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How to Scan QR Code With Phone | Full Guide
QR codes are everywhere, from menus at restaurants to packaging on products. They pack an entire universe of information into tiny black-and-white squares, yet there are still many people who have no idea how to scan a QR code with phone.
Whether you’re on an iPhone, Android, or any smartphone, the process is incredibly simple and fast. With just a few buttons on your screen, you can unlock links, download apps, or even get online.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of scanning QR codes with an iPhone, scanning QR codes with Android phones, and additional smartphone tips to scan QR codes. No matter what kind of phone you own, this simple step-by-step tutorial will have you scanning QR codes in no time. Let’s begin!
What are QR Codes and Why Should You Scan Them?
QR Codes were originally developed to expand on the technology of Barcodes. QR Codes are more useful because they can be scanned horizontally and vertically, owing to the fact that they are square in shape.
Earlier, prior to smartphones, QR Codes were scanned with scanners when it comes to inventory management. The process today is more advanced owing to smartphones.
The scanning procedure of QR Codes makes it easy for you to capture the information pertaining to them. This may be done either by using a smartphone app or directly by the smartphone camera (for some recent models).
Read Also – How to Scan a Barcode with your iPhone: Complete Guide
How Do QR Codes Work?
QR codes work just like the barcodes of the products that you purchase at the supermarket that when scanned provide details about the product that you’re buying.
Barcodes can only hold data on the vertical lines, while the QR codes are made up of pixels that hold data on horizontal and vertical grids that allow them to hold more data than barcodes.
When scanned, they are translated into readable data such as a URL that leads to a website, a phone number or other types of text. The best thing about QR codes is that they can store a lot of data in such a small space.
How to Scan QR Code With Phone
Scanning a QR code with your phone is a simple task that can be done with various means. Below are the main ways to scan a QR code with your phone, and then step-by-step instructions for each:
How to Turn the QR Code Scanner On or Off in iOS
Here is how to turn the QR code scanner on or off for an iPhone or iPad:
Go to Settings and scroll down to Camera.
Tap the toggle next to Scan QR codes so that it is enabled (green).
To disable the QR code scanning feature, flip this toggle off.
Your QR code reader is now enabled, and your camera app will automatically scan codes until you choose to disable the feature.
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How to Scan QR Code With iPhone or iPad
It is simple to scan a QR code on an iOS device, as the iPhone and iPad’s QR reader is natively integrated into the Camera app. Just look at the QR code using the camera and the QR code scanner will do the rest.
Here’s how to scan a QR code on an iOS device:
- Open the Camera application by swiping up from the bottom of your screen and touching the camera icon.
- Hold your phone so that the whole of the QR code is in frame (you won’t need to take a picture).
- When the QR code has been scanned, a notification at the top of your screen will appear. Click it to be taken to the link inside the code.
- Remember that you won’t be able to see the link if you’re offline. BUt you can take a photo of the QR code so you can rescan it later.
- If nothing shows up, make sure you have the Scan QR code option turned on in your Camera app. This is usually on by default, but it might have been turned off accidentally.
How to Scan a QR Code With Android Phone or Tablet
Scanning a QR code on an Android phone is easy, and Android’s QR code scanner is automatically enabled.
Here’s how to scan QR code on your phone scanner on an Android phone or tablet.
- Open the camera app on your Android.
- Hold the device so the whole QR code is within the frame (you don’t have to snap a photo).
- Then, tap on the decoded link that appears before your eyes.
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How to Scan QR Code on Your Phone Using Google Lens
Google Lens is designed to provide you with information regarding anything you target your camera at, and it can handle a QR scan with ease. Google Lens is available as a standalone app or via the Google app itself.
Below is how to utilize the Google QR scanner using Google Lens:
- Open the Google app and tap the Google Lens camera icon next to the microphone icon on the search bar.
- Tap Open camera (or tap Search with your camera) to permit Google to access the camera.
- You should see a camera view in the app now. Hold the phone so that the whole QR code appears in the frame and tap the notification that appears at the top.
- If everything works correctly, you’ll be linked directly to the content, whether it’s a restaurant menu, promotional offer, or a link to a video.
How to Scan a QR Code With Your Phone Using a Scanner App?
You can also use a QR code scanner app instead of the mobile phone camera. They usually have more features than native cameras and read better in poor light.
Follow the following step-by-step list:
- Choose a free QR code scanner from your app store, like Google Lens or Barcode Scanner.
- Open the QR code scanner app on your mobile device.
- Hold your phone’s camera over the QR code. Ensure that the QR code is in the middle of the camera screen.
- The QR code scanner application will automatically scan the QR code to display the information contained in the QR code.
If the QR code scanner application cannot scan the QR code, tap the screen to re-focus the camera or adjust the screen brightness.
Also Read – How to Compress a Video on Your Mobile Phone for Free
How to Troubleshoot Scanning QR Code With Phone Error
To resolve issues when scanning a QR code using your phone, follow the following steps:
- Check camera settings: Ensure your phone’s camera QR scanning mode is activated (especially on Android, enable “Scan QR codes” in the camera settings).
- Wipe lens of the camera: Dirt and smudges may prevent scanning; gently wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth.
- Adjust distance and light: Make sure you are neither too close nor too far away from the QR code and have sufficient light. Use a flash if needed.
- Center the code: Position the QR code at the center of the camera screen and hold still for a couple of seconds.
- Tap and hold the screen: On some phones, this will activate Google Lens or equivalent functionality to read the code.
- Use a third-party QR scanner application: If the default camera app is not functional, download a reliable QR code scanner app on your app store.
- Restart the phone: The simple reboot will fix scanning issues sometimes.
- Check the QR code itself: The code itself could be low-res, damaged, expired, or connected to a broken URL. Try scanning a different QR code to check.
The above steps will fix the most common reasons for QR code scan error on iPhone as well as Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are QR codes safe?
QR code payments are generally very secure, using encryption and secure protocols. They secure sensitive data when in transit and prevent unauthorized access. The user must be cautious not to scan QR codes from unknown sources because they may be used for phishing or inserting malicious links.
How long do QR codes last?
Static QR codes are permanent and cannot be deleted, as opposed to dynamic QR codes that have an expiration date, for instance, a temporary train ticket or limited-time offer code.
Can I scan a QR code without an app?
Need to scan a QR code but don’t have a dedicated app? iPhone and Android both have QR scanning built-in. Open your Camera app. Hold the camera directly over the QR code so it’s in the middle and clear. Wait a few seconds, and if your phone can read the QR code, a pop-up will appear with options like “Open Website” or “Share link.” Tap the option you need.
How do I create a QR code myself?
Certain apps, desktop software, and web utilities, such as QR Code Dynamic, can be used to create QR codes. Enter the data that you want to encode within the QR code, and then the utility will generate a scannable image to download and share.
How secure are QR codes?
QR codes are usually safe. However, it’s best to scan QR codes from sources you trust and not give out personal information
Conclusion
Learning how to scan QR code with phone is a skill that can make your life easier.
You can scan QR codes no matter whether you have an iPhone or an Android. It’s simple and can be done in a couple of steps.
And now, with this tutorial, you can scan QR codes with confidence. Next time you come across a QR code, you’ll be ready to go about scanning it and accessing what it has to offer.
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References
- www.hellotech.com – How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone or Android
- beconnected.esafety.gov.au – How to scan QR codes | Free Online Course – Be Connected
- paywithatoa.co.uk – How to Scan A QR Code: A Step-by-Step Guide
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