A Tesco shopper has shared a ‘life-changing’ tip that makes using the supermarket’s scan as you shop feature even easier – and it’s safe to say that others are just as impressed
A savvy shopper shared her amazement after stumbling upon a feature that makes navigating the many aisles of Tesco during your shop considerably easier and less time-consuming.
Since 2010, Tesco has provided a Scan as You Shop service in its stores, enabling customers to use their Clubcards to obtain a handheld scanner. Shoppers can then scan items as they browse the aisles, which proves handy as it lets them bag their goods whilst shopping and monitor their running total before reaching the checkout.
However, many customers may be unaware that the supermarket has recently introduced an enhancement that makes the scan-as-you-go experience even better.
In October 2025, Tesco launched the ability to transfer your shopping list directly onto the scanners. This proves incredibly useful, as it also assists shoppers in finding specific products by indicating which aisles they’re stocked in.
Buanann Rafferty, from Northern Ireland, is among the numerous astonished customers who’ve only just cottoned on to this hack. She discovered it by chance during a recent grocery trip to her local Tesco supermarket – and quickly took to TikTok to share her findings.
“I was today years old when I discovered this,” she said at the start of the video before flipping the camera to show what she was talking about.
Buanann continued: “You can scan your Tesco app and put your shopping list into the scanner… This has changed my life.”
It’s evident that others were just as amazed by the scanning feature. One person responded: “You mean I’ve memorised my Tesco layout and shopping list for nothing.”
Another viewer commented: “You know you’re getting old when you’re excited over shopping haha.”
However, not everyone was won over. One individual highlighted an even simpler method to complete your shopping without even stepping outside. The viewer noted: “I just get it all delivered for like two quid.”
How to sync your shopping list with Tesco scanners
After getting requests to explain how to sync a shopping list to the Tesco scanner, Buanann provided a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this.
You’ll need the Tesco app installed on your mobile. Then, create an in-store shopping list, which can be found in the ‘in store’ section of the app.
Once complete and you’ve reached Tesco, head to the scanner wall and unlock your device using the Clubcard in the Tesco app.
Select the List tab on the device, which will display your shopping on screen. It will then automatically tick items off as you scan them with the scanner. You’ll also be able to check stock levels, as well as whether any products are currently out of stock in the store.
When finished, simply proceed to the Scan as you Shop till to pay for your groceries as usual. It really is that straightforward!
