Did you know you can scan a QR code from a picture in your gallery?
With modern technology, you can decode QR codes from an image stored on your phone.
There’s no need to print a QR code for scanning anymore.
You no longer need two devices—one to show the QR code and another to scan it. You can create a QR code, save it as an image, and share it. Others can then save it on their devices.
Continue reading to discover the simplest way to scan a QR code from a picture or photo gallery on an iPhone or Android.
Table of Contents
- How to scan a QR code from a photo on an iPhone/iPad?
- How to scan a QR code image on Android?
- How to scan a QR code from picture using a third-party QR code scanner Apps
- How to check if your Android automatically scans QR Codes?
- Popular Apps with QR code scanning features
- Types of QR codes you can scan with your phone
- Create your QR code with logo using QRCodeChimp
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to scan a QR code from a photo on an iPhone/iPad?
Scanning a QR code from a photo on an iOS device is a handy feature, especially when you have QR codes saved in your Photos app that you need to access later.
Using the built-in photo recognition (iOS 15 and later)
Starting with iOS 15, Apple integrated a feature that allows users to directly interact with QR codes found in photos and screenshots stored in the Photos app. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Start by opening your Photos app on your iOS device.
Step 2: Scroll through your albums and open the photo that contains the QR code.
Step 3: Use Live text. Press and hold on to the QR code. If iOS recognizes it as interactive, it will highlight it with a yellow box.
Step 4: Once the QR code is highlighted, a popup or action button will appear directly on the screen. Depending on the QR code’s content, this will typically show a website URL or other actions.
Step 5: Tap on the popup, and your iOS device will perform the action associated with the QR code, like opening a website in Safari.
How to scan a QR code image on Android?
To scan a QR code from a photo on your Android device, follow these simple steps:
Using Google Lens
Google Lens is integrated into many Android devices, particularly those running recent versions of Android. You can also use the Google Photos app to scan a QR code. Here’s how:
Step 1: First, open Google Photos on your Android phone. If you don’t have it yet, get it from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Choose the picture with the QR code and open it.
Step 3: Tap the Google Lens icon at the bottom of the screen while viewing the photo.
Step 4: If detected, Google Lens will highlight the QR code and suggest an action, such as visiting a website.
Step 5: Tap the pop-up or link to perform the QR code’s action, like opening a URL.
How to scan a QR code from picture using a third-party QR code scanner Apps
If you don’t have Google Lens or prefer another app, follow these steps to use a third-party QR code scanner:
Step 1: Search for “QR code scanner” in the Google Play Store / App Store.
Step 2: Pick an app with good reviews and security features, then download it.
Step 3: Now, open it and allow the necessary permissions.
Step 4: When the app supports scanning from a gallery, select this option and choose the photo with the QR code. The app will read the QR code and display the information. Follow the prompts for further actions, like visiting a website.
How to check if your Android automatically scans QR codes?
To see if your Android device’s camera app can scan QR codes automatically, do the following:
Step 1: Open your camera app.
Step 2: Locate the settings icon, typically a gear symbol.
Step 3: Look for a QR code option in the settings, like “Scan QR codes” or “Google Lens.”
Step 4: If there’s a QR code scanning feature, make sure it’s turned on.
Step 5: Test it by pointing your camera at a QR code. If it scans successfully, a notification will appear.
Popular Apps with QR code scanning features
You might be surprised that several apps you already use have QR code scanning capabilities. Here’s a concise guide on using QR code scanning in popular apps:
Snapchat
What it does: Lets you add friends by scanning their QR codes.
How to use: Open Snapchat, aim your camera at the QR code and get redirected by tapping the screen.
What it does: Uses QR codes to show you more about products and brands.
How to use: Open the camera using Pinterest’s Lens feature and point it at a QR code.
What it does: Links your phone to WhatsApp on your computer.
How to use: Download WhatsApp for desktop, go to options, choose ‘WhatsApp Web,’ and scan the QR code.
What it does: Adds contacts quickly by scanning their QR codes.
How to use: In the LinkedIn app, tap the QR code icon near the search bar to scan or share your code.
What it does: Shares and adds profiles via QR codes.
How to use: Tap your profile icon, select the QR code icon, and use it to share or scan codes.
Facebook Messenger
What it does: Adds friends by scanning QR codes.
How to use: Go to your profile in Messenger and select “My Code” to view or share your QR code.
Types of QR codes you can scan with your phone
QR Code Type | Purpose |
---|---|
Digital Business Cards | Facilitates easy connection and builds lasting impressions and meaningful connections. |
Medical Alert | Used to share crucial medical information in emergencies. |
Event Ticket | Streamlines the ticketing and entry experience with a quick scan. |
URL | Directly links to a website, simplifying access with a simple scan. |
Social Media | Displays multiple social media profiles on one easily accessible page. |
Coupon | Generates a digital coupon to enhance sales and promotional activities. |
Google Maps | Navigates users directly to a specific location, improving location-based interactions. |
Google Reviews | Helps in collecting customer reviews quickly and efficiently. |
Opens a downloadable PDF file for easy distribution and access to documents. |
Create your QR code with logo using QRCodeChimp
You can make a high-quality QR code for free on QRCodeChimp in just a few steps:
1. Type your website link or URL into the box.
2. Press the button that says “Make dynamic.” This lets you see how many times people scan your QR code.
3. Add your own touch to the QR code by including a logo, changing its shape, or adding color.
4. Save your QR code; then you can download it, print it out, and share it with others. Enjoy!
Conclusion
To sum up, QR codes are now essential in our digital world, offering easy access to diverse information. Whether you’re on Android or iOS, you can effortlessly scan QR codes from your phone’s gallery. This feature is handy when you receive a QR code via email or screenshot and need to access the information without printing it out.
Now that you know how to scan QR codes from your phone, you can take your digital interactions a step further by creating your own customized QR codes for personal or business use. Why not start today? Visit QRCodeChimp and create your dynamic QR code. Personalize it, monitor its use, and engage with your audience innovatively!
Frequently asked questions on scanning a QR code from picture
Can Google Photos scan QR codes?
Yes, Google Photos can scan QR codes. To do this, open the photo with the QR code, tap the Google Lens icon, and the QR code will be processed.
Can I edit the content of a QR code after scanning it from a picture?
No, you can’t directly edit a QR code’s content after scanning. However, if you created a dynamic QR code, you can change its destination URL or content through the QR code management platform where it was created.
How to scan a QR code from a saved picture?
Find the QR code in your phone’s gallery or photo app. Use Google Lens or a similar tool by tapping its icon in the photo viewer. If needed, open a QR code scanner app, choose “scan from gallery,” pick the photo, and let the app read the QR code.
How to scan a QR code from a picture in your camera roll?
To scan a QR code from a photo on your iPhone, open the photo in the Photos app. Use the Live Text feature to find the QR code and tap it to use it. You can also use a QR code app to scan the code directly from your screen or a shared photo.
How to scan a QR code from a picture on Samsung?
Open the Gallery app on your Samsung device, select the image with the QR code, tap the Bixby Vision or Google Lens icon (depending on your model), and let it scan and interpret the QR code.