How to scan a QR code on a phone?

You can scan a QR code on your Android phone using its camera. This happens with the help of Google Lens. Google Lens detects QR codes and sends you to the site or app the code represents. If you use older versions of Android, you need to download a QR scanning app on Google Play that’s compatible with your device.

Does Android have a built-in QR reader?

Newer phones (Android 9 and 10) allow you to scan QR codes using the built-in camera. And so, you won’t need to download a third-party app like the case with older phones. Scanning occurs with the help of Google Lens. You just need to activate the Google Lens suggestions in your camera settings to scan a QR code on your Android device.

Home
/
Scan
/
Android

How to Scan QR Codes with an Android Phone or Tablet?

What is the best online QR code scanner?

A QR code scanner lets you instantly scan QR code using your Android phone or tablet. While many scanner apps are available, using an online QR code scanner is a quick and convenient option because it doesn’t require any downloads.

Why Use an Online QR Code Scanner?

An online scanner works directly in your web browser, making it accessible from any device. This is useful when:

You don’t want to download third-party apps.
You need to scan QR code on a shared device.
You want a fast, hassle-free way to access content.

Use QRStuff's Free Online QR Code Scanner

QRStuff offers a free online tool to scan QR code android users love. Open our website, allow camera access, and point your phone at the QR code. The scanner will instantly find and display the information. No extra steps, no app needed—just scan and go.

Scan a QR Code now

templates.scan_android.get_started.title

How to Scan QR Codes Using Your Built-in Android Camera

Most modern Android devices have a built-in QR scanner in the camera app. This means you can scan QR code without needing a separate app.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scan with Your Android Camera:

Open the Camera App

Unlock your phone and launch the default camera.

Point at the QR Code

Make sure the entire code is visible within the frame.

Wait for Detection

A notification will appear on the screen.

Tap the Notification

This will open the content in your browser or relevant app.

If the scanner doesn’t work, check that QR code scanning is enabled in your camera settings and that your internet is working.

How to Scan a QR Code with Samsung Phones

Learning how to scan a QR code with Samsung devices is simple, as the feature is built-in. This guide covers how to scan qr code on Samsung Galaxy, A-series, Note, and Z-series phones.

For a Samsung phone, scan QR code functionality is typically enabled by default. If you need to check, you can often find the setting in your camera app's settings menu. To scan QR code Android Samsung, just open your camera and point it at the code.

If you're asking how to use QR code on Samsung, simply follow the general Android steps above. The process for how to scan QR code on Samsung phone models is designed to be intuitive and fast. The built-in QR code scanner on Samsung is one of the easiest to use.

Using Google Lens to Scan QR Codes on Android

If your device doesn’t have a built-in scanner, or you want an alternative, use Google Lens. It's an AI-powered tool that can find and scan QR codes through the Google Lens app, Google Assistant, or even Google Photos if you have a picture of a QR code.

How to Scan with Google Lens:

Open Google Lens via the app, your Google search bar, or by saying, "Hey Google, open Google Lens."
Point your camera at the QR Code.
Tap the link that appears on your screen.

Troubleshooting: Why Isn't My QR Code Scanning?

If you can't scan QR code, here are common causes and solutions:

Common Causes:

Blurry or Damaged Code: The scanner can't read a smudged or unclear code.
Poor Lighting: Your camera needs good light to see the code.
Dirty Camera Lens: Smudges can block the camera's view.
QR Scanning is Disabled: Check your camera settings to ensure the feature is on.
Outdated Software: An old version of Android or your camera app might cause issues.

Tips for Accurate Scanning:

Ensure the QR code is clear and well-lit.
Wipe your camera lens with a soft cloth.
Hold your device steady to avoid blur.
Update your Android OS and camera app via Settings and the Google Play Store.
If all else fails, a simple restart can often fix temporary glitches.

If your built-in scanner still won't work, the QRStuff online scanner is the perfect backup.

QRStuff QR Code Scanner

If you need to scan a QR code online for free, QRStuff is the tool you need. QRStuff is perfect for anyone looking for speed and accuracy when scanning QR codes. Don’t hesitate to use QRStuff Code Scanner for generating, downloading, and scanning QR codes.

Scan a QR Code now

Frequently Asked Questions

View all

Not all Android devices have a built-in QR scanner in the camera app. Most phones and tablets running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later support QR code scanning without needing an extra app. If your device doesn’t recognize QR codes, you can:

Enable QR scanning in the camera settings.
Try a free online QR code scanner like QRStuff.

Older Android devices may require downloading a QR code reader from the Play Store.

QRStuff offers a fast, secure and free online scanner that works on any device with a camera and an internet connection. It’s one of the easiest and most reliable ways to scan QR codes online.

Visit the QRStuff website.
Grant camera access.
Hold your phone up to the QR code.
Instantly view the scanned content.

Once you scan a QR code, your device will display a notification or pop-up with the content. Tap the link to:

Open a website in your browser.
View contact details and save them to your phone.
Download an app from the Play Store.
Access WiFi credentials to connect instantly.

If the QR code scanner doesn’t show a result, check your WiFi or mobile data connection and try again.