Understanding QR Code scanners
This quick guide explains how to use a QR Code scanner, plus app recommendations and tips to ensure cyber safety.
Do I need a scanner to access QR Code information?
The short answer is yes. You'll need a device with the ability to decode whatever information is embedded. Luckily, most smartphones today have built-in readers to access a URL leading to product or event details, websites or contact information.
How to scan a QR Code using your smartphone:
Open your phone's camera
Launch the camera app like you’re about to take a photo.
Aim at the QR Code
Hold your phone in view of the QR Code, ensuring that it's clearly visible and in frame.
Wait for the pop up
A notification or banner will appear on the screen with a link or action related to the QR Code. No need to click. Once the code is recognized, your browser will display the info you're meant to see.
What if my phone's camera can't scan QR Codes?
It's not a train smash. Not all phones (especially older models) have QR reading capabilities. If you’re scanning codes in bulk for inventory or ticketing, a dedicated QR Code scanner is best to save time.
Try our free QR Code decoder tool
Scan from your desktop using your webcam, upload an image or copy and paste a photo into the decoder tool. This feature is free to use from any device. No sign up required: Try in now
More apps and web scanners we recommend:
Use one of these apps for Android or IOS to scan your QR Codes:
Trend Micro: Downloaded by over 1 million app users, and features a security check to let you know whether the QR Code link is safe to open.
TeaCapps: Scan QR Codes and barcodes and get additional search information from Google, Amazon and more.
Google Lens: An app that allows you to search for anything you capture from QR Codes and images to text translations. It's really cool.
Scan safely
Always preview your QR code link. If you're scanning from your smartphone, the browser will automatically open but there is still time to see whether the link is suspicious. Head to our FAQs to learn more about QR-Code safety.