---
title: "2.2.1 How to start an inspection?"
description: "Start a new inspection (inspection) in the digiQC mobile app — pick the project and checklist, name the inspection, complete witness/drawing/checkpoints (camera-only photos), then pass or seek approval."
url: https://help.digiqc.com/en/articles/11-221-how-to-start-an-inspection
collection: "2.2 Inspect"
updated: 2026-11-05
language: en
---

# 2.2.1 How to start an inspection?

Start a new inspection (inspection) in the digiQC mobile app — pick the project and checklist, name the inspection, complete witness/drawing/checkpoints (camera-only photos), then pass or seek approval.

### Overview

An inspection in digiQC is carried out against a **checklist** on a unit of work called an inspection (Element of Quality Control). This guide shows how to start a new inspection from Inspect on the **mobile app** — from picking the checklist to passing the stage or sending it for approval.

### 🧭 How to use

1.  Open the mobile app and tap **Inspect** at the bottom.
    
2.  In the top-right corner, tap **\+ Add**.
    
3.  Select the **project** name.
    
4.  Select the **checklist** from the dropdown list.
    
5.  Enter the **inspection name** manually, or pick from the predefined levels and add a custom name.
    
6.  Tap **Start Inspection** in the top-right corner to begin.
    
7.  _(Only if the stage requires a witness)_ Select the **witness** present on site, take their **live photograph** (camera only), then tap **Next**.
    
8.  _(Only if the stage requires a drawing)_ Add a **reference drawing** — take a photo of a hard copy, **attach one from the gallery, or attach a PDF** — then tap **Next**.
    
9.  On the **checkpoint** screen, check each point one by one and select **Yes** or **No** based on the work done. Add **photos (camera only) and remarks** wherever they are mandatory.
    
10.  After all checkpoints, you will see two options at the end — **Fail & Pass** or **Fail & Seek approval** — depending on the process your organisation has set for that stage.
     
11.  Select the **team to notify** and set a **deadline** to start the next stage _(this appears only if there is a next stage)_, then tap **Done**.
     
12.  The inspection then **syncs automatically** (shown at the top).
     

### ❓ FAQ

#### 1\. What is an inspection?

An inspection (Element of Quality Control) is the unit of work an inspection is carried out on, using its checklist. Starting an inspection creates the inspection.

#### 2\. I can't find the checklist assigned to me — what should I do?

Tap the **refresh** button on the checklist selection, or go to the **Dashboard** and **pull down to refresh**. Your assigned checklist should then appear.

#### 3\. I don't see the witness or drawing step — why?

Those steps appear **only when the stage is configured** to require a witness or a drawing.

#### 4\. Can I attach a photo from my gallery?

Only on the **drawing** screen. For **witness** and **checkpoint** photos, only **live photos taken from the camera** are allowed — there is no gallery access there.

#### 5\. Can I attach a PDF?

Yes — a PDF can be attached in the **drawing** section.

#### 6\. What is the difference between "Fail & Pass" and "Fail & Seek approval"?

It depends on your organisation's setup for that stage: in some, the Inspector can pass the stage directly; in others, it must be sent to an **Approver**.

#### 7\. Can I rename an inspection?

Yes, but only from the **web app** and **only by a Project Admin**, while the inspection's stages are still in progress.

#### 8\. What is the deadline reminder for the next stage?

When you set a deadline for the next stage, digiQC reminds the relevant users with **in-app notifications** — at **8 am** on the day, and again **1 hour before** the deadline.

### 💡 Good to know

-   For **witness** and **checkpoint** photos, only **live (camera) photos** are allowed — no gallery.
    
-   The **gallery** and **PDF** options are available only on the **drawing** screen.
    
-   The witness and drawing steps appear only when the stage requires them.
    
-   Inspections **sync automatically** once captured.
    

### 🔗 Related articles

-   2.2.3 How does Sync feature works?
    
-   2.2.4 How to start the next stage of the same inspection?
    
-   2.2.7 RFI process and inspection
    
-   2.2.10 Choosing a location: levels, your own name, or both