6 Quick Ways to Scan a QR Code with a Phone or Computer

QR codes are black and white squares that store information, such as links, phone numbers, and images. Newer smartphones have built-in QR readers right in the Camera app. If you're using a laptop or computer, ensure you have a working webcam. Before scanning any QR codes, ensure you know their sources to avoid visiting malicious websites. This wikiHow will show you how to scan a QR code using your iPhone, Android, Windows computer, or Mac computer.

Ways to Scan a QR Code

On a smartphone, simply open the camera app and scan the QR code. QR code scanning is a basic feature in most modern phones.
You can also scan QR codes using certain apps that have dedicated QR code features.
If a QR code is saved in an image on your Android, open the QR code image, long-press the home button, then circle the QR code.
On an iPhone, simply long-press the image of the QR code to open it.
On a Windows or Mac computer, you'll need to use your webcam.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Using a Phone

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Most modern phones have simplified the QR code scanning process and are set up to automatically scan QR codes when you point your camera at them.
Make sure the code is in focus. Your phone's camera will recognize the QR code and may draw a box around it; the QR code link will also appear on the screen.

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Tap the QR code link. This will open the link in your phone's browser.
- Alternatively, you can open the QR scanner function on your phone if you'd prefer to use that over the phone's camera:
  - iPhone: Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center, then tap the Code Scanner button.^{[1]
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    Research source}
    - If Code Scanner isn't in your Control Center, learn how to add it with this wikiHow article.
  - Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then tap on Scan QR code (Google Pixel)^{[2]
    X
    Research source}, QR Scanner (Samsung)^{[3]
    X
    Research source}, or something similar.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Scanning a QR Code in Your Android Gallery

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If you have an image of a QR code saved to your device, you can "scan" it to open the link using Circle to Search.
If you're using gesture navigation, you'll want to long-press the navigation button instead.
Circle to Search will scan the QR code and display the link embedded in the code. You can then visit the code by tapping on it on your screen.^{[4]
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Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Scanning a QR Code in Your iPhone Gallery

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If you have an image of a QR code saved to your device, you can "scan" it to open the link using Live Text.
Place your finger over the QR code in the image, then press and hold until a menu appears. You can preview the link and open it in Safari.^{[5]
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Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Scanning in an App

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Some apps (such as Venmo) have built-in QR scanners for app-specific QR codes.
The button to scan a QR code should be easily accessible on the app's main page, but this location may vary by app.
The app may ask for your permission to use the camera before you can scan a QR code, unless you've already given the app camera permissions. You can then use your phone's camera to scan the QR code.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Using Windows

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Open the Camera app. This app comes preinstalled on your Windows device. You can find it by opening the Start menu and typing "Camera".^{[6]
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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- You must have a webcam to use the Camera app to scan QR codes. Most laptops have built-in webcams, while desktop computers need an external webcam.
You'll see a list of icons displayed vertically; clicking the down arrow will rotate the current camera mode.
This is at the very bottom of the icon list. The icon looks like a mini QR code.
The QR code should be positioned in the middle of the screen.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

Go to source}
Once the QR code scans properly, you'll see a link below the camera feed.
This will redirect you to the QR code's contents.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Using Mac

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1
Go to webqr.com in a web browser. Since there isn't a built-in way to scan a QR code on your Mac, you'll need to use an online QR code scanner. This website scans QR codes using your Mac's built-in webcam.
- On some browsers, such as Google Chrome, you'll have to click Allow when prompted to grant the website access to your camera.
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Hold your QR code up to the camera. Your QR code should be facing the Mac's camera. You'll see the code appear in the scan window in the middle of the page.
- If you don't have a built-in camera, you'll need to purchase and set up an external webcam.
- You can also upload a QR code from your computer by clicking the camera icon above the top-right corner of the scan window, clicking Choose File, clicking the QR code image, and clicking Open.
Ensure all four edges and corners of the QR code are inside the scan window.
Once your Mac's camera focuses on the code, you'll see the code's content appear in the box at the bottom of the page. You can then click the content to open it if you want.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I scan a QR code without an app?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

Most current smartphone operating systems have QR code scanners built into the camera app, so you just would have to point the camera at the QR code and let the phone scan it. If your camera doesn't do this automatically, you may need to either update your phone or download an app.

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Question

How can I find a QR code scanner on the Google Play Store?

Sneh Ratna Choudhary

Community Answer

Search for "QR code scanner" or "QR code reader" in the Google Play Store. If your device runs Android 8 or later, you can scan QR codes directly using your camera without needing an additional app.

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Why does my QR code take me to a random guitar site when it's supposed to be a season pass for Battlefront, and what should I do?

Community Answer

Try using a different QR scanner app or manually entering the code on Xbox.com or directly on your Xbox in the store.

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Warnings

QR codes can lead to malicious websites or suggestive content. Avoid scanning a QR code if you don't trust its source.

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