How To Scan QR Codes From Screenshots on All Devices

Have you ever received a QR Code in an email, text message, or social media post on your phone and wondered how to scan it? You’re not alone. 

While scanning a physical QR Code with your phone’s camera is straightforward, scanning a QR Code that’s already saved as a screenshot on your device requires a slightly different approach.

The good news is that a screenshot of a QR Code or from your gallery works exactly as the original. The digital image contains the same encoded information, so you can scan it just as easily. All you need to know are the proper methods for your device.

Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android phone, or a desktop computer, this guide will walk you through every method to quickly and efficiently scan a QR Code from a screenshot.

Table of contents

1. Why you might need to scan a QR Code from a screenshot
2. Scanning QR Codes from screenshots on iPhone
3. Scanning QR Codes from screenshots on Android
4. Advanced scanning for iOS and Android using TQRCG’s scanner app
5. Scanning QR Code screenshots on a desktop or a laptop
6. Common issues when scanning QR Codes from screenshots
7. Scan QR Codes from screenshots with ease

Why you might need to scan a QR Code from a screenshot

Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at common scenarios where scanning QR Code screenshots becomes necessary:

• Digital tickets and passes shared via email or messaging apps
• Event invitations posted on social media
• Payment QR Codes sent through chat applications
• Product information saved from online shopping
• Wi-Fi credentials shared by friends or colleagues
• Contact information received in digital formats

In all these situations, you’ll need to scan the QR Code directly from your device’s gallery rather than pointing your camera at a physical code.

Scanning QR Codes from screenshots on iPhone

Apple devices running iOS 11 and later come with built-in QR Code scanning capabilities that extend beyond the camera app. The Live Text feature, introduced in iOS 15, makes scanning QR Code screenshots incredibly simple. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Photos app and navigate to the screenshot containing the QR Code
2. Tap on the image to view it in full screen
3. Look for the Live Text icon (a small square with lines) in the bottom-right corner and tap it
4. The QR Code will be automatically detected and highlighted
5. Tap the highlighted QR Code to see available actions
6. Select Open in Safari or your preferred action to view the embedded content

This native method requires no additional apps and works across all compatible iPhone models.

Scanning QR Codes from screenshots on Android

Android users have native options through Google Lens integration, as well as dedicated scanner apps for expanded features. Here’s how to use it:

Most modern Android devices have Google Lens built into the gallery or photos app:

1. Make sure your screenshot is saved to your Gallery or Photos app
2. Locate and select the QR Code screenshot
3. Tap the Google Lens icon (usually a camera or square icon with dots)
4. Google Lens will automatically detect and process the QR Code
5. Tap the displayed URL or action to proceed

Google Lens is accurate and works offline for basic QR Code decoding, making it ideal for quick scans on the go. 

Advanced scanning for iOS and Android using TQRCG’s scanner app

For enhanced functionality beyond native scanning tools, The QR Code Generator’s scanner app works on both iOS and Android devices. 

Key features:

• Gallery scanning for saved screenshots
• Support for multiple QR Code and barcode formats
• Scan history to revisit previously scanned codes
• Bulk scanning to scan multiple QR Codes at once
• Clean, user-friendly interface

How to use:

1. Download and install the app:
   • iPhone users: Download from the App Store
   • Android users: Download from the Google Play Store
2. Grant photo library access when prompted
3. Tap the gallery icon within the app
4. Select your QR Code screenshot from the Screenshots folder
5. The app will instantly decode and display the information

This app is particularly useful for business users who need to scan multiple codes, maintain scan history, or work with various barcode formats beyond standard QR Codes.

Scanning QR Code screenshots on a desktop or a laptop

What if the QR Code screenshot is on your computer? Or what if you’re working on a device without a built-in QR Code scanner? Desktop scanning requires slightly different approaches, but The QR Code Generator (TQRCG) offers a convenient solution.

Method 1: TQRCG online scanner (webcam method)

The QR Code Generator offers a free online scanner tool that works well when scanning screenshots, particularly when you have the screenshot on one device but need to scan it with another.

Here’s the clever workaround:

1. Open an online QR Code scanner on your desktop or laptop browser
2. Allow webcam access when prompted
3. Display the QR Code screenshot on your phone screen at 40% brightness
4. Hold your phone in front of the laptop’s webcam
5. The online scanner will detect and decode the QR Code automatically

This method is particularly useful for:

• Older devices without native QR Code scanning capabilities
• Work computers where app installation isn’t allowed
• Quick scanning without downloading additional software

Method 2: Browser-based image upload

Many online QR Code readers allow direct image uploads:

1. Visit an online QR Code reader (such as ScanQR)
2. Look for an “upload image” or “scan from file” option
3. Select your QR Code screenshot from your computer
4. The tool will process and display the embedded information

Method 3: Windows Snipping tool (Windows 11)

Windows 11 users have a built-in advantage:

1. Open Snipping Tool
2. Click “Open file” and select your QR Code 
3. Select Text actions, and the tool will automatically detect and decode the QR Code
4. Click the detected QR Code to access its content

Common issues when scanning QR Codes from screenshots

Even with the right tools, you might encounter scanning difficulties. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

Low image quality

Problem: Blurry or pixelated screenshots won’t scan properly.

Solution: Ensure you capture screenshots at your device’s highest resolution. Avoid zooming in on QR Codes before taking a screenshot, as this can reduce clarity.

Poor color contrast

Problem: QR Codes with insufficient contrast between foreground and background elements fail to scan.

Solution: If you’re creating QR Codes (try The QR Code Generator for this), always use high-contrast color combinations—dark colors on light backgrounds work best.

Missing a quiet zone

Problem: Screenshots cropped too tightly remove the essential white border (quiet zone) around QR Codes.

Solution: When taking screenshots, include the entire QR Code with adequate white space on all sides. The quiet zone helps scanners distinguish the code from surrounding elements.

Expired or deactivated QR Codes

Problem: Some QR Codes, particularly dynamic ones used for event tickets or time-sensitive content, may expire.

Solution: Scan screenshots as soon as possible. If you’re creating QR Codes for long-term use, consider The QR Code Generator’s free plan, which offers two dynamic QR Codes that never expire—perfect for ongoing campaigns and permanent installations.

Scan QR Codes from screenshots with ease

You now have the complete toolkit for scanning QR Codes from screenshots across any device, be it iPhone, Android, or Windows. Start with your device’s native features as they’re often the fastest and most reliable option. If you need advanced functionality, consider dedicated scanner apps for enhanced capabilities.

When troubleshooting scanning issues, focus on image quality and proper cropping. With these methods, you’ll never be stuck with an unscannable QR Code screenshot again.Ready to take reliable and fast QR Code scans? Try The QR Code Generator scanner app!