ScanSnap iX1600 Not Scanning Double Sided Pages Properly
Applies to
ScanSnap iX1600
Last updated
6 February 2026
Problem
The ScanSnap iX1600 is designed for duplex scanning, but some users find that only one side of the page is scanned, the back page is blank, or pages appear out of order. In other cases, double sided documents are scanned as single sided files even though the hardware supports automatic duplex scanning.
This issue is typically caused by incorrect profile settings, blank page removal filters, mixed document sizes, or improper paper loading.
Solution
Review and adjust duplex settings in the active scan profile, disable aggressive blank page detection where necessary, and ensure documents are aligned correctly in the feeder.
Step-by-step instructions
Check the active scan profile
Open ScanSnap Home and confirm which profile is currently selected. Profiles may have different settings for single sided or double sided scanning.
Enable duplex scanning
Within the profile settings, ensure scanning mode is set to double sided rather than single sided. Save any changes before testing again.
Review blank page removal settings
If back pages are being skipped, blank page detection may be enabled with high sensitivity. Lower the sensitivity or disable it temporarily to confirm whether pages are being filtered out.
Align documents properly
Tap the document stack on a flat surface to align edges. Adjust the side guides so they gently touch the paper without bending it.
Avoid mixing paper types
Scanning very thin paper with heavier sheets in the same batch can cause inconsistent detection. Separate different paper weights where possible.
Test with a small batch
Load two or three double sided sheets and perform a test scan. Confirm that both sides appear correctly in the output file.
Check page orientation settings
Ensure automatic rotation and orientation correction are enabled if pages appear upside down or out of order.
Optional methods or tools
If scanning receipts or partially printed pages, temporarily disable blank page removal to prevent back sides being skipped.
Clean the rollers if paper feeds inconsistently, as poor feeding can affect duplex capture.
Best practices or tips
Create separate profiles for single sided and double sided scanning to avoid confusion.
Regularly test duplex functionality after making profile changes.
Avoid overloading the feeder, as misfeeds can interrupt double sided capture.
Keep firmware updated to ensure consistent scanning behaviour.
When the ScanSnap iX1600 fails to scan double sided documents correctly, the cause is almost always profile configuration rather than hardware failure. Duplex scanning depends on the correct settings being enabled and blank page detection being adjusted appropriately.
By reviewing scan mode, blank page filters, and document preparation, you can restore accurate double sided scanning quickly. Once configured correctly, the ScanSnap iX1600 reliably captures both sides of documents in a single pass.
