on the result. Before you scan again:
- Make sure the menu text is well lit. Natural light or a well-lit room helps a lot.
- Hold the phone steady and fill the frame with the menu section you want to scan.
- Avoid glare from glossy menus. Try a slight angle.
- Make sure you have an internet connection. New scans require one.
Error messages you might see
- Low confidence scan. The app could not read the text clearly enough. Retake the photo with better light and focus.
- Network error or timeout. Your connection dropped during the scan. Check your signal and try again.
- Rate limited. You have done too many scans in a short time. Wait a moment and try again.
If the results look wrong
Do not rely on a result that looks incorrect. Check with restaurant staff directly before ordering.
You can send feedback on any scan from inside the app. This helps the team improve accuracy over time.
Good to know
- Even a successful scan is only as accurate as the menu text. Incomplete menus mean some dishes may be labelled could not confirm rather than a clear result.
- Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering and eating, especially if a result looks unexpected.
- If a problem keeps happening, contact support.
Related: Important: always confirm with restaurant staff, How AlignEat decides if a dish is safe, in plain language