How to scan code on my phone

QR Codes were initially developed to expand on the technology of Barcodes. QR Codes have better functionality because they can be scanned both horizontally and vertically, which comes from their square shape. Before smartphones existed, QR Codes were read with scanners for inventory management. Nowadays, the process is much more advanced because of smartphones. The process of scanning QR Codes enables you to read the information connected to them. This can be done either with a smartphone app or directly with your smartphone camera (for some newer models).

Which smartphones use Android?

Android is one of the most popular mobile operating systems, so there are many smartphones that use Android to function. Some of the newer and popular smartphones that use Android are:

...And many more.

If you're unsure whether your smartphone uses Android, you can check it by going to “Settings“ and selecting “About Phone“, or you can ask your smartphone manufacturer.

How to check if your Android phone camera automatically scans QR Codes

If your Android phone is not listed above, not to worry. You can also try to scan QR Codes without an app. To test if your camera is equipped to do this, use the following steps:

  1. Open your Camera app and point it steadily for 2-3 seconds towards the QR Code you want to scan.
  2. Whenever scanning is enabled, a notification will appear.
  3. If nothing happens, you may have to go to your Settings app and enable QR Code scanning.
  4. If QR Codes isn’t an option in your settings, your device unfortunately can’t scan QR Codes natively. But don’t worry, this only means you’ll have to download a third-party QR Code reader app (see our recommendations below).

Alternatively, you can follow this guide for how to check your version of Android.

“Now on Tap” with Android 6.0 now scans QR Codes

If your Android phone uses Android 6.0 Marshmallow, there is a feature called “Now on Tap” that directly reads QR Codes. You can follow these steps to use “Now on Tap” to read QR Codes:

  • Install the Google App and open it.
  • Opt in to enable now.
  • Navigate to “Settings” and select “Screen search”.
  • Enable the topmost toggle (“Asks Google to show you info related to what’s on your home screen when you hold the Home button or search by voice”).
  • Hold down the Home button from your Android smartphone to start “Now on Tap” so that you can scan QR with your camera.

If you prefer not to use “Now on Tap”, you can also install a third-party QR Code scanning app ( see our app recommendations below).

Android 7 and below (except Android 6.0)

These versions of Android (except Android 6.0) can’t scan QR Codes without a third-party app.
Please see the below section for some of our app recommendations.

Scanning QR Codes with Android 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0

If your smartphone uses Android version 8.0 or higher, it’s a good bet that it can scan QR Codes with an app. Here are three options you can use to do so:

How to scan code on my phone

Table of Contents

  • How do I scan QR Codes without an app on Android?
    • Scan QR Codes with Android 9
    • Scan QR Codes with Android 8
    • Scan QR Codes with Android 7
  • Best QR Code Reader Apps for Android in 2021
  • How to scan QR Codes on various Android smartphones
  • FAQs

What are QR Codes? – Quick Recap

QR Codes are 2-dimensional barcodes that when scanned open up a link, add contacts, send SMSes, make calls among other things.

 

 

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Know how to design a customized QR Code

Need to know how to scan QR Code menus? Pull up the native camera and point it at the QR Code. The menu will pop up instantly as a notification.

If you are a business evaluating QR Code menus for your restaurant, here’s a detailed guide about it.

Does Android have an in-built QR Code reader?

Yes. Just like iPhones, Android 9 (Android Pie) and Android 10 have an in-built QR Code reader. Even the Android 8 or Oreo does not need an app to scan QR Codes.

How do I scan a QR Code without an app on Android?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynPsslDDPL0

Scan QR Codes with Android 9 (PIE) and Android 10 

How to scan code on my phone

Image Source

Android 9 and Android 10 have an in-built QR code reader courtesy of Google Lens. Consumers have to open their camera app and point it at the QR Code and see a URL pop-up.

Activating Google Lens

To activate Google Lens to scan QR Codes suggestions, open the camera app and click on more. Open Settings and activate Google Lens suggestions to scan QR Codes.

Read about how to scan a qr code from a picture

Scan QR Codes with Android 8 (Android OREO)

1. Google Screen Search: Google Screen Search allows consumers to scan QR Codes without an app instantly. All one has to do is point their camera at the QR Code, long-press the Home button and click on ‘What’s on my screen?’ The QR Code link will be available for consumers to open.

How to scan code on my phone

Activating Screen Search

If the smartphone’s screen search is not on, open the Google app and tap Navigation. From the settings, enable Screen Search.

2. Google Lens: An AI interface by Google, Google Lens recognizes everything in the camera including QR Codes. It is available on both the camera app as well as Google Assistant.

Simply download Google Lens and start scanning QR Codes or use Google Lens from Google Assistant.

Scan QR Codes with ANDROID 7 and below (Requires a QR Code reader app) 

Android smartphones with Android 7.0 and below require an app to scan QR Codes. After downloading the app, all QR Codes can be scanned instantaneously. Since a lot of apps use QR Codes within the app to perform a function like payments or scanning a product to get more information, consumers are already aware of how to operate a QR Code reader app. You can use Snapchat, Amazon, and Paytm to scan QR Codes on Android without having to download an additional app.

What are the best QR Code reader apps for Android in 2021?

According to our research, these 6 free QR Code reader apps are perfect for older Android versions that allow Android phones to scan QR Codes –

  1. Kaspersky’s QR Code Reader and Scanner
  2. NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner
  3. Bar-Code Reader
  4. QR Code Reader by Scan
  5. QR & Barcode Reader by Gamma Play
  6. QR Droid

For more details on these apps, check out our best QR Code scanner apps for Android guide.

Related: App Store Optimization Guide for Mobile Apps

How to scan QR Codes with Samsung Galaxy S10e, S10 and S10+

An OTA update will allow users of Samsung Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+ to start using their cameras to scan QR Codes. No third-party app is required anymore. Here’s how to start scanning QR Codes:

  1. Go to Camera Settings
  2. Toggle the feature “Scan QR Codes”
How to scan code on my phone
Source

How to scan QR Codes with Samsung Galaxy S9

A June 2019 security update has made it possible for Galaxy S9 users to scan QR Codes right from their camera by toggling a button that says ‘Scan QR Codes’. Now Samsung Galaxy S9 users can simply point the camera at a QR code and the associated link will pop up. There is no need for Bixby Vision or any other third-party apps. This update has not been rolled out to Samsung’s flagship phones. [Some phones have started receiving this update]

Related: Android hacks that every Android user must know

How to scan QR Codes with Vivo smartphones?

For Vivo smartphones with Android 8 and above, you can use the Google Lens on your camera. There is also an in-built scanner on some Vivo smartphones on the Notification Panel and Smart Launcher Screen.

Can Pixel scan QR Codes?

Google’s Pixel can scan QR Codes. You don’t even need Google Lens to do so. Open the camera app and point it to a QR Code and you will see the link appear just above the shutter button. Click on this link to open up the website, landing page, or URL.

How to scan QR Codes with Pixel 2 XL?

Simply open the camera and point it at a QR code. The Pixel 2 XL can natively scan QR Codes just like iPhones. The associated link pops up on the screen which acts as a prompt for the user.

 

How to scan code on my phone
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Scanning QR Codes with Android: FAQs

What happens when you scan QR Codes?

When consumers scan QR Codes, a number of things can occur. Businesses can use QR Codes to deliver coupons, product information, and deals or use it to ask shoppers to leave reviews, feedback and follow them on social media.

Explore what you can use QR Codes for here

Are QR Codes free?

Yes, QR Codes can be generated for free online. Although these QR Codes are static codes and once downloaded cannot be edited. To change QR Code destination or content, you need dynamic/editable QR Codes.

Create dynamic QR Codes with a dynamic QR Code generator in a flash.

How far away can you scan a QR Code?

Typically, QR Codes found in magazines can be scanned from at least 10 inches away and the QR Codes found on billboards can be scanned from 2 meters away. The relationship between the scan distance and the minimum QR Code size should be 10:1. A 2.5 cm QR Code can be scanned from 250 mm or 10 inches away.

How do I keep a QR Code on my phone?

Once you create a free QR Code on the QR Code generator, you can save the QR Code on your phone. If you are using QR Codes on Facebook, Snapchat or LinkedIn, you can save it as an image on your phone or share it so that other people can add you to that particular network.

How do you use QR Codes?

Apart from useful information about a certain product, QR Codes are also used on GMO labeling in the US as well as for proximity marketing. Businesses can leverage QR Codes to attract new visitors by allowing them to scan and get navigation details or paste them on flyers and deliver rewards and discounts. Businesses can also automate the process of creating QR Codes with an API.

Discover more use cases for QR Codes in 2020

Are there any risks to scanning QR Codes?

Phishing or malicious software being downloaded through QR Codes is rare but it is a slim possibility. Only scan QR Codes that specify the action or what you can expect once you scan them or see that the URL slug is from a credible source like Beaconstac (tapnscan.me/).

Can a phone with Android versions 8 and 9 scan QR Codes?

Android versions 8 and 9 can automatically scan QR Codes without an app. Some older Android versions will also receive the latest update.

Here is an entire list of Android 8 and Android 9 smartphones that you can use to scan QR Codes without an app 

GOOD READS:

  1. QR Codes on Receipts: Increase Post-Purchase Revenue & Engagement
  2. Do QR Codes and RFID measure up to powerful Bluetooth beacons for retail?
  3. How SMBs can use NFC, QR Codes, and BLE beacons to design a comprehensive solution
  4. What is Proximity Marketing and How does it Work?
  5. iBeacon and beacon apps: 10 best apps that are leading the pack
  6. Phones compatible with NFC in 2019: Find the complete list here
  7. Buy beacons: 7 things you need to know before buying beacons

 

Interested in QR Codes? Talk to our expert or explore QR Code marketing examples and leverage the advanced analytics of the Beaconstac dashboard to improve your business’s ROI.

  • Author Details

Author Details

Sneh Ratna Choudhary

Sneh is a Content Marketing Manager at Beaconstac and has a penchant for all things tech and startups that improve human lives. She adores dogs, Radiohead, and Michael Gary Scott.

Where is the code scanner on my phone?

Go to Settings. Select System Apps. Tap on Camera. Then toggle to enable Scan QR codes.

How do I scan a QR code with a normal phone?

Here's how:.
Open the camera app..
Select the rear-facing camera in Photo or Camera mode..
Center the QR code that you want to scan on the screen and hold your phone steady for a couple of seconds..
Tap the notification that pops up to open the link. (You will need to be connected to the internet to do this.).

Can I scan a QR code without an app?

With Google Screen Search, Android 8 users can scan QR codes without needing an app. Simply point your camera at the QR code, press the “Home” button, then select 'What's on my screen? ' Users can then open the brief URL associated with the QR Code's information.