How to scan a QR code on a Samsung phone

Scan a QR code with the Samsung camera

If no pop-up appears, open Camera settings with the gear icon and switch on Scan QR codes. On newer versions of One UI it sits under Intelligent features. Some models have a separate scanner mode instead, so it is worth checking the More tab in the camera too.

1. Open the Camera app in Photo mode.
2. Point it at the QR code and hold the phone steady, with the whole code on screen.
3. Wait a moment for a link or pop-up to appear near the code.
4. Check the address, then tap it to open it.

Use the Scan QR code button in the Quick panel

Samsung also puts a dedicated QR scanner in the Quick panel, which is often faster than the camera and works on phones whose camera lacks the setting.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full Quick panel.
2. Look for the Scan QR code button and tap it.
3. If it is not there, open the Quick panel's edit mode (the pencil or Edit option) and drag Scan QR code into your buttons.
4. Point the phone at the code and tap the result to open it.

Samsung Internet, Bixby Vision and Google Lens

Samsung Internet, the phone's own browser, has a QR code scanner you can switch on in its settings; on many versions it is under Useful features. Once it is on, a QR icon appears in the address bar and scanned links open straight in the browser.

Bixby Vision is built into the camera and Gallery on many Galaxy models, where available. It can read QR codes as well as text and objects.

Google Lens also works on every Galaxy phone through the Google app, and on models with Circle to Search you can long-press the navigation bar or handle and circle a code on screen. It is the easiest option for a barcode scanner on Samsung, as it recognises product barcodes and shows shopping results.

Scan a QR code from an image or screenshot on Samsung

You cannot point your camera at your own screen, so a code in a screenshot, a photo or a message needs a different method.

1. Open the image in Gallery. On recent One UI versions, a button may appear when a QR code is detected; tap it to open the link.
2. If not, tap the Bixby Vision icon while viewing the image, where your model has it.
3. Or share the image to Google Lens, or use Circle to Search while the image is on screen.
4. Or open NeoReader's QR scanner in any browser, tap to pick the screenshot from your gallery, and read the result on the page. The image is read on your phone and never sent to our servers.

QR code scanner missing on Samsung A12, A10 and other A-series phones

Owners of budget Galaxy A models, including the A02s, A10, A11, A12 and A13, often find there is no QR setting in the camera. It depends on the model and its software version. Start by updating the phone in Settings, Software update, as a newer version of One UI may add QR scanning.

If it is still missing, the Quick panel button is usually there once you add it through edit mode. Failing that, Samsung Internet's scanner, Google Lens or a browser-based scanner all work on any Galaxy phone, old or new, without changing settings.

• Galaxy A12 or A10 with no camera option: add Scan QR code to the Quick panel.
• No Quick panel button either: use Samsung Internet's QR scanner or Google Lens.
• Need to scan a screenshot or a barcode: use a browser scanner that reads images.

Before you open the link

QR codes can point anywhere, and fake stickers on parking meters, posters and restaurant tables are a known scam. Read the address the Samsung QR code reader shows before you tap. Be wary of shortened links, misspelt brand names and pages that ask you to log in or pay straight away. NeoReader's scanner checks scanned links for look-alike domains, hidden destinations, bare IP addresses and app downloads before you open them.