Copy text from photos on site: iPhone Live Text or Google Lens for serial plates, manuals and certificates

Category: Tools, Materials & Tech • Niche: OCR, iPhone, Android, site photos, documentation

Contents

• Quick answer
• Who this is for
• What you can do with it
• iPhone: use Live Text
• Android: use Google Lens
• Save evidence properly
• Fast workflows that save time
• Troubleshooting and accuracy tips
• FAQs

Quick answer

You can lift text straight out of photos and camera view on any modern smartphone. On iPhone, use Live Text in Photos or Camera. On Android, use Google Lens through the Google app or Google Photos. It’s ideal for serial plates, model numbers, gas appliance data badges, EICR numbers, invoice references and more. It beats retyping and reduces errors.

Who this is for

• Small construction firms, M&E contractors, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire and security.
• Managers who want fewer admin mistakes and faster job packs.
• Engineers who send photos on WhatsApp and hate retyping serials.

What you can do with it

• Copy model and serial numbers off plates and paste into job cards.
• Grab text from manufacturer manuals to quote exact part codes.
• Pull readings or certification numbers straight into notes.
• Translate foreign-language labels if needed.
• Tap phone numbers, emails and URLs in images to start calls or open sites.

iPhone: use Live Text

• Turn it on: Settings > General > Language & Region > Live Text. In Camera, enable Show Detected Text. See Apple’s guide: Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video on iPhone.
• Copy from an existing photo: open Photos, tap the Detect Text icon or touch and hold on text, drag handles, then Copy.
• Copy from the camera: open Camera, point at the label, tap the Detect Text icon, select and Copy.
• Works on: iPhone XS/XR or later on iOS 15 or newer. Live Text in video needs newer iOS.

Helpful reads: Apple Support: Copy and translate text from photos.

Android: use Google Lens

• From Google app: open Google, tap the Lens icon, point at text, select and Copy. You can also open a photo in Google Photos and tap Lens.
• From Chrome: long‑press an image > Search image with Google Lens > select text > Copy.
• Copy to your computer: in Lens, use Copy to computer while signed into the same Google account in Chrome on both devices.

Useful references: Google Lens overview, and a simple how‑to from How‑To Geek: Copy and paste text from a photo with your phone.

Save evidence properly

You need a clean audit trail for clients, manufacturers and building control.

• Store photos and the copied text together in the job folder (Google Drive or OneDrive). Use a naming convention like 2025-10-02-job-1234/boiler-serial-IMG_4321.jpg and a note file with the pasted serial/model.
• Keep the Benchmark or commissioning paperwork with the serial in the same folder. For boilers, see guidance from Baxi and Worcester Bosch.
• Warranty claims: most manufacturers require proof of purchase as well as a readable serial number. Keep receipts/emails or bank statements with the job record. See Citizens Advice on guarantees.

Fast workflows that save time

• Boiler or heat pump commissioning: photo the data plate, OCR the model/serial, paste into commissioning sheet and MCS pack.
• Electrical: capture MCB ratings, device references and EICR certificate numbers straight into your notes.
• Fire and security: grab panel model codes and zone lists; paste into service reports.
• Spares ordering: select the exact part code from a manual photo; paste into your PO.
• Office handover: paste OCR text into your job management app (Tradify, Simpro, ServiceM8, Commusoft) and link the source photos.

Troubleshooting and accuracy tips

• Lighting and focus: move to avoid glare on brushed metal plates. Fill the frame and hold steady.
• Angle: keep the phone square to the plate; tilt causes misreads (8 vs B, 0 vs O).
• Contrast: if the plate is low contrast, try a torch at an angle or switch to monochrome filter before OCR.
• Characters that often go wrong: 1/I/l, 0/O, 5/S, 2/Z. Double‑check against the photo before submitting.
• Save the photo even if you copy the text. It’s your evidence if a warranty query comes back.
• If Live Text or Lens won’t detect: crop tighter around the text, increase brightness, or try a different photo.

FAQs

Is this allowed under UK GDPR if photos include people?

If images include identifiable people, you need a lawful basis. For routine site records, many firms rely on legitimate interests with a short privacy notice. Avoid capturing faces where not needed. See ICO guidance on legitimate interests.

Does a serial photo count as proof for warranty?

Keep the serial photo, but most claims also need proof of purchase (receipt or statement). See Citizens Advice. Also check your brand’s warranty page.

Where are boiler serial numbers typically located?

Often on or under the control panel or a pull‑out tag. See brand guidance: Baxi, Ideal Heating and Worcester Bosch.

Can I translate labels?

Yes. Live Text and Lens can translate selected text. Useful for imported parts and manuals.

Any YouTube videos to see it in action?

Try this short tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f72ucDKCLZk

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