Scan QR Codes Instantly with The QR Code Generator

Scan the QR Code directly with your webcam — no app required.

Use your webcam to Scan

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Type: URL
Secure Scan Icon Scan securely in your browser on any device.

What is a QR Code scanner

A QR Code scanner reads the black-and-white square pattern and instantly takes you to the link or app embedded in it. On most smartphones, this functionality is built right into the native camera app (iOS or Android), which automatically detects and decodes a QR Code when you point your lens at it.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated third-party scanning app or an online scanner in your browser. Once the code is captured—either live via camera or by uploading an image—the scanner interprets the pattern and delivers the result, whether that's opening a website, displaying text, saving a contact, adding an event to your calendar, or another action.

QR Scanner Example
How to identify QR Codes that can be scanned

Before you scan, check these key elements to ensure a smooth, secure experience.

Print or display

Print or display quality

The code should be crisp with high contrast between dark modules and the background. Faded inks or low-resolution screens can prevent decoding.

Size and quiet

Size and quiet zone

Aim for at least a 2 cm × 2 cm code with a clear margin (quiet zone) around it. Crowded edges or overlapping graphics can interfere with the scanner.

Error correction

Error correction level

Higher error correction allows the code to remain readable even if parts are obscured or damaged—look for professionally generated codes that specify this.

Security and source

Security and source

Only scan codes from trusted sources. If a code appears pasted over another, or leads to an unexpected URL (verify for HTTPS), proceed with caution.

Environment

Environment

Ensure adequate lighting and hold your device steady. Shiny or reflective surfaces, extreme angles, or glare can impede the camera's ability to read the code.

How to scan a QR Code using The QR Code Generator

No app installation or software download required. Scanning happens directly in your browser.

Desktop Icon

On Desktop

  1. Open The QR Code Generator’s scanner in your browser (compatible with both Mac and Windows).
  2. Click Open Camera to scan using your webcam.
  3. When prompted, allow camera access. Then, simply hold the QR Code in front of your webcam to scan it instantly.
Mobile Icon

On Mobile

  1. Launch The QR Code Generator’s scanner in your mobile browser (works on both iOS and Android).
  2. Allow camera access when prompted.
  3. Point your phone's camera at the QR Code to scan it instantly.
How a QR Code scanner helps
Tests QR Code before sharing

Tests QR Code before sharing

Ensures your QR Codes work correctly and lead to the right place.

Saves time and effort

Saves time and effort

Lets you scan instead of typing long URLs or data by hand.

Reduces mistakes

Reduces mistakes

Cuts down on typos and broken links.

Provide Quick Info Access

Provides quick info access

Instantly pulls up product details, instructions, or documents with a simple scan.

Improve Customer Experience

Improves customer experience

Provides quick and seamless access to your content.

Tests QR Code before sharing

Tests QR Code before sharing

Ensures your QR Codes work correctly and lead to the right place.

Saves time and effort

Saves time and effort

Lets you scan instead of typing long URLs or data by hand.

Reduces mistakes

Reduces mistakes

Cuts down on typos and broken links.

Provide Quick Info Access

Provides quick info access

Instantly pulls up product details, instructions, or documents with a simple scan.

Improve Customer Experience

Improves customer experience

Provides quick and seamless access to your content.

What types of QR Codes can you scan

The QR Code Generator automatically detects the QR Code type and presents the right action.

QR Code type Result after scanning
Website URL
Opens a website link
PDF
Opens a PDF, ideal for brochures, menus, or manuals.
Plain Text
Displays the embedded text
vCard
Saves a contact to your phone
App
Opens an app on your device (or prompts to install if not present)
Event
Adds an event to your calendar
Email
Prepares an email to send
SMS
Opens a pre-filled text message
Phone number
Initiates a call to the number
Multi-URL
Presents a selection of links in a webpage
Benefits of using The QR Code Generator's scanner
No app needed

No app needed

Scan directly from your browser — anytime, anywhere.

Clean and ad free

Clean & ad-free

A simple, distraction-free interface with no pop-ups.

Multi-language support

Multi-Language Support

Scan QR Codes with content in English, '中文', Español, and more.

Private and secure

Private and secure

QR Codes are decoded locally on your device. No information is stored or shared.

Fits many scenarios

Fits many scenarios

Ideal for marketing campaigns, product packaging, business cards, event tickets, and more.

Industry-Specific Use Cases for QR Code Scanning

QR Codes for retail and ecommerce

Retail and e-commerce

Quickly scan QR Codes on packaging or receipts to verify product authenticity, access promotional offers, or manage returns.

QR Codes for marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising

Test QR Codes on printed campaigns, flyers, business cards, or digital ads before launch to ensure correct redirection.

QR Codes for Events and conferences

Events and conferences

Scan QR Codes on event tickets, attendee badges, or booth displays to check in participants, access session, or instantly capture contact details.

QR Codes for hospitality and restaurants

Hospitality and Restaurants

Scan QR Codes on menus, table tents, or signage to ensure customers access the correct ordering platforms or special promotions.

QR Codes for Logistics and Manufacturing

Logistics and Manufacturing

Scan QR Codes on parts, equipment, or inventory to retrieve technical documentation, specifications, or service records.

QR Codes for Education

Education

Test QR Codes placed in textbooks, online resources, or classroom materials to link students to supplementary content.

QR Codes for retail and ecommerce

Retail and e-commerce

Quickly scan QR Codes on packaging or receipts to verify product authenticity, access promotional offers, or manage returns.

QR Codes for marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising

Test QR Codes on printed campaigns, flyers, business cards, or digital ads before launch to ensure correct redirection.

QR Codes for Events and conferences

Events and conferences

Scan QR Codes on event tickets, attendee badges, or booth displays to check in participants, access session, or instantly capture contact details.

QR Codes for hospitality and restaurants

Hospitality and Restaurants

Scan QR Codes on menus, table tents, or signage to ensure customers access the correct ordering platforms or special promotions.

QR Codes for Logistics and Manufacturing

Logistics and Manufacturing

Scan QR Codes on parts, equipment, or inventory to retrieve technical documentation, specifications, or service records.

QR Codes for Education

Education

Test QR Codes placed in textbooks, online resources, or classroom materials to link students to supplementary content.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there are many popular QR scanning apps available on the App Store and Google Play, you don't need one. Simply use The QR Code Generator's built-in scanner in your native browser—no third-party app download required.

Yes. When you use our online scanner, the QR Code is decoded entirely in your browser—no scan image or data is sent to our servers. We never collect or store your scan data, device details, or location information.

However, a QR Code itself can point to a link that includes tracking parameters. In that case, once the scanner opens the URL, the destination server (i.e. the QR creator's analytics service) may record your visit, device type, or IP address. To keep your scans as private as possible:

  • Use trusted sources: Only scan codes from reputable businesses or individuals you know.
  • Preview the URL: Our scanner shows you the full destination link before you open it—look for HTTPS and recognizable domain names.
  • Avoid unknown codes: If a code seems pasted over another or comes from an unverified email or flyer, err on the side of caution.

By combining our local-only decoding with good scanning hygiene, you get both convenience and strong privacy protection.

Yes. Our scanner supports QR Codes in any language — including multilingual codes.

No, The QR Code Generator's scanner works directly in your browser — no downloads or installations needed.