Buzz
As you can use your camera to scan QR codes, this article will help you learn how to scan QR codes from images using Android, iPhone, and iPad devices with the help of highly rated third-party apps.
Steps
Using Google Lens on Android
- You cannot download Google Lens from the App Store for iPhone or iPad.
- Search for "Google Lens" using the search bar (located at the top of the Google Play Store screen) to download and install this free app from Google.
Open Google Lens. This app features a red, yellow, blue, and green camera icon that is commonly located on your home screen, in the app drawer, or by performing a search.
- Sign in when prompted.
Tap the photo gallery icon. This is the image icon found in the top right corner of the screen, just to the left of the three-dot menu icon.
Tap on the QR code image. You can browse files (including those in external storage like Google Drive) to find an image containing a QR code.
- You will see the QR code information displayed at the bottom of the screen. Depending on the type of information in the QR code, you may be able to call a phone number or open a webpage in your browser.
Using Google Photos
- You will find the search feature in the search tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap Get to download and install this free Google app.
- Although this is the only way for iPhone or iPad users to utilize Google Lens for scanning QR codes, Android phone and tablet users can still use this method along with the Google Lens app itself.
Open Google Photos. This app features a pinwheel icon in red, yellow, green, and blue, usually found on the home screen.
Tap on the photo with the QR code. If you don't see the photo gallery, make sure you have enabled 'Back up & sync' in the '☰ > Settings > Back up & sync' menu. You can learn how to use Google Photos for more details on setting up the app.
Tap on the Lens icon. It's the camera lens icon located to the left of the trash bin icon at the bottom of the screen. You will see QR code information displayed below the screen. Depending on the type of information in the QR code, you might call the phone number listed or open the website in your browser.
Use Qrafter on iPhone and iPad.
- Tap 'Get' or 'Purchase' next to the app name to begin the download and installation process.
Open Qrafter. This is an application with a small QR code icon on a red background (Pro version) or blue, typically found on the home screen.
Tap on Scan from Photo Albums (Scan from photo albums). This option will appear below the large camera icon.
Tap to select the photo with the QR code. You will see a list of all your albums, such as the most recent photo album.
- If you are using the free version of Qrafter, an ad will appear at this point. Close the ad to proceed.
- You will see the QR code information displayed on the screen. You can share, favorite, or delete this information.
Use Barcode Scanner on Android
- Enter "Barcode Scanner by AndroidRock" into the search bar at the top of the screen, tap the result developed by "AndroidRock", and select Install (Install).
Open the Barcode Scanner. This app features an icon combining a QR code and barcode, with a camera lens positioned in the center. You can usually find it on your home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching for it.
Tap on Scan Image (Scan Image). You will find this option on the right side of the screen.
Tap to select where to save the image. You can access this via Google Drive (if set up), where you’ll find a folder named Recent Images.
Drag the yellow dots to highlight the QR code (if prompted). If the app can immediately read the QR code, the content will appear on the screen.
- You can drag and drop the yellow dots to highlight the QR code if the app fails to recognize it on a business card.
- Depending on the type of code, you may be prompted to make a call to the listed phone number or open a webpage in your browser. These buttons will be at the bottom of the screen.
