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How to Scan a QR Code

Step-by-step instructions for every device. Most phones can do it with just the camera app — no extra app needed.

How to Scan a QR Code on Android

Android 9 (Pie) and later support QR scanning natively through the Camera app. No third-party app required.

1 Built-in Camera App Android 9+
  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Point it at the QR code and hold steady for a moment.
  3. A pop-up banner will appear at the top or bottom of the screen.
  4. Tap the banner to open the link or take the action.

Works on Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, and most other Android brands running Android 9 or later.

2 Google Lens
  1. Open the Google app or the Google Lens app.
  2. Tap the Lens icon (the multicolored viewfinder square).
  3. Point the camera at the QR code.
  4. Tap the result that appears on screen.

Google Lens is pre-installed on most Android phones. You can also reach it from Google Photos by selecting an image and tapping Lens.

3 Quick Settings Samsung
  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
  2. Look for a QR Scanner tile and tap it.
  3. Point the camera at the code and tap the result.

Samsung One UI has a dedicated QR tile. If you don't see it, tap the pencil/edit icon in Quick Settings to add it.

Brand-specific steps (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo/Realme)

Samsung Galaxy

Open Camera, tap the Bixby Vision icon or look for the QR code prompt in the viewfinder. On newer One UI versions (4+), the camera app scans automatically.

Xiaomi / MIUI

Open Camera and look for a "Scan" shortcut at the top of the viewfinder. Alternatively, use the built-in Scanner app from the app drawer.

Oppo / Realme / ColorOS

Open Camera and swipe to "More" modes at the bottom. Select "Scan QR Code." Or open the default Browser app and tap the scan icon in the search bar.

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone and iPad

Every iPhone and iPad running iOS 11 or later (released 2017+) can scan QR codes with the built-in Camera app. You don't need to download anything.

1 Camera App Easiest
  1. Open the Camera app from the home screen or lock screen.
  2. Point it at the QR code. Hold steady for one second.
  3. A yellow box will appear around the QR code.
  4. Tap the notification banner that appears at the top of the screen.

This is the fastest method. Make sure you're using the default Apple Camera app, not a third-party camera replacement.

2 Control Center
  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
  2. Tap the QR code icon (looks like a small QR pattern). If you don't see it, go to Settings > Control Center and add "Code Scanner."
  3. Point at the QR code and tap the result.
3 Scan from an Image iOS 16+
  1. Save the QR code image to your Photos app.
  2. Open Photos, select the image.
  3. Tap and hold on the QR code in the image.
  4. An option to "Open in Safari" (or similar) will appear.

This works on iOS 16+ and iPadOS 16+. Older iPhones can use Google Lens or the Shortcuts app as an alternative.

How to Scan a QR Code on a Windows PC

Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in QR scanner. You can also decode QR codes from images without a webcam.

1 Windows Camera App
  1. Open the Camera app (search for it in the Start menu).
  2. Click the QR Code button in the sidebar (the square grid icon).
  3. Point your webcam at the QR code.
  4. The decoded link will appear on screen.
2 Scan a QR Code Image Online
  1. Take a screenshot or save the QR code image to your computer.
  2. Go to lens.google.com in your browser.
  3. Upload or drag-and-drop the QR code image.
  4. Google Lens will decode the QR code and show the content.

This method works even without a webcam, on any operating system.

3 Use Your Phone as a Scanner

The most practical approach when looking at a QR code on your monitor: pick up your phone and scan the screen directly. This works perfectly for QR codes displayed on websites, PDFs, or presentations.

How to Scan a QR Code on a Mac

macOS doesn't have a native QR scanner, but there are several easy workarounds.

1 iPhone Camera via Continuity

If your iPhone is nearby and logged into the same Apple ID, you can point your iPhone camera at a QR code and the action will appear on your Mac. This requires macOS Monterey or later and iOS 16+.

2 Google Lens Browser
  1. Open Chrome on your Mac.
  2. Right-click on any QR code image on a webpage and choose "Search image with Google Lens."
  3. Google will decode it in the side panel.
3 QR Journal or CodeReader Free Apps

Search the Mac App Store for "QR code scanner." QR Journal is a free option that uses your Mac's webcam to scan codes in real time.

QR Code Won't Scan? Try These Fixes

Common issues and quick solutions to get your scans working.

Get closer

The QR code should fill about two-thirds of your camera's viewfinder. Scanning from too far away is the most common reason a scan fails.

Hold still

Motion blur prevents the camera from reading the pattern. Hold the phone steady for a full second.

Improve the lighting

Scan in a well-lit area. Glare from laminated surfaces can also interfere; try tilting the phone slightly.

Clean the camera lens

Smudges on the lens cause blurry focus even when everything else is correct.

Check QR code size

Printed codes smaller than 2 cm x 2 cm (about 0.8 inches) can be unreliable. Use a larger print size if possible.

Enable QR scanning in settings

On some Android phones, QR code detection is turned off by default. Go to Camera Settings and enable "Scan QR codes."

Try a different app

If the native camera doesn't work, Google Lens or a dedicated QR scanner app from your app store will usually succeed.

Check if the code is damaged

Physical wear, fading ink, or a logo that's too large can make codes unscannable. A high error-correction level (H) helps codes survive some damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common scanning questions.

Does scanning a QR code cost money?

No. Scanning a QR code is free and uses your phone's camera, not data. The only data usage is when the code sends you to a website, which is the same as visiting any URL. There's no charge for scanning, and no app subscription required on modern phones.

Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo?

Yes. On iPhone (iOS 16+), open the photo in the Photos app, long-press on the QR code, and tap the action. On Android, open Google Lens (or Google Photos), select the image, and tap the Lens icon. On a computer, upload the image to lens.google.com.

Is it safe to scan QR codes?

Generally yes, but look at the URL preview before you tap. Your phone will show you the link before opening it. If the URL looks strange or doesn't match what you expected, don't tap it. Avoid scanning QR codes stuck over official ones in public places (a known scam technique called "quishing").

What if my Android camera doesn't scan QR codes?

First, go to your Camera app settings and look for a "QR code scanning" or "Barcodes" toggle and make sure it's on. If it's already on and still not working, try Google Lens instead. On very old Androids (pre-Android 8), download a free QR scanner app from the Play Store.

Can I create my own QR code for free?

Yes. QRSansar lets you create QR codes for websites, WiFi, contact cards, WhatsApp, and more at no cost. No sign-up required, no watermarks on the download. Just enter your content and download the image.

Need to Create a QR Code?

QRSansar is completely free. Build a QR code for a website, WiFi network, WhatsApp message, or contact card in under a minute.

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