Scanning Pokémon cards offline: what works and what doesn't
The short answer
Yes, you can scan Pokémon cards offline, as long as the app recognises cards on the phone rather than on a server. FastScan TCG does: scanning runs on the iPhone with no connection. Images load once you are back online, and prices aren't guaranteed. To check any other app, simply test it in airplane mode.
The places where people sort their cards don’t always have the best signal: a packed convention hall, a basement, an attic, a car. An app that sends every photo to a server becomes slow or useless there. The whole question is where recognition happens.
On the phone or on a server: the real difference
There are two broad ways to recognise a card.
| On the phone | On a server | |
|---|---|---|
| With no signal | Works | Doesn’t work |
| Speed | Doesn’t depend on the network | Depends on the network |
| Your photos | Can stay on the phone | Are sent |
| Storage used | Catalogue and index are in the app | Lighter |
| Catalogue updates | With app updates | Immediate |
Servers have real advantages, especially for adding a new set quickly. But offline scanning is essential wherever the network is poor.
What works with no signal in FastScan TCG
FastScan TCG keeps the catalogue and the recognition index inside the app. With no connection:
- scanning works, in all three modes: continuous, manual and binder;
- the scanned cards list is saved on the phone, with the photos;
- you can confirm cards into your collections.
What waits for a connection:
- card images, loaded on demand;
- prices, when available: we don’t promise them, as our price server is stopped for now.
As a result, the cards suggested when the app is unsure may appear without an image if it has never been loaded.
What the other apps say
We tested none of these apps. Here is what their pages state, as of 4 November 2026:
- PokéCardex states it works with or without an internet connection.
- Eyevo states it works offline after the initial download, noting that prices, some photo checks and sync need a connection.
- Pooka says it recognises cards on the phone, without covering the offline case.
- Collectr, TCGplayer, DittoDex, Pokex and MyDex don’t say on the pages we read.
Our overview of the apps also compares price and scan limits.
The airplane mode test, in two minutes
- Open the app once while online, to let downloads finish.
- Turn on airplane mode and check that Wi-Fi is off.
- Scan five cards you know, including an old one.
- Note whether an answer comes and how long it takes.
- Go back online and check that nothing was lost.
If the app refuses to scan or waits forever, it depends on a server.
What we measured
On an iPhone 13 Pro Max, analysing an image takes a median of 194 ms, or about 0.2 s. This covers 300 synthetic images and not a real camera: a real card can take several images before a confident answer. The details are on our method page.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if an app really scans offline?
Turn on airplane mode, switch off Wi-Fi and scan five cards. If the app recognises them, scanning really runs on the phone. Repeat with a less common card.
What can I do with no signal in FastScan TCG?
Scan and save your cards. Images load once you are back online. Prices aren't guaranteed.
Are my card photos sent to a server?
In FastScan TCG, no: the app doesn't send your photos. They are used to review the cards and are deleted when you add or remove the card.
How fast can a scan on the phone be?
We measured a median of 194 ms per image on an iPhone 13 Pro Max, on 300 synthetic images. A real card in front of the camera can take several images before a confident answer.