How do I scan a QR code online?

Use our free QR code scanner above. You can either use your device's camera for real-time scanning by selecting the "Scan with Camera" tab, or upload an image of the QR code using the "Scan from Image" tab. The decoded content appears instantly — no app download required.

How do I read a QR code from an image or screenshot?

Select the "Scan from Image" tab, then drag and drop your screenshot, click to upload a file, or paste an image directly from your clipboard using Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac). The scanner reads the QR code and shows the decoded content instantly. It supports JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, GIF, SVG, and PDF files.

Is this QR code scanner free?

Yes, our QR code scanner is completely free to use with no limits. You can scan as many QR codes as you need — there are no daily caps, no accounts required, and no premium tiers for scanning. The scanner will always remain free.

Can I scan QR codes using my computer's webcam?

Yes. Select the "Scan with Camera" tab and allow camera access when prompted by your browser. Point your webcam at the QR code, and our scanner will detect it in real-time. You can also switch between front and back cameras on mobile devices.

Is my data secure when scanning QR codes?

Absolutely. All QR code scanning happens entirely in your browser — no images or decoded data are ever sent to our servers. Your scans are completely private. We use client-side JavaScript libraries to decode QR codes locally on your device.

What types of QR codes can this scanner read?

Our scanner detects all standard QR code types including URLs, plain text, WiFi network credentials, vCards (digital business cards), email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, calendar events, geographic locations, and app store links. You can also create dynamic QR codes that let you change the destination URL after printing. After scanning, we show smart action buttons based on the detected type.

What's the difference between a QR code scanner and a QR code reader?

There is no difference — "QR code scanner" and "QR code reader" mean the same thing. Both refer to a tool that decodes the information embedded in a QR code pattern. Our tool works as both a scanner (using your camera) and a reader (from uploaded images).

Do I need to download an app to scan QR codes?

No, you don't need to download any app. Our QR code scanner runs entirely in your web browser and works on any device — iPhone, Android, tablet, or computer. Just visit this page and start scanning. Most modern smartphones also have QR code scanning built into the camera app.

How do I scan a QR code that's on my phone screen?

You can't scan a QR code displayed on the same phone you're using to scan. Instead, take a screenshot of the QR code (iPhone: Side + Volume Up / Android: Power + Volume Down), then visit our scanner and upload the screenshot using the "Scan from Image" tab. You can also paste the screenshot directly from your clipboard with Ctrl+V.

Can I scan a QR code without an app?

Yes. Most modern smartphones (iPhone iOS 11+, Android 9+) can scan QR codes directly through the built-in Camera app. No additional app is needed. For computers, our online scanner works in any web browser without downloading anything.

Why won't my phone scan a QR code?

Common reasons: the QR code is too small or blurry, your camera is too close or too far (try 6–12 inches), the "Scan QR codes" setting is disabled in your camera app, or the QR code is damaged. Try taking a photo of the code and uploading it to our scanner — our image-based decoder handles damaged or low-quality codes better than most camera apps.

How do I scan a QR code from a photo in my gallery?

Open our scanner, select the "Scan from Image" tab, and upload the photo from your gallery. You can also use Google Lens on Android (open Google Photos → select the photo → tap the Lens icon) or the Live Text feature on iPhone (iOS 15+ — open the photo, long-press the QR code, and tap the link).

Is it safe to scan a QR code?

Scanning a QR code itself is safe — it just reads data encoded in the pattern. However, the link it contains could lead anywhere. Before visiting a URL from a QR code, check that the domain looks legitimate. Our scanner shows you the decoded content BEFORE you take action, so you can verify the link before clicking. We also process everything locally in your browser — no data leaves your device. Note that QR codes don't expire on their own — static QR codes work forever as long as the destination is still active.

Can I scan a QR code from my clipboard?

Yes. Copy or screenshot the QR code, open the "Scan from Image" tab, and paste it with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac). The scanner decodes the pasted image on the spot — no need to save a file first.

Can I turn a QR code into text?

Yes. When you scan a QR code that holds plain text, the scanner shows the full decoded text with a copy button so you can grab it in one tap. The same works for URLs, WiFi credentials, and contact cards.

Try QRKit Free

QR Code Scanner Online

Decode any QR code instantly — no app, no download. Scan with your camera, upload an image, or paste a screenshot. Everything runs in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.

or drag and drop · paste with Ctrl+V / Cmd+V

Result

Scan results will appear here

All scanning happens in your browser — no data is sent to any server

QR code decoder

What Is a QR Code Decoder?

A QR code decoder turns the black-and-white pattern back into the data stored inside it. Every QR code is really just encoded text — a link, a WiFi login, contact details, or a plain message — and decoding is the step that reads that text back out and shows it to you. The decoder at the top of this page does it the moment you upload an image, paste a screenshot, or point your camera at a code.

It runs entirely in your browser. Your image is decoded on your own device, so nothing is uploaded to a server and a code someone sent you stays private. It is free, needs no account and no app, and there is no cap on how many codes you decode. Decoding a code is separate from creating one, where a free QRKit account is needed to download the codes you make.

Decode a WiFi QR Code to Recover the Password

When the code you decode turns out to be a WiFi network, the decoder splits it into its parts and shows the network name (SSID), the password, and the encryption type as separate labelled fields, with one-click copy buttons for the password and the network name. That makes it a quick way to read the password off a WiFi QR code you set up yourself or were handed, instead of squinting at a printed card and retyping it. Contact cards are broken out the same way, into labelled name, phone, email and organization rows. Email, phone and SMS codes get a one-tap action button — send, call or message — alongside a copy button for the address or number.

This decoder reads QR codes. It does not decode one-dimensional barcodes such as EAN or UPC.

Reader & decoder

Scan a QR Code from an Image or Screenshot

No camera? No problem. Upload a saved QR code image or paste a screenshot straight from your clipboard, and this online reader decodes it on the spot — the full URL, text, WiFi login, or contact card appears instantly, with a copy button. It handles JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, GIF, SVG, and even PDF files.

It's the quickest way to read a QR code you've received by email or message, saved from a website, or spotted on your own screen — no app to install and nothing uploaded to a server, so whatever the code contains stays on your device.

Step-by-Step Guides

How to Scan a QR Code

A quick reference for scanning on any device — iPhone, Android, Samsung, or computer. For a full device-by-device walkthrough, see our complete guide to scanning QR codes, or create your own QR code instead.

Last updated: February 2026

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone

iPhones have a built-in QR code scanner in the Camera app — no additional app required. This works on all iPhones running iOS 11 or later (iPhone 6s and newer).

1Open the Camera app on your iPhone (rear camera works best)
2Hold your phone 6–12 inches from the QR code
3Center the QR code within the camera viewfinder
4Wait for the yellow notification banner to appear at the top of the screen
5Tap the banner to open the link in Safari

Troubleshooting tips:

If no banner appears, make sure "Scan QR Codes" is enabled in Settings → Camera
For QR codes on your phone's screen (screenshots, messages), take a screenshot and use our scanner above — you can't scan a code displayed on the same device
If the QR code is damaged or low quality, try our image upload scanner which uses advanced error correction

You can also scan QR codes from the Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones), tap the QR code icon, and point your camera at the code.

How to Scan a QR Code on Android

Most Android phones running Android 9 or later can scan QR codes directly through the Camera app or Google Lens. The exact method depends on your phone manufacturer.

1Open Google Lens (search for it in your app drawer, or tap the Lens icon in Google Search)
2Point your camera at the QR code
3Tap the link or action that appears on screen

Using the Camera app:

Open your Camera app
Point it at the QR code and wait 1–2 seconds
A link or notification should appear — tap to open

If your camera doesn't detect QR codes automatically, check your camera settings for a "Scan QR codes" or "Smart Lens" toggle and make sure it's enabled.

For older Android phones without built-in scanning, visit our free QR code scanner in any mobile browser — it uses your phone's camera directly without installing any app.

How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung

Samsung Galaxy phones have multiple ways to scan QR codes, depending on your One UI version.

1Open the Camera app
2Point it at the QR code — Samsung Camera detects codes automatically
3Tap the popup link to open it

Using Quick Settings:

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings
Tap the "Scan QR code" tile (you may need to swipe left to find it, or tap the pencil icon to add it)
Point your camera at the QR code

Using Bixby Vision:

Open the Camera app and tap "Bixby Vision" or the eye icon
Point at the QR code
Bixby will recognize and display the decoded content

If none of these methods work on your Samsung phone, visit our free online QR code scanner above — it works in Samsung Internet or Chrome on any Galaxy device.

How to Scan a QR Code on Your Phone

Whether you're using an iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, or any other smartphone, scanning a QR code is simple. Most phones detect QR codes natively through the camera. For older phones or tricky codes, our browser-based scanner works on any device without installing an app.

1Open your phone's camera and point it at the QR code
2If nothing happens, take a photo or screenshot of the code
3Visit our scanner above and upload the image to decode it instantly

How to Scan a QR Code on Computer

Scanning a QR code on a desktop or laptop doesn't require any software. Our online scanner works directly in your browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

1Click the "Scan from Image" tab above
2Drag and drop a QR code image, click to upload, or paste from clipboard (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V)
3The decoded content appears instantly with action buttons

Use Your Webcam:

Click the "Scan with Camera" tab
Allow camera access when your browser prompts you
Hold the QR code in front of your webcam
The scanner detects and decodes it in real time

Scan from Your Screen:

If you see a QR code on a website, in an email, or in a document: take a screenshot (Windows: Win+Shift+S / Mac: Cmd+Shift+4), come back to this scanner and paste it with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac). The content is decoded instantly — no file saving needed.

All scanning is processed locally in your browser. No images or data are ever uploaded to any server.

How to Scan a QR Code from an Image

Have a QR code saved as a screenshot or image file? Our scanner can decode it directly. Just upload the image or paste it from your clipboard — no camera needed. This works great for QR codes received via email, messaging apps, or saved from websites.

1Select the "Scan from Image" tab above
2Drag and drop your image, click to upload, or paste from clipboard (Ctrl+V)
3The QR code content is decoded and displayed with action buttons

Comprehensive Support

QR Code Types We Detect

Our scanner automatically identifies the QR code type and shows relevant action buttons. We support all standard QR code formats.

URL

Link to any webpage or website

Text

Plain text content or messages

WiFi

Connect to a wireless network automatically

vCard

Digital business card with contact details

Pre-filled email with recipient and subject

SMS

Pre-filled text message ready to send

Phone

Initiate a phone call to a number

Event

Calendar event with date and location

Location

Geographic coordinates for maps

App Store

Download link to iOS or Android app

Completely Free

Why Use Our Free QR Code Scanner

Our QR code scanner is designed to be the fastest and most private way to decode QR codes online. Everything happens in your browser — no data is ever sent to a server. Need to create codes instead? Try our QR code generator.

No app download required

Works on any device — phone, tablet, or computer

Camera scanning and image upload

Private — your data never leaves your browser

Supports all QR code types

Paste a QR code straight from your clipboard

Create Your Own QR Code — Free

Related QR Code Tools

Scanned a QR code and want to create your own? Check out these tools.

Free QR Code Generator

Create custom QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi, and more

Dynamic QR Code Generator

Editable QR codes with scan tracking and analytics

QR Code Tracking

Track every scan — locations, devices, and times in real time

Bulk QR Code Generator

Generate hundreds of QR codes at once from a spreadsheet

QR Code API

Integrate QR code generation into your app or workflow

Frequently Asked Questions

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