A Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning QR Codes From Your Phone’s Photo Gallery | Blog (2024)

QR codes are everywhere, from restaurant menus, advertisem*nts, digital business cards, and more they have become a simple and effective way to share information. But what happens when you’re scrolling through social media or on a company's website and there’s a QR code, how do you scan it?

Usually, to scan a QR code, you’d pull up your camera app, but that’s not possible when the QR code is already on your phone. So what should you do? Keep reading to learn how to scan a QR code from your smartphone.

Can you scan a QR code from the camera roll?

Yes! Both iOS and Android devices allow you to scan a QR code from an image saved to your camera roll without any extra apps. Start by taking a screenshot of the QR code on your device, then follow the instructions below for your iOS or Android device.

How to scan a QR code from a photo on iOS devices

Apple devices make it easy to scan QR codes right from your photo gallery with the live dictation button. Here’s how:

1. Open the picture or screenshot in the Photos app.

2. Click the live text dictation button in the bottom right corner.

3. Click the QR code and open the link.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning QR Codes From Your Phone’s Photo Gallery | Blog (1)

How to scan a QR code from the photo on Android devices

Not all Android devices have a built-in option to scan a QR code from photos, and the options may vary depending on your device.

If you have a Google device, open your camera and switch to Google Assistant mode, choose a picture from the gallery, and select the link above the QR code.

For other Android devices, open the Gallery app, select the photo, tap the share icon, and select Google Search Image to read the QR code using Google Lens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an app to scan a QR code from my photo gallery?

No, both iOS and Android devices support scanning a QR code from within the photo gallery.

My phone isn’t detecting the QR code in the image, what should I do?

While most iOS and Android devices support QR code scanning from a photo, not all devices do. You may need to download a third-party QR code scanner if your device does not support QR code scanning.

How do I take a screenshot of a QR code?

Every device is different, but for most smartphones pressing the power button and the volume up or down button will take a screenshot.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning QR Codes From Your Phone’s Photo Gallery | Blog (2024)

FAQs

A Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning QR Codes From Your Phone’s Photo Gallery | Blog? ›

If you have a Google device, open your camera and switch to Google Assistant mode, choose a picture from the gallery, and select the link above the QR code. For other Android devices, open the Gallery app, select the photo, tap the share icon, and select Google Search Image to read the QR code using Google Lens.

How do I scan a QR code step by step? ›

Step 2: Scan the QR code
  1. On your compatible Android phone or tablet, open the built-in camera app.
  2. Point the camera at the QR code.
  3. Tap the banner that appears on your Android phone or tablet.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish signing in.

How do I take a picture of a QR code with my Android phone? ›

Open your Camera app and point it steadily for 2-3 seconds towards the QR Code you want to scan. Whenever scanning is enabled, a notification will appear. If nothing happens, you may have to go to your Settings app and enable QR Code scanning.

How to scan QR code from gallery iPhone? ›

Tap on Turn on the camera to use Lens option. Look for the Photos icon on the upper right part of the screen. Your Photo Library will appear. Tap the All Photos icon to select the photo that contains a QR Code you want to scan and tap on it.

How do I scan a QR code with my Samsung photo gallery? ›

If you have previously taken a picture of a QR code, you can access the information from the QR code in the Gallery app.
  1. Open the Samsung Gallery app.
  2. Select the QR Code image.
  3. Tap on the Bixby Vision button.
  4. Your device will read the image.

How to scan a QR code for dummies? ›

Scan a QR code
  1. Open the camera app.
  2. Focus the camera on the QR code by gently tapping the code.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the action.
Jan 10, 2019

How do QR codes work for beginners? ›

How Does A QR Code Work? Basically, a QR code works in the same way as a barcode at the supermarket. It is a machine-scannable image that can instantly be read using a Smartphone camera. Every QR code consists of a number of black squares and dots which represent certain pieces of information.

Does your phone have a built in QR scanner? ›

Yes! Both iOS and Android devices allow you to scan a QR code from an image saved to your camera roll without any extra apps.

Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot? ›

Use Google Lens: Most Android phones come with Google Lens, a powerful image recognition tool. Open the screenshot, then tap on the Google Lens icon (it looks like a camera inside a dotted square). Scan the QR Code: Once you tap the Google Lens icon, it will analyze the image.

How to open a QR code on your phone iPhone? ›

Scan a QR code with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  1. Open the Camera app from the Home Screen, Control Center, or Lock Screen.
  2. Select the rear facing camera. Hold your device so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder in the Camera app. ...
  3. Tap the notification to open the link associated with the QR code.
Nov 28, 2023

What happens when you scan a QR code with your smartphone? ›

These codes, once scanned by your phone, can provide you with a URL, contact information, SMS, or similar links to information right on your phone. Think of it as a black and white link, or a heavily pixelated one. In order to read a QR code, your phone needs to have a code reader.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6208

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.