How to scan a QR code on Android
Tile and setting names vary by phone maker and Android version, but one of these routes works on almost every phone from the last few years.
- Open your Camera app and point it at the code. On most phones a link pops up; tap it.
- If nothing appears, open the camera settings and turn on the QR code or Google Lens suggestions option.
- Or swipe down twice for Quick Settings and tap Scan QR code. If the tile is not there, tap the edit (pencil) icon and drag it in.
- Or open Google Lens, from the Google app or the Lens icon in the search bar, and point it at the code.
QR scanner on Samsung phones
On Samsung Galaxy phones, the Camera app reads QR codes when Scan QR codes is switched on in camera settings. There is also a Scan QR code button in the quick panel, and Bixby Vision can read codes. Samsung Internet has a QR scanner in its menu too.
When to use NeoReader instead of a QR code scanner app
The camera is great for codes in front of you. It is awkward for codes already on your phone: in a screenshot, a WhatsApp photo, an email or a PDF. Google Lens can read gallery images, and this page is a quick alternative that also reads barcodes and checks links.
- Screenshots and gallery photos: tap to choose an image and it is read on your phone.
- Barcodes: EAN, UPC, Code 128, Code 39, ITF, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec and more.
- Link safety: warnings for look-alike brand domains, hidden destinations, link shorteners, bare IP addresses and APK or app downloads.
- No install: many free QR scanner apps in the Play Store carry heavy adverts or ask for permissions they do not need. This page runs in Chrome and keeps images on your device.
Keep it one tap away
Open this page in Chrome, tap the menu and choose Add to Home screen. It opens full screen like an app, with nothing installed from the Play Store and no account.
When a QR code will not scan on Android
- Move the phone back. Holding it too close stops the camera focusing.
- Wipe the lens. Pocket fluff and fingerprints blur small codes.
- Add light, or tilt the code to move glare off glossy paper and screens.
- Make sure the whole code, including the white border, is inside the frame.
- If your camera ignores codes, check its settings for a QR or Lens option, or try the Quick Settings tile.
- Still stuck: photograph the code and choose that photo on this page. It often reads codes the camera gives up on.
