Quick setup checklist
Before you scan, run through this:
✓ Above 20% battery, with low power / battery saver mode off
✓ Clean camera lens
✓ Soft, even lighting
✓ Phone steady, or propped somewhere it won't move
✓ Face relaxed and neutral
✓ Whole face inside the frame on screen
✓ Tinted glasses, sunglasses, hats, or masks off (clear glasses and makeup are fine)
✓ Sitting comfortably with your feet flat on the ground
Positioning yourself
Distance: Hold your phone at arm's length
Height: Keep the camera at eye level, parallel to your face
Body: Sit with your feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed
Breathing: Breathe naturally. No special breathing required.
💡 If your positioning or lighting is off, IMIN will let you know. Just follow the on-screen prompts.
Small movements are okay
Blinking is fine.
A slight adjustment won't ruin your scan. If you sneeze or cough, the scan will still work, just try to minimize movement when you can.
Hold steady, but don't stress.
Lighting matters (but it's simpler than you think)
Best conditions
Even illumination: Your face should be evenly lit without harsh shadows
Single light source: One main light directed toward your face works best
Avoid backlighting: Don't sit with a bright window or light behind you
What to avoid
Direct sunlight on your face or camera
Multiple competing light sources
Highly reflective surfaces nearby (mirrors, glass tables)
Very dim lighting (your face should be clearly visible)
Quick test: If you can see your face clearly on the screen without squinting, the lighting is probably fine.
Common questions
Does wearing makeup affect the scan?
No. Makeup doesn't affect accuracy, IMIN works the same with or without it.
Can I wear glasses?
Clear prescription glasses are fine. Take off sunglasses or any tinted lenses.
How often should I scan?
A daily check-in is a great place to start, and it's up to you from there. For the full picture, including when to scan and what regular scanning unlocks, see How often should I scan?.
What if my phone gets warm?
Wait 3 minutes between scans to prevent overheating.
What if my phone gives a Low Power warning?
Make sure you're above 20% battery before scanning, plugging in if you need to. Then turn off low power / battery saver mode, since it can affect camera performance and scan accuracy.
Does skin tone affect accuracy?
No. IMIN works accurately across all skin tones.
What if someone walks behind me?
Try to scan somewhere people won't move through the background, but a brief interruption won't invalidate your results.
Do I need perfect conditions?
No. IMIN is built for real life. These guidelines help accuracy, but the app works well in typical home or office settings.
Why does the scan take 60 seconds?
The scan needs enough heartbeats to read your heart rate variability accurately. Sixty seconds captures enough while keeping it quick.
Troubleshooting poor scans
If you're getting inconsistent results:
Check your lighting. This is the most common issue.
Make sure your face stays fully in frame throughout the scan.
Clean your camera lens with a soft cloth.
Restart the app if problems persist.
Try a different location with better lighting.
Setting up a regular scan spot
For the most consistent results over time, consider creating a "scan spot":
A comfortable chair with good lighting
Away from windows with changing light
Somewhere you can relax for 60 seconds
A place to prop your phone if you'd rather not hold it
Remember: Progress over perfection
IMIN learns your patterns over time. Even if conditions aren't perfect, regular scanning helps the app understand your nervous system better. Focus on consistency, not perfect conditions.