How to Scan a QR Code on Android: The Ultimate Guide

Ever found yourself googling “How to scan a QR Code on Android” because there are just too many ways to do it, and you’re not sure which one actually works? 😅 You’re not alone.

While Android 9.0 and above offer native QR Code scanning support, older versions (like Android 8.0 and below) still rely on third-party apps. To make things more confusing, QR code scanning methods can vary across different brands—Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus all handle it a bit differently.

This blog demystifies the process and covers all the reliable methods to scan a QR Code on any Android device.

How to scan a QR Code on Android: a step-by-step process

There are seven different ways to scan a QR Code on your Android phone—let’s explore each one in detail.

Method 1: Using the native camera app (for Android 9 and above)

Most Android operating systems offer native QR Code scanning through their camera app. In some cases, the scanning happens through Google Lens. 

To scan a QR Code on Android through the native camera app: 

1. Open the camera app.
2. Point your camera at a QR Code.
3. Either a notification with further options or the information will open directly.

Method 2: Using Google Assistant or “Circle to Search” (for newer Android versions like Android 14+) 

Newer Android versions are making QR Code scanning even more seamless—especially when the QR code appears directly on your screen, like in an image, webpage, or PDF.

To scan a QR Code using Google Assistant:

1. Activate Google Assistant (by saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing the home button/power button, depending on your device settings).
2. If a QR code is visible on your screen, say “Scan this QR code” or tap the Google Lens icon if it appears within the Assistant interface.
3. Google Assistant will then process the QR code and show you the relevant information or link.

To scan a QR Code using Circle to Search (on supported devices, typically Android 14 and newer):

1. Ensure the QR code you want to scan is visible on your Android device’s screen.
2. Activate “Circle to Search” (this is often done by long-pressing the navigation bar or home button).
3. Circle the QR code displayed on your screen.
4. Google will analyze the circled area, recognize the QR code, and provide you with the linked information or action. This is particularly useful for QR codes embedded within images in your gallery or documents you view directly on your phone. 

Method 3: Using Google apps: Photos, Google, Chrome, and Lens (for Android versions 9 and above)

Google Photos is Google’s online photo and video storage app. It can also scan QR Codes from the images in your photo gallery. 

To scan a QR Code using the Google Photos app: 

1. Launch the Google Photos app. 
2. Choose the photo with the QR Code you want to scan.  
3. Click the Google Lens icon at the bottom to scan the image.

Both the Google and Chrome app offers a simple way to access Google Lens and scan a QR Code. 

Scan a QR Code using the Google app:

1. Launch the Google app. 
2. Use Google Lens by tapping the image icon on the right side of the search bar. 
3. Point your camera at a QR Code or choose a photo with a QR Code from your gallery. 

Scan a QR Code using the Google Chrome app:

1. Launch the Google Chrome app. The following steps are the same as above. 
2. Tap on the image icon on the right side of the search bar. 
3. Point your camera at a QR Code or choose an image with a QR Code from your gallery. 

Method 4: Using Google Lens

Google Lens is an image recognition technology that opens up relevant information about whatever you point the camera at. You can integrate Google Lens with other Google apps, such as Camera, Photos, Chrome, and Screen Search. 

You can scan a QR Code with the Google Lens app using the following process: 

1. Download the Google Lens app from the Play Store if you don’t have it already. 
2. Launch the app and point it to the QR code you want to scan. 
3. Click on the pop-up to access the desired content. 

Method 5: Using third-party toold(for any Android version and device)

If your Android device doesn’t offer native scanning or needs dedicated QR Code scanners, you can opt for third-party websites or apps. Some of the most popular ones on the Android store are: 

1. The QR Code Generator (No app required): The QR Code Generator’s Scan page will let you scan and read QR Codes for free. You can also create, save, share, and manage QR Codes using this tool.
2. QR Code Reader: The Trend Micro™ QR Scanner prioritizes security and has a 4.7 rating. 
3. QR & Barcode Scanner: You can scan and sync your QR Codes across all devices via iCloud with TeaCapps’s QR Code & Barcode Scanner. 
4. Kapersky QR Scanner: Apart from scanning QR Codes, it also protects you from phishing and other scams. 
5. QR Scanner: This app by Simple Design can help you scan small QR Codes and use flashlight to scan QR Codes in the dark. 

Method 6: Using third-party browsers (for any Android version and device)

Some third-party browsers come with a built-in QR Code scanner. They are: 

1. Firefox: To use it, launch the app, tap the search bar, and select the scan icon. 
2. Samsung Internet: To enable the internet, you need to first launch the app, tap the three lines, go to Settings, choose Useful Features, and enable the QR Code reader. To use the feature, you can open the app and select the QR Code icon in the search bar. 
3. UC Browser: To scan, open the app and scan the QR Code from the browser. 
4. Opera Mini: You can only use this to scan QR Codes that contain URLs. 

Method 7: Using Now Tap (for Android version 6)

If you’re using Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you can use the “Now on Tap” feature to read QR Codes directly. 

Here are the steps you can follow to use this feature: 

Step 1: Install and open the ‘Now on Tap’ Google App. 

Step 2: Head to your phone settings, locate the Now on Tap option in the Google App settings, and enable it. 

Step 3: Open the Google App, point your phone camera at the QR Code, and press and hold the home button to scan and search. 

Answering all your questions on scanning a QR Code on Android

Why scan QR Codes?

A QR Code is a modern technology that helps bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. It is an evolution of the erstwhile barcode technology. QR Codes contain more data, have better error-correction abilities, and can read data horizontally and vertically. QR Codes found a massive user base during the COVID-19 crisis. Today, you can access almost anything using QR Codes — Wi-Fi networks, payment gateways, restaurant menus, phone numbers, apps, PDFs or documents, and even social media profiles like sharing your Instagram handle instantly. QR Codes are also widely used on platforms like Snapchat, where they act as a unique way to connect with friends by scanning each other’s Snapcodes (a Snapchat QR Code).

Which devices use Android?

Android is the operating system for various devices, including Samsung, Sony, Google, OnePlus and more. 

What Android models support scanning a QR Code?

Native QR Code scanning is supported on Android devices running version 9 and above. If your device runs on Android 8 or earlier, you’ll need to use a third-party QR Code scanner app.

How to enable QR Code scanning on an Android

INo matter which Android version you’re using, you can quickly check whether your device supports QR Code scanning—and enable it if needed.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Open your phone’s camera and point it at a QR Code.

Step 2: If your device supports QR Code scanning, a notification or link should appear.

Step 3: If nothing happens, go to your Settings app and look for an option to enable QR Code scanning (this is usually found under “Camera” or “Smart features”).

Step 4: If you still can’t find the option, your device likely doesn’t support native QR Code scanning. In that case, you can simply use a reliable third-party QR Code scanner app.

Is it safe to scan QR Codes on Android?

While QR codes are incredibly convenient, it’s important to be mindful of security. Malicious QR codes can direct you to harmful websites, trigger unwanted actions, or attempt to download malware.  

• Be Cautious with Unfamiliar QR Codes: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Be wary of codes found in unexpected public places or in unsolicited emails/messages.
• Preview URLs: Some QR scanner apps will show you a preview of the URL before opening it. Check if the link looks legitimate and matches the expected destination.
• Use a Secure Scanner App: Some third-party QR scanner apps (like those mentioned from Trend Micro or Kaspersky) offer built-in security features to check for malicious links.  
• Keep Your Device Updated: Ensure your Android OS and browser are up to date with the latest security patches.
• Don’t Share Sensitive Information: If a QR code leads to a site asking for login credentials or personal information, double-check the URL’s authenticity before proceeding.

How to scan a QR Code on Android (based on OS versions) 

Here is a breakdown of the different Android versions and scanning methods for each of them: 

How to scan a QR Code on Android (based on Android devices)

Some of these scanning methods change with different devices. Here’s how the QR Code scanning method looks for different Android devices:

Here are the detailed steps for scanning QR Codes on some of these popular Android devices: 

How to scan a QR Code on Samsung devices

Based on the version you’re using, there are different ways you can scan QR Codes on Samsung devices. 

Method 1: Using Bixby Vision

Samsung’s equivalent of Google Lens is called Bixby Vision. It’s available on Samsung Galaxy devices and OS versions Android 9 (Pie) and above. Some devices with Android 8 (Oreo) and 7 (Nougat) have limited Bixby features. 

To use Bixby Vision, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Open the Bixby Vision app. 

Step 2: If you’re a first-time user, enable the requires permissions. 

Step 3: Enable Bixby Vision to allow it to take pictures. 

Step 4: Point your camera at a QR Code and click ‘Go’ to view the QR Code content. 

Method 2: Using Samsung Internet

If your phone doesn’t support Bixby Vision, you can use Samsung Internet to scan QR codes. It usually comes pre-installed. If it doesn’t, you can download it from the Google Play app. 

Here’s how you scan a QR Code using Samsung Internet:

Step 1: Open the Samsung Internet app.

Step 2: Tap on the three lines at the bottom right of your screen. 

Step 3: Head on to your Settings app. 

Step 4: Select ‘Useful Features’. 

Step 5: Toggle the ‘QR code reader’ button to enable it. 

Step 6: Return to the home search page; choose the QR Code button on the top right corner. 

Step 7: Enable permission to take photos. 

Step 8: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan. 

Method 3: Using the native camera app

You can also use Samsung’s native camera app to scan a QR code. 

Here are the steps: 

Step 1: Swipe down, select ‘Quick Settings’, and then QR Code scanner. 

Step 2: Click ‘OK’ to launch the camera and scan the QR Code.

Step 3: If the scan is not going through, you’ll need to enable it from the Settings icon on the top left corner. 

Step 4: From the Settings, select ‘Scan QR codes’. 

Method 4: Using the Gallery app

Have a QR Code in your Samsung gallery? You can scan it using Bixby Vision. 

Follow these steps to use this feature: 

Step 1: If you haven’t already done so, take a screenshot of the QR Code. 

Step 2: Locate the image in the gallery. 

Step 3: Go to the top right corner and click the Bixby icon. 

Step 4: The link will appear in a pop-up. 

Method 5: Using the Quick Settings Panel

For fast access, Samsung devices allow you to add a dedicated QR scanner button to your Quick Settings.

Step 1: Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to fully open the Quick Settings panel. 

Step 2: Look for a ‘Scan QR code’ tile. If you don’t see it immediately, tap the ‘Edit’ button (often a pencil icon) or the three-dot menu, followed by ‘Edit buttons’ or ‘Button order’. 

Step 3: Find the ‘Scan QR code’ tile in the list of available buttons. 

Step 4: Drag and drop the ‘Scan QR code’ tile to your active Quick Settings area. 

Step 5: Tap ‘Done’. 

Step 6: Now, whenever you need to scan, just swipe down to open Quick Settings and tap the ‘Scan QR code’ tile to launch the scanner instantly.

How to scan a QR Code on Google Pixel devices

To scan QR Codes on your Google device, your native camera should be enough. Google Lens is already available for all Google and device apps, such as Photos, Camera, Chrome browser, and the Google app. 

To scan a QR Code on Google Pixel devices, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Open the camera app and point it at a QR Code. 

Step 2: A pop-up will open with the associated link. 

Step 3: Click the link to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Motorola devices

Motorola devices have Google Lens built into their native camera and Photos app. 

You can scan a QR Code on your Motorola device with these steps: 

Step 1: Turn on Google Lens from your camera settings unless you have already done so. 

Step 2: Once enabled, you can point your camera at a QR Code and scan it automatically. 

How to scan a QR Code on OnePlus devices

OnePlus’s native camera can scan QR Codes automatically. To scan a QR Code, point your camera at it and scan. 

An alternative way to scan QR Codes on OnePlus devices is to enable and use Google Lens. 

How to scan a QR Code on Nothing devices

You can use both the Camera app and Google Lens to scan QR Codes on Nothing devices. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app

Step 1: Open the camera and point it at the QR Code.

Step 2: Tap on the notification to open the URL and view the information. 

Method 2: Using Google Lens

Step 1: Open the camera app and point it at the QR Code. 

Step 2: Locate the Google Lens option and tap on it. 

Step 3: Scan the QR Code to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Sony devices

Sony devices have QR Code scanning abilities in the native camera app for Android versions 9 and above. Alternatively, you can use the Google Lens embedded with the gallery or the Photos app. 

How to scan a QR Code on Redmi/Xiaomi devices

The camera app is the easiest way to scan a QR Code on Redmi or Xiaomi devices. Open the camera, point it at a QR Code, scan it, and view the desired information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Huawei devices

Huawei devices offer you three options to help you scan QR Codes. You can use the camera app, gallery app, and lock screen to scan QR Codes automatically. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app

Some Huawei phone models allow you to scan QR Codes from your native camera app. 

Here are the steps on how you can do it: 

Step 1: Open your camera and point it at a QR Code. 

Step 2: If scanning is enabled, you’ll get a pop-up to view the information. 

Step 3: If no action happens, go to your Settings app and enable QR Code scanning. 

Step 4: If you don’t find the option in the settings, your device won’t be able to scan QR Codes automatically

Method 2: Using the lock screen

Huawei also offers the ability to scan QR Codes from the lock screen. 

You can follow these steps: 

Step 1: Swipe the function bar up.

Step 2: Tap on the Huawei Vision icon. 

Step 3: Scan the QR Code with your camera. 

Method 3: Use the Gallery app

The Gallery app also gives you the option to scan QR Codes. 

Here are the steps to do it: 

Step 1: Take a screenshot of the QR Code image or download it on your phone. 

Step 2: Open the Gallery app and press the image to open the bottom menu. 

Step 3: Select ‘More’ and choose the ‘Scan QR code in image’ option. 

Step 4: Click the pop-up to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on HTC devices

The camera is the easiest way to scan a QR Code on HTC devices. 

Here are the steps: 

Step 1: Tap the Settings icon to ensure ‘QR Code recognition’ is on. 

Step 2: Return to the Home screen and tap the Camera icon to open the app. 

Step 3: You need to change the capture mode. Click ‘More’ and choose the ‘QR Code’ option. 

Step 4: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 5: You’ll find the information at the bottom of the screen. Tap it to access the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on LG devices

LG devices offer QR Code scanning abilities through their QLens feature. 

Here are the steps to use QLens to scan a QR Code. 

Step 1: Launch the Camera app and tap on QLens.

Step 2: Choose the ‘Scan QR code’ option. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Access the desired information from the pop-up. 

You can use Google Lens to scan a QR Code. You can access it either through the Google Lens app or through the Assistant function. 

How to scan a QR Code on Asus devices

You can scan a QR Code on Asus devices in two ways: the Camera app and the Quick Settings app. 

Method 1: Using the camera app

Step 1: Launch the Camera app. 

Step 2: Point it at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 3: Tap the notification to view the required information. 

Method 2: Using the Quick Settings

Step 1: Swipe down to access Quick Settings from the top of your screen. 

Step 2: Tap Scan QR Codes

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Tap the screen to view the desired information. 

You can view various kinds of information from the QR Codes, such as website, vCard, text, phone, SMS, email, calendar, Wi-Fi, and location. 

How to scan a QR Code on Vivo devices

Vivo devices let you scan QR Codes in three ways: through the camera, Google, and the Quick Panel. 

Method 1: Using the camera

Step 1: Launch the Camera app from the home screen. 

Step 2: Click the Google Lens icon. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll need to allow it to access the camera. Choose the Open Camera option. Select the access option that works for you. 

Step 3: You’ll return to the home screen. Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: A notification will pop up with an action option. Click the notification to view the information. 

Method 2: Using Google

Step 1: Launch the Google Lens app. You can access it from your app list or from the Google search engine widget on your home screen. Other places from which you can access Google Lens are the Chrome browser app or the Google app.  

Step 2: Press the camera icon from any of these apps to start the Google Lens app. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Once a notification comes, click to view the information. 

Method 3: Using the quick panel

Step 1: Swipe down your phone to display the quick panel. Slide down once more to reveal the full panel. 

Step 2: Tap the option ‘Scan QR Code’ to launch the feature. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code to scan. 

Step 4: Click the pop-up to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Nokia devices

Nokia devices allow QR Code scanning in two different ways. Below are the steps for each. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app

Step 1: Open the camera app, point it at the QR Code, and scan. 

Step 2: If scanning is enabled, you’ll get a notification. 

Step 3: If no action occurs, you can go to your Settings and enable QR Code scanning. 

Step 4: If you don’t find the option in your settings, your device won’t be able to scan QR Codes automatically. In this case, you can choose another option, such as a third-party browser or QR Code scanner. 

Method 2: Using Google Lens

Step 1: Open Google Lens either directly from the app or from Google Assistant. 

Step 2: If the Lens button doesn’t appear automatically, tap the three buttons at the bottom, and you’ll find the button on the left-hand side. 

Step 3: If you’re using Lens for the first time, you might need to enable it. Once you’re done or if it’s already enabled, you can point it at the QR Code to scan. 

Step 4: Click the notification banner to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Oppo devices

You can scan QR Codes on any Oppo device in three ways. Find the steps below. 

Method 1: Using the camera

Step 1: Launch the Camera app from the home screen. 

Step 2: Click the Google Lens icon. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll need to allow it to access the camera. Choose the Open Camera option. Select the access option that works for you. 

Step 3: You’ll return to the home screen. Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: A notification will pop up with an action option. Click the notification to view the information. 

Method 2: Using Google

Step 1: Launch the Google Lens app. You can access it from your app list or from the Google search engine widget on your home screen. Other places from which you can access Google Lens are the Chrome browser app or the Google app.  

Step 2: Press the camera icon from any of these apps to start the Google Lens app. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Once a notification comes, click to view the information. 

Method 3: Using the quick panel

Step 1: Swipe down your phone to display the quick panel. Slide down once more to reveal the full panel. 

Step 2: Tap the option ‘Scan QR Code’ to launch the feature. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code to scan. 

Step 4: Click the pop-up to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Lenovo devices

You can scan a QR Code automatically on Lenovo devices through the Google Lens method and the native camera app. 

An additional way to scan QR Codes on Lenovo devices is: 

Step 1: Tap on Contacts from the home screen. 

Step 2: Click the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner. 

Step 3: Select QR Code. 

Step 4: Scan the QR Code by pointing at it. 

Step 5: View the required information from the pop-up. 

6 (surprising) apps that can also scan QR Codes

You may have some apps on your device that can scan QR Codes, but you probably didn’t know: 

1. Snapchat for adding new friends
2. Facebook Messenger for adding friends and viewing your profile QR Code
3. X (formerly Twitter) for sharing profiles
4. LinkedIn for sharing profile QR Codes 
5. WhatsApp for pairing the desktop and mobile versions
6. Pinterest for visual discovery with its Lens feature 

10 common scenarios where you’ll need to scan QR Codes on Android

Now that you know how to scan a QR Code on Android, the next question is when this information will be handy. 

You might be scanning static QR Codes or dynamic QR Codes. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is that static QR Codes will directly open the link, whereas dynamic QR Codes will open the link from a hosted URL. 

Read more: Static vs. dynamic QR Code

Here are some QR Code types and use cases you may encounter:

Opening or connecting a website URL 

It’s possible to embed website URLs into a QR Code. Once the user scans the QR Code, it takes them to a website or landing page. You can use website URL QR Codes to connect your retail, education, or marketing digital space. 

Viewing and displaying social media accounts

Scanning a QR Code can also take you to social media accounts. You can also create social media QR Codes to display your social presence and boost your audience. 

Opening and connecting mobile apps

You can use QR Codes to download and navigate mobile apps from the store. You can also use them to promote your mobile apps and boost downloads. 

Viewing and sharing PDF files

You can view PDF files after scanning a QR Code on your Android phone. Alternatively, you can embed PDF files in QR Codes to share information. 

Viewing and sharing business digital cards

You can scan QR Codes on your Android device to view and share business cards. This makes contact management and networking convenient. 

Send and receive calls, text messages, or emails 

You can create call, text, or email QR Codes to send and receive communication. All of this by scanning a QR Code! 

Connecting to Wi-Fi

You can scan QR Codes at airports or events to connect to Wi-Fi. 

Viewing and sharing images and videos

It’s easy to share various kinds of content and information through images and videos embedded in QR Codes. For example, listening to an audio at a museum or scanning a QR Code to open a promotional video. 

Viewing and ordering from restaurant menus

You must have scanned a QR Code to view a contactless menu at restaurants or cafes. As business owners, you can also use QR Codes to attach menus and share them. 

Managing event bookings

You can download and register for events by scanning a QR Code. As event managers, you can add QR Codes to your event brochures and flyers for smooth scanning and booking.

Troubleshooting Common QR Code Scanning Problems on Android 

Sometimes, scanning a QR Code might not work as expected. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:  

• Poor Lighting: QR Code scanners need enough light to “see” the code properly. If it’s too dark, try moving to a better-lit area or use your phone’s flashlight if your scanning app supports it (many third-party apps and some native camera apps with Google Lens integration offer this).  
• Dirty Camera Lens: A smudged or dirty camera lens is a common culprit. Wipe your phone’s camera lens gently with a soft, clean cloth.  
• Incorrect Distance or Angle: Hold your phone steady and ensure the entire QR code is within the camera’s viewfinder. Try moving your phone slightly closer or further away from the code. Avoid scanning at extreme angles.
• Damaged or Low-Quality QR Code: If the QR code itself is blurry, distorted, or printed on a highly reflective surface, your phone might struggle to read it.
• Focus Issues: Ensure your camera has properly focused on the QR code. Tap the screen where the QR code is displayed to help the camera focus.
• Outdated Software: Ensure your phone’s operating system and any QR scanning apps (including Google Lens, camera app, etc.) are updated to their latest versions.
• Screen Glare: If scanning a QR code from another screen, minimize glare by adjusting the screen’s brightness or angle.
• Insufficient App Permissions: Make sure the app you’re using to scan has been granted camera permissions in your phone’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is scanning QR Code in iPhone same as Android?

No, scanning a QR code on an iPhone isn’t exactly the same as you can do on Android. It’s actually easier on an iPhone since the Camera app picks up QR codes automatically—no extra steps needed.

2. Do Windows devices support scanning QR codes generated on Android?

Yes. Windows devices can scan QR codes generated on Android using the webcam with third-party apps or online QR code scanners.