How to scan a QR code online
- Click Start camera and allow camera access – or drop, paste or choose an image or screenshot that shows a QR code.
- Hold the code inside the frame; it is read automatically. Phones start with the rear camera, and a flashlight button appears where the device supports it.
- Check the result, then open the link, save the contact or copy the content. Your last 20 scans stay in the history on this device.
How to scan a QR code on Android and iPhone
Android
- Open the Camera app and point it at the code for a second or two. On Samsung phones, make sure Scan QR codes is switched on in the camera settings.
- Tap the link or notification that appears.
- If nothing happens, swipe down twice and tap the Scan QR code tile in Quick Settings (Android 13 and later), or open Google Lens from the Google app or the search widget.
iPhone and iPad
- Open the Camera app and point it at the code.
- Tap the yellow link that appears above the code.
- Alternatively, use the Code Scanner in Control Center – add it in Control Center if it is not there yet.
On a laptop or when the code is in a screenshot, use the scanner on this page: it works with the webcam, with photos and with images pasted from the clipboard.
What the scanner recognizes
| Content | Starts with | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Link | https:// | Check the domain, then open it |
| Wi-Fi | WIFI: | See the network name and copy the password |
| Contact | BEGIN:VCARD, MECARD: | Save it as a .vcf contact |
mailto:, MATMSG: | Write the email | |
| Phone and SMS | tel:, sms: | Call or send the message |
| Location | geo: | Open it in Google Maps |
| Text | anything else | Copy it |
Links are never opened automatically: QR codes on posters and parking meters are sometimes replaced with stickers that lead to phishing sites, so check the domain before you tap. In Chrome on Android and Mac, the scanner also reads EAN, UPC, Code 128 and other barcodes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to scan QR codes with this website?
Yes. The camera picture and your images are processed in your browser and never uploaded, and links are only opened when you click them.
Why does the camera not start?
The browser needs your permission. If you blocked it, allow camera access for this site in the site settings of your browser and reload the page. Some in-app browsers cannot use the camera at all – open the page in Chrome or Safari, or scan an image instead.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo?
Yes. Drop the image on the page, paste it with Ctrl+V (⌘V on a Mac) or choose the file. Large photos are checked at several sizes; if no code is found, crop the picture to the code.
Does the scanner keep a history?
Your last 20 results are saved in this browser only, so you can open them again later. Clear history deletes them.