How to Split a Restaurant Bill by Scanning the Receipt on Your iPhone

Figuring out who owes what at the end of a group dinner is always a hassle. Someone else might have already paid the bill. Or maybe you need to request money from your friends. You can now scan the receipt directly with your iPhone to split the costs automatically. Here is how to use this feature to make splitting the check effortless.

Step 1: Open Apple Cash in Messages

The easiest way to start splitting a bill is right from a text conversation. This works perfectly in a one-on-one chat. It really shines in a group chat with everyone who was at the table.

1. Open Messages and go to the chat with your friends.
2. Tap the Apple Cash icon in the app menu.
3. Tap the new Split Bill button.

If it is your first time using this feature, you will see a quick information card. It explains that the app uses a picture of a receipt to split the amount for you.

Step 2: Scan your receipt

Once you tap Split Bill, your camera will open so you can capture the receipt.

1. Point your iPhone at the receipt so the items and prices are clearly visible.
2. Take a picture.
3. Choose either Request to ask for money from others, or Pay Your Share to send money to the person who covered the bill.

Step 3: Claim your items and add a tip

Now for the best part. Your iPhone reads the individual items from the receipt so nobody has to do any manual math.

1. Review the list of items pulled from the receipt.
2. If you are paying for specific things, tap to select your individual items. Your total will update automatically.
3. If you want to split the entire bill right down the middle, turn on the Split Evenly toggle.
4. Tap Add Tip. The app automatically calculates standard tip percentages like 15%, 18%, 20%, and 25%. Just tap your preferred amount.
5. Tap Pay and choose the recipient from your group chat to send the money.

Alternative: Use Camera Control

You can also trigger this feature from your home screen using Visual Intelligence.

1. Hold the Camera Control button to bring up the visual intelligence camera.
2. Take a picture of your receipt.
3. Your iPhone will automatically bring you to the Apple Cash screen to request or send money.

Starting directly from a group chat in Messages is usually a bit smoother because your recipients are already selected. It is still great to have options.

You're all set

No more passing a receipt around the table or pulling out a calculator app. The next time you are out to eat, just snap a quick photo and let your iPhone handle the awkward math.