Getting Started: How to download the free Yuka app
Downloading the Yuka app is a simple process, regardless of whether you use an iOS or Android device. The core functionality of the app, which includes scanning product barcodes and viewing their health score, is completely free for all users. The steps are nearly identical on both platforms, ensuring a smooth setup for everyone.
Step-by-step guide for iOS (iPhone/iPad) users
- Open the App Store: Locate the blue icon with a white 'A' and open the app store on your device.
- Navigate to Search: Tap the 'Search' tab, which is typically found in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Search for 'Yuka': Tap the search bar at the top and type in "Yuka". The official app has a distinctive carrot logo (🥕).
- Find the App: Locate the correct 'Yuka - Food & Cosmetic Scanner' app in the search results and tap it.
- Download the App: Tap the 'Get' button to initiate the download. You may need to use your Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID password to confirm.
- Open and Scan: Once the download is complete, tap the 'Open' button to launch the app and begin scanning products.
Step-by-step guide for Android users
- Open the Google Play Store: Find and tap the colorful triangle icon for the Play Store on your device.
- Use the Search Bar: Tap the search bar located at the top of the screen.
- Search for 'Yuka': Type "Yuka" into the search field and press enter. The official app is developed by 'Yuka App'.
- Install the Application: Tap the 'Install' button on the app's page.
- Wait for Installation: The app will download and install automatically. Once finished, a notification will confirm completion.
- Launch the App: Tap 'Open' to start using Yuka and analyze your products.
Free vs. Premium Features: What's the difference?
The Yuka app offers a robust free version that is sufficient for most users, alongside an optional Premium subscription with added features. The core functionality—scanning products and getting detailed health analyses—is available to everyone without cost. This comparison table highlights the main differences.
| Feature | Free Version | Premium Subscription | 
|---|---|---|
| Product Scanning | Unlimited scanning of food and cosmetics using your phone's camera. | Unlimited scanning, same as the free version. | 
| Offline Mode | No. Requires an active internet connection to scan products. | Yes. Allows for scanning and analyzing products even without a network signal. | 
| Search Function | No. Users must scan a barcode to get product information. | Yes. Provides an advanced search bar to find products by name or brand without a physical scan. | 
| Custom Alerts | No. Personalized dietary alerts are not included. | Yes. Alerts for specific allergens or ingredients like palm oil, gluten, or lactose. | 
| History | Limited access to your scan history. | Unlimited access to your scan history over the year. | 
Using the Yuka app to scan products
Once you have installed the free Yuka app, using it is incredibly simple. Simply open the app and tap the 'Scan' button. Point your phone's camera at the barcode of a food or cosmetic item. The app will instantly analyze the product and display a detailed report with a color-coded score: Excellent (Green), Good (Yellow), Poor (Orange), or Bad (Red). For products with a negative score, Yuka provides a list of healthier, higher-rated alternatives.
Troubleshooting common download issues
- App not found in search: Ensure your app store is set to a supported country, such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.
- Requires payment: The core scanning function is free. If you are prompted for a purchase, you may be trying to access a premium feature or have accidentally selected an in-app purchase. The premium subscription is optional.
- Device incompatibility: Make sure your phone meets the minimum operating system requirements. As of October 2025, iOS requires version 15.5 or later, and Android requires 5.0 or higher.
Conclusion
The Yuka app is a powerful, independent tool for any shopper looking to make more informed decisions about their purchases. The basic version is entirely free and provides a wealth of information by simply scanning a product's barcode. The straightforward process for getting the free Yuka app on both iOS and Android platforms means anyone can begin analyzing food and cosmetic products immediately. By downloading Yuka, you take a significant step towards understanding the health impact of the products you use every day.
For more information on the app's independence and business model, you can visit the official Yuka website [www.yuka.io/en/independence/].
The free Yuka app is easy to get
It can be found and downloaded directly from the official Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices, respectively. The main function—scanning products—is completely free of charge.
Scan barcodes for a health analysis
Once installed, you can use your phone's camera to scan the barcode of any food or cosmetic product to receive an instant, color-coded health rating. The app then provides healthier alternatives for low-scoring items.
Compare free vs. premium
While the free version offers core scanning functionality, a Premium subscription unlocks additional features like offline mode, an in-app search bar, and custom dietary filters.
Simple steps for iOS and Android
Downloading on either platform involves opening the respective app store, searching for 'Yuka', and tapping the 'Install' or 'Get' button to add the app to your device.
Check for common issues
If you have trouble, ensure your device meets the minimum OS requirements and that you are using the official app stores. The free version does not require any initial payment.