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QR Code Scanner

Scan a QR code from a picture or with your camera and read what it says. Free online QR reader with no app to install.

or

Free to use. Runs in your browser: your files and text are not uploaded.

Read a QR code without installing an app. Use a picture saved on your device, or point your camera at the code.

How to use it

From a picture

  1. Press the file button and choose a photo or screenshot that contains a QR code.
  2. The contents appear in the box.

With the camera

  1. Press Scan with camera and allow camera access when your browser asks.
  2. Hold the code in front of the camera until it is read. The camera then switches off.

Press Copy to copy the result. If it is a web link, an Open link button appears.

How it works

The picture is examined by your browser. The tool looks for the three square markers in the corners of a QR code, works out the grid, and reads the dark and light squares back into text. The picture and the camera video are not sent anywhere.

Why you see the text first

Many phone cameras open a QR link straight away. This tool shows what the code says and lets you decide. That is useful because a printed code tells you nothing about where it leads, and stickers with false codes have been placed over real ones on parking meters and posters.

Limits

  • It reads QR codes only. Ordinary barcodes with stripes are not supported.
  • It reads one code per picture. If there are several, crop the picture to the one you want.
  • Blurry, tiny or strongly angled codes may not be found. Take a closer, sharper photo.
  • The camera works only on pages opened with https, and only if you allow access.

Frequently asked questions

How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot or picture?

Choose the picture with the file button. The tool finds the QR code in it and shows the link or text it contains.

How do I scan a QR code on my laptop?

Either take a screenshot of the code and choose that picture, or press Scan with camera and hold the code up to your webcam.

Is it safe to open the link in a QR code?

A QR code can point to any website, including harmful ones. This tool shows you the full link first. Check that the address is the one you expect before opening it.