A Tesco customer has sparked a wave of amazement online after revealing a clever trick that makes the supermarket's popular Scan as You Shop feature even faster and more efficient. Described as "life-changing," the tip leverages a recent upgrade to streamline the weekly grocery run.
The Viral Discovery That's Changing Tesco Shops
Buanann Rafferty, a shopper from Northern Ireland, stumbled upon the feature by chance during a routine trip to her local Tesco. She promptly shared her find in a TikTok video that resonated with thousands. "I was today years old when I discovered this," she exclaimed, demonstrating the hack that allows you to transfer your digital shopping list directly onto the handheld scanner.
While Tesco has offered its Scan as You Shop service since 2010, allowing customers to scan and bag items as they go, a significant enhancement was rolled out in October 2025. This update introduced the ability to sync a pre-made shopping list from the Tesco app to the scanner device.
How the Synced List Transforms Your Shop
The functionality does more than just display a list. It actively assists shoppers by showing which aisle each product is located in, turning a potentially meandering search into a targeted mission. As items are scanned, they are automatically ticked off the on-screen list. The scanner also provides real-time information on stock levels, alerting you if something is unavailable before you trek across the store.
The reaction on social media was swift and filled with similar surprise. One user lamented, "You mean I've memorised my Tesco layout and shopping list for nothing," while another joked about the simple pleasures of adulthood. Not everyone was convinced, with one commenter pointing out the alternative of home delivery for a small fee.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Feature
Following numerous requests, Buanann provided a clear tutorial. To use the hack, you first need the Tesco app on your mobile device. Create an 'in-store' shopping list within the app's dedicated section.
Once at the store, collect a scanner from the designated wall and unlock it by scanning the barcode of your Clubcard from within the Tesco app. On the scanner's screen, select the 'List' tab. Your pre-loaded shopping list will then appear, ready to guide your shop. When you're done, simply head to a Scan as You Shop till to pay as normal.
This seamless integration of digital planning and in-store technology marks a continued shift towards a more convenient, personalised supermarket experience, proving that sometimes the biggest time-savers are hiding in plain sight.
