In today’s increasingly digital world, QR codes are everywhere. You see them used to display information like restaurant menus, website links, or Google Maps addresses. The best part? Accessing this information is as simple as scanning the QR code with your smartphone.
What is a QR Code?
You’re probably familiar with barcodes, those lines with varying spaces used to encode numbers and letters. QR Codes, or Quick Response Codes, are an advanced evolution of barcode technology, offering even greater functionality.
QR codes stand out because of their square shape, which allows them to be scanned both horizontally and vertically. In the past, scanning a QR code required a dedicated scanner device. However, with today’s advanced smartphones, scanning QR codes has become incredibly convenient.
Typically, you can scan a QR code using your phone’s camera, through a dedicated app, or even without needing a separate application.
How to Scan QR Codes on Android & iOS
For those who prefer a simple approach, here are ways to scan QR codes without downloading extra apps.
Scan with Google Assistant
If you’re an Android user, you can easily scan QR codes using Google Lens, integrated within Google Assistant. Here’s how:
- Activate Google Assistant by long-pressing the Home button on your Android phone or by using the voice command “OK Google.”
- When the Google Assistant pop-up appears, tap on the Google Lens icon. You’ll need to grant camera permission to Google Lens by tapping “Allow.”
- Now, simply point your camera at the QR code to access the information encoded within.
Using Google Assistant to scan a QR code on an Android phone, showing the Google Lens icon.
Scan QR Codes Without an App
Another straightforward method to scan QR codes is through your phone’s browser. Chrome for Android and Safari for iPhone both offer this capability.
- Open your browser app on your phone and go to webqr.com.
- Tap “Allow” to enable your phone’s camera access.
- Point your camera at the QR code you wish to scan using the website interface.
- A link will appear at the bottom of the camera view. Tap this link to access the information from the QR code.
Scanning a QR code using the webqr.com website in a mobile browser, showing the camera interface and QR code.
Samsung QR Code Scanner
Samsung devices come with a built-in QR code scanner feature, making it very convenient to read QR codes for various purposes, like opening website pages or sending messages. Here’s how to use the Samsung QR Scanner:
- Access Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel, then select “Scan QR Code”.
- Once the feature is active, aim your phone’s camera at the QR code.
- You’ll then be prompted to choose how to proceed with the information from the QR code, such as “Open in Browser”, “Copy”, “Search Web”, or “View Full Text”.
To scan a QR code from an image in your Gallery, follow these steps:
- Access Quick Settings in the same way as above, then open your phone’s Camera app and tap the “Gallery” icon.
- Tap “Select QR Code Image” in the Gallery and finish by tapping “Done”.
Your phone will then use Bixby Vision to scan the QR code from the image and provide you with access to the encoded information.
Accessing the Samsung QR Code Scanner feature in the Quick Settings panel on a Samsung smartphone.
Conclusion
Scanning QR codes on your phone screen is remarkably easy and doesn’t always require downloading extra apps. Whether you are using an Android or iOS device, methods like Google Assistant, browser-based scanners, or built-in Samsung features provide quick and efficient ways to decode QR codes and access the information they hold. Try these methods to simplify how you interact with the digital world around you.
