# Claro ScanPen OCR Reader

> Use Claro ScanPen to have a photo of your printed text spoken back to you.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.clarosoftware.scanpen.scanpen\_android](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.clarosoftware.scanpen.scanpen_android)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.clarosoftware.scanpen.scanpen_android`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Claro Software Ltd
- **Category:** EDUCATION
- **Downloads:** 31,623
- **Rating:** 4.06 / 5 (131 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.3.14
- **Last updated:** 2023-09-08
- **First published:** 2016-10-31
- **Publisher country:** GB
- **Size:** 4.51 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.clarosoftware.scanpen.scanpen_android)
- **Website:** [https://www.claro-apps.com/claro-scanpen/](https://www.claro-apps.com/claro-scanpen/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.clarosoftware.com/legal](https://www.clarosoftware.com/legal)

## Description

Claro ScanPen OCR Reader is an innovative Android extension designed to help users listen to printed text by simply taking a photo and having the text read aloud. Ideal for students, professionals, and anyone needing accessible reading support, it functions offline without requiring internet access, making it perfect for exam conditions.

Using advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Claro ScanPen allows users to highlight printed text with a finger or stylus and hear it spoken in a high-quality human voice in a variety of languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and more. This tool supports seamless reading for materials like exam papers, documents, and books, fostering independent learning and accessibility for users such as those with dyslexia. Claro ScanPen requires a minimum 2MP camera and offers support through direct email contact.

## Rankings

- #362,189 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`

## Review summary

Claro ScanPen OCR Reader is praised for its ease of use and strong support for users with dyslexia or reading difficulties. It serves well for educational and independence purposes. However, users report frequent crashes, text detection failures, lack of handwriting support, limited language options, and interruptions caused by the device’s screen sleep feature.

### Pros

- Highly effective and easy to use OCR reader for phones
- Very helpful for users with dyslexia and reading difficulties
- Simple to use with accurate reading capabilities
- Helpful for educational purposes, especially for special education students
- Provides significant independence to users who struggle with reading

### Cons

- App frequently crashes or freezes leading to interruptions
- Does not support reading handwriting
- Issues with the app not detecting text despite clear images
- App sometimes does not support needed languages or voice options
- Screen going to sleep interrupts reading session

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.clarosoftware.scanpen.scanpen_android)