QR code is a matrix barcode that is capable of storing lots of data. On scanning the QR code, you get access to the information stored on the QR code. QR stands for “Quick Response.” Now QR codes are frequently used in marketing and applications. QR codes can store URLs, Phone numbers, or up to 4,000 characters of text. So, it can be used in different ways. Like scan the QR code to open a URL, Scan to access Wi-Fi, authenticate online accounts, send or receive payments, and more. In India, UPI payments are being made entirely by scanning QR codes.
Smartphone cameras can be used to scan QR codes using the built-in camera. Many OEMs now include QR code scanning capability in the camera app. You can also install a third-party camera app to scan QR codes. If you are not sure how to scan QR codes, keep reading. In this detailed article, I will tell you how to scan QR codes.
How to Scan QR Codes
In this article, I will explain how you can scan QR codes on different devices using different methods. Some devices have built-in support for QR code scanning while some devices require third-party apps to scan QR codes. I will try to include every possible way of scanning QR codes.
- Scan QR code on iPhone and iPad
- Scan QR code on Android
- Scan QR code on a Mac
- Scan QR code on a Windows PC
- Scan QR code online
Scan QR code on iPhone and iPad
Apple added support for QR code scanning in iOS back in 2017. All the iPhone models running iOS 11 or later can be used to scan QR codes from the camera app.
To scan the QR code on iPhone, open the camera app and hold the camera by keeping the QR code in the center of the viewfinder. In a few seconds, you will see a notification with QR code information.
That’s how you can scan QR codes on iPhone.
In case this didn’t work, you need to check if QR code scanning is enabled. There’s a camera setting to enable or disable QR code scanning. Open the Settings app and look for Camera. Tap Camera and see Scan QR Codes toggle. The toggle should be green.
Enable the toggle if it was not already. After enabling QR code scanning, you can now use the camera app to scan QR codes on iPhone.
Scan QR code on Android
Several Android OEMs have added support for QR code scanning in the camera app. I have seen QR code scanning mode in Xiaomi’s MIUI. So, you need to first check if your phone’s camera app has a QR code scanning feature. If not, you can either use the Google Lens app or download a good QR code scanning app.
Scan QR Code using Google Lens on Android
Open the Google Lens app and go to Search Mode. Here, scan the QR code using the camera and it will scan the QR code with a pop-up to show information of QR code.
Use QR code Scanner apps
You can also download and install a good QR code scanner app on your phone.
1) Kaspersky’s QR Code Reader and Scanner
Kaspersky is a popular security company. So, We can trust this QR code scanner app. This app lets you quickly scan a QR code. In case the QR code is malicious and contains dangerous links that can lead you to a malware serving website, the app will block it.
2) QR Code Reader by Scan Mobile
This is another popular QR code scanner app for Android. The app comes with a minimalist material design. It can scan both QR codes and Barcodes. It is simple to use and can also use the phone’s flashlight to scan QR codes in low light.
Scan a QR code on a Mac
If you own a Mac device, you can use the free app “QR Journal”. It is available for free to download from the App Store. The app users Mac’s camera to scan the QR code. Apart from the camera scan, the app also supports images to scan. So, you can upload the image of the QR code to scan. Like other QR code scanner software and apps, this app also includes a QR code generator.
Scan a QR code on a Windows PC
“QR Code for Windows 10” is a good Windows app to scan QR codes and barcodes. You just need to place the QR Code in front of the camera and it will scan the QR code for you. The app also lets you generate QR Code.
Scan QR code online
There are also a few good online tools that can be used to scan QR codes. If you do not want to install any app and your phone doesn’t come with a native QR code scanning feature, you can try online QR code scanners. The good thing about these online tools is that you just need to open these in web browsers and give camera permission. If you are opening it on your Windows laptop or MacBook, you can use their camera to scan the QR code. So, these tools can also be used to scan QR codes on laptops.
WebQR also supports uploading. So, you can upload the image of the QR code and it will give you scanned data.
Wrap up
I included all the possible ways to scan QR codes on different devices. The article includes ways to scan QR codes on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. If you do not want to download any software for QR code scanning, you can use an online QR code scanner.
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