This article explains how to use the barcode scanner in the MyFitnessPal app to log packaged foods on iOS and Android, what you need before you start, and what to do if a scan doesn't go as planned.
Some days, typing out every food feels like a lot. That's what Barcode Scan is for. Point your camera at the barcode on a package, and MyFitnessPal pulls up the nutrition info for you. Fewer taps, more time actually eating your lunch.
As of October 1, 2022, Barcode Scan is available only with a Premium subscription. Read more about this change here.
To use the barcode feature, you will need a Premium subscription and a device with a rear camera. Please double-check that your device has a rear camera. If your device only has a forward-facing camera, the scanner will not be available.
How to use the Barcode Scanner
You may need to grant MyFitnessPal permission to access the camera on your device. If you accidentally denied permission, please go back to your device settings (not MyFitnessPal settings) and grant MyFitnessPal permission to access your camera.
iOS
- Open the MyFitnessPal app.
- Tap the blue plus (+) symbol near the bottom of your Today screen.
- Tap the Barcode Scan button near the top of the screen beneath the search bar. (At this point, you may be asked to allow camera permissions to MyFitnessPal.)
- Hold your camera over the barcode. Fit the whole barcode inside the scanning frame on your screen.
- When the food appears, choose your meal and serving size.
- Tap Log in the upper right corner to log the item to your diary.
Android
- Open the MyFitnessPal app.
- Tap the blue plus (+) near the bottom of your screen.
- Tap the Barcode Scan button to the right of the Log Food button.
- Hold your camera over the barcode. Fit the whole barcode inside the scanning frame on your screen.
- When the food appears, choose your meal and serving size.
- Tap the Check Mark in the upper right corner to log the item to your diary.
Alternatively, on both iOS and Android
- Tap Log to the right of the meal slots on your Today screen. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Then tap Barcode Scan or Scan a Barcode near the top of the screen beneath the search bar.
Frequently asked questions
The scanner is open, but it won't read my barcode. What can I try?
Move to brighter light and hold the package steady. Flatten any curved or wrinkled labels as much as you can. Make sure the entire barcode sits inside the frame, right side up. If it still won't read, you can search for the food by name instead.
The scan pulled up the wrong food. How do I fix it?
You can correct the match yourself. Learn how to edit or change the item found by a barcode scan.
What if the product isn't in the database?
Our database is built by our community, so newer or regional products are sometimes missing. When that happens, you can add the food yourself using the nutrition label on the package. Your entry is then saved for your future logs.
Can I scan barcodes on the MyFitnessPal website?
No. Barcode Scan uses your device camera, so it's available only in the iOS and Android apps. You can still log foods on the website by searching for them by name.
My scanner still isn't working on my iPhone. Where should I look next?
Read our troubleshooting steps for when the barcode scanner is not working in the iOS app.