QR Code Scanner
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How do I scan a QR code?
Scan a QR code without an app Examples
Tap on the images to zoom in
What is a QR code reader?
A QR code scanner (also called a QR code reader) is a tool that reads a QR code and shows you what is inside: a link, text, contact details and more.
No app or software to install. Point your camera at a QR code or upload a screenshot of it, and our QR code scanner shows the contents. You decide whether to open the link. Need a code of your own? Make one with the QR code generator.
How do I scan a QR code?
Open the Camera app and hold your iPhone steady over the code until a banner appears at the top of the screen. Tap the banner to open the link. If nothing appears, go to Settings > Camera and turn on Scan QR Codes. iOS 11 or newer is needed.
Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. On most Android phones a link or a Google Lens button appears. Tap it to open the content. If nothing happens, check the camera settings for a QR code option, or open Google Lens from the Google app.
On an iPad, open the Camera app and point it at the code, then tap the banner that appears. On an Android tablet, use the camera if it supports QR codes, or open Google Lens.
A laptop camera does not read codes by itself, so use the online scanner on this page. Allow camera access in your browser and hold the code up to the webcam, or upload a screenshot or image file of the code.
How to use a QR code decoder?
Open our free QR scanner tool from the top of this page. Make sure you have the QR code ready to be scanned. If you’re using the QR code scanner online on your laptop, have the image with the QR code saved on your device or printed out or displayed on another device.
If you prefer to upload an image file instead of scanning, then make sure you select the “Upload Image” section. Drag your file to get scanned or select the file from your folder.
If you prefer to scan the QR code from your camera, you can choose the “Scan QR Code” option.
Sometimes there can be issues with some browsers and permissions. So make sure your camera is working before you start scanning your code.
After clicking the “scan” button or pointing your camera towards the code - you will get redirected to the link or contents in the QR code.
Why do I need a QR reader?
An online QR code scanner shows you what a code contains before you open it, and works on a laptop where there is no scanning camera app.
Your phone camera can scan most QR codes without any app. A scanner tool helps when the code is in a screenshot or a PDF, when you are at a computer, or when you want to check a link before you open it. If you make QR codes for your business, a Pageloot account also lets you track scans of your own codes. Start with the 14-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
A QR code reader is a tool that reads a QR code and shows the information stored in it, such as a link, text or contact details.
Take a screenshot of the code and upload it to our QR code scanner tool. On an iPhone you can also touch and hold the code in the Photos app, and the phone offers to open it. On many Android phones Google Lens can scan a code from a screenshot.
Yes. You can use our basic QR code scanner for free. If you make QR codes and want to track their scans, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial.
Open the online scanner on this page, allow camera access or upload an image of the code, and the contents appear on screen. The data can be a link, text, contact information or other content.
Yes. Most smartphone cameras scan QR codes without an app. If your phone is up to date, point the camera at the code. You can also use our online scanner in the browser, with no download.
Open the app, point your camera at the code and wait for the result. You can also try our free online scanner on your laptop.
You can keep a scan history in a Pageloot account. If you want to track scans of QR codes you made yourself, use a dynamic code. Sign up for the 14-day free trial to try it.
Scanning is free. The paid plans are for features such as scan statistics and editable codes. See the pricing page for current plans, and test all features with the 14-day free trial.
Open the Camera app and point it at the code. A banner appears: tap it to open the content. Read more here about how to scan QR on iOS.
Open the Camera app and point it at the code. If nothing happens, tap the Google Lens icon or install a QR code reader app from the Play Store. Read more here about how to scan QR on Android.
The usual causes are poor light, a blurry or damaged code, low contrast, a code that is too small, and a camera that has no permission. Move closer, add light, hold steady, and check the camera permission in your phone or browser settings.
Scanning is safe, but the link behind the code may not be. Check the web address before you open it, be careful with codes stuck over other codes, and never enter passwords or payment details on a page you did not expect. Our scanner shows the contents first, so you can check the link.
Yes. Use the free QR code generator and download your code as PNG, SVG or PDF.
Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
Why is my QR code reader not working?
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Not enough lighting
If your QR code scanner is not working, bad lighting may be the cause. The camera needs to see the code clearly. Light the area well and avoid glare or reflections on glossy paper or a screen. -
Blurry or damaged QR code
Check that the code is sharp and undamaged. A blurry, smudged or torn code is often not recognized. Hold the phone steady for a moment so the camera can focus, and make sure nothing covers the code.
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Not enough color contrast
A QR code needs dark modules on a light background. Light colors, or a code on a dark or reflective background, can stop scanners from reading it. Inverted codes (light on dark) are not supported by every scanner. -
QR code size and distance
A code that is too small or too far away cannot be read. Move closer or zoom in. If you print codes yourself, print them at least 2 x 2 cm (0.8 in) with a white border. Also check that the camera has permission to run, and that the code is not cut off at the edge of the screen.
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Where to use a QR code scanner? Examples
Tap on the images to zoom in
A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with a phone number, often with a message already filled in. Businesses put it on shop windows, flyers and receipts so customers can start a conversation without saving a number.
Scanning a WiFi QR code connects your phone to the network without typing the password. This is useful in cafes, hotels, offices and guest rooms.
Scanning an image or PDF QR code opens the file so you can view or download it. This is common for menus, brochures and price lists.
Scanning a directions QR code opens a map location. A Google Maps code can also lead straight to a review page, so customers can rate a cafe, shop or restaurant.
Tips for using a QR code scanner
To use the camera as a QR code reader, keep your phone software up to date. iPhones need iOS 11 or newer. On Android, check the camera settings to see whether QR code scanning is turned on.
If the camera cannot focus, clean the lens and check the camera app works for normal photos. Then try again. Make sure the app or browser has permission to use the camera.
Size, light, contrast and print quality all decide whether a code scans. Hold the phone steady and keep the whole code, with its white border, inside the frame.
If you run QR codes for a business, a Pageloot account shows how often your codes are scanned, when and where. Dynamic codes also let you change the link after printing. Try it with the 14-day free trial, or see the plans.
Free 14-day trial. No credit card required.
Benefits of using a QR code scanner
A scanner gives quick access to websites, files, contact details and product information. It saves you from typing long web addresses by hand.
In a Pageloot account you can sort your own QR codes into folders and tags, so a business with many codes finds the right one fast.
Scanning a code takes a few seconds. Instead of typing a long link or filling in data by hand, you point the camera and the content opens.
QR code scanning works on phones, tablets and laptops. You need either a printed code that a camera can see, or a digital file such as a screenshot.
With a Pageloot account you can keep a list of your scans and see how your own QR codes perform. See the FAQ below for details.
Scanning with your phone camera or the scanner on this page is free. Paid plans are for people who make QR codes and need scan statistics or editable codes. See the pricing page.
Learn more about scanning QR codes
