Wrong set detection is the most common complaint across nearly every MTG scanner app. The problem is fundamental to how many scanners work. If a scanner primarily reads the card name via OCR and then guesses the set, it will frequently guess wrong for any card that has been printed more than once. A card like Sol Ring has been printed in over 50 different products, and each printing can have a different value.

The root cause varies by app. TCGPlayer's scanner often defaults to the most recent or most common printing rather than the one you actually scanned. ManaBox struggles when the card is not on a white background, as background noise interferes with set symbol detection. Dragon Shield is specifically called out by users for being terrible at selecting the correct version of reprinted cards.

Lotus Scan approaches identification differently. Instead of reading the card name and guessing the set, it analyzes the complete card image including the artwork, frame style, set symbol, and collector number area. This means that even for heavily reprinted cards, the scanner can distinguish between printings based on visual differences that text-only scanners ignore.

If you are experiencing wrong set detection with any scanner, there are a few things you can try. First, ensure the set symbol is clearly visible and in focus. The set symbol is often the fastest way to distinguish between printings. Second, make sure the full card is in the frame with no edges cut off. Third, use good lighting so the scanner can capture fine details like the set symbol color, which indicates rarity and varies between printings.

For cards where even Lotus Scan returns the wrong printing, you can manually correct the set after scanning. This is rare but can happen with certain promotional printings that share identical artwork and frames with a regular set printing. The app remembers your correction and improves over time.