5 Simple Ways to Scan QR Codes From Photos

QR code scanning from photos
Scan QR Code From Photos

QR codes have become ubiquitous in recent years, offering a convenient way to access information, make payments, or share contact details. While QR codes are typically scanned using a dedicated app, did you know you can also scan QR codes directly from photos? This can be especially useful if you come across a QR code in a magazine, on a product, or even in a social media post. In this article, we’ll show you how to scan QR codes from photos on your smartphone or computer. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive right in and explore the world of QR code scanning from photos.

To begin, let’s talk about how to scan QR codes from photos on your iPhone or iPad. Apple has made it incredibly easy to scan QR codes from photos in iOS 15 and later. Simply open the Photos app and select the image containing the QR code. Tap the small square icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, and your iPhone will automatically scan the QR code. If the QR code contains a link or contact information, you’ll be prompted to take the appropriate action. For example, if the QR code contains a website URL, you’ll be asked if you want to visit the site. Scanning QR codes from photos on an iPhone is a breeze, thanks to Apple’s built-in QR code scanner.

Accessing and Editing Photos with the Photos App

The Photos app is the default image viewer and editor on Mac computers. It lets you view, organize, and edit your photos in one place.

To access the Photos app, open the Launchpad and click on the Photos icon. You can also open the Photos app by clicking on the Photos icon in the Dock.

Once the Photos app is open, you will see your photos arranged in a grid. You can zoom in and out of the grid by using the pinch gesture on your trackpad. You can also use the scroll bar at the bottom of the window to scroll through your photos.

To select a photo, click on it. To select multiple photos, click on the first photo, then hold down the Shift key and click on the last photo. You can also select multiple photos by clicking on them while holding down the Command key.

Once you have selected a photo, you can edit it by clicking on the Edit button in the toolbar. The Edit button is located in the top-right corner of the window.

The Edit window provides you with a variety of tools for editing your photos. You can crop, rotate, and resize your photos. You can also adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of your photos.

Utilizing Third-Party QR Code Scanning Applications

If your device’s native camera app doesn’t support QR code scanning, you can easily download and install a third-party QR code scanner app from the app store or Google Play.

These apps are typically free to download and use, and they offer a range of features and capabilities that can enhance your QR code scanning experience.

Here are some of the most popular third-party QR code scanner apps available:

App Name	Features
QR Code Reader	Scan QR codes from photos, URLs, and social media
Barcode Scanner	Scan QR codes and barcodes, create your own QR codes
QR & Barcode Scanner	Scan QR codes and barcodes, generate QR codes, share via social media

Once you’ve downloaded and installed a QR code scanner app, simply open the app and point your device’s camera at the QR code you want to scan. The app will automatically detect and decode the QR code, and will display the relevant information on your screen.

Third-party QR code scanner apps offer a number of advantages over using your device’s native camera app. These apps are typically more accurate and reliable, and they offer a wider range of features and capabilities. Additionally, many third-party QR code scanner apps are free to download and use, making them a great value for your money.

Employing Online QR Code Scanners

Online QR code scanners offer a convenient and accessible solution for extracting information from QR codes stored within your photo library. To utilize these scanners, follow these steps:

1. Identify Compatible Scanners:

Numerous reputable websites provide free online QR code scanners, including The QR Code Generator, Scanova, and QRStuff. Visit their official websites or access them through popular search engines.

2. Locate the Image File:

Navigate to the folder on your computer or device where the photo containing the QR code is located. Select the image file and ensure it is in a supported format such as JPG, PNG, or GIF.

3. Upload and Scan:

Most online QR code scanners feature a straightforward interface with options to either drag and drop the image file or select it from your device. Once uploaded, the scanner will automatically detect and decode the QR code, displaying the extracted information in a text format or redirecting you to the associated website. Additionally, some online scanners offer advanced features such as batch processing, allowing you to scan multiple QR codes from a single image. Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in using an online QR code scanner:

| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Locate the QR code image file on your device. |
| 2 | Visit the online QR code scanner website. |
| 3 | Upload the image file using the drag-and-drop or file selection option. |
| 4 | Allow the scanner to detect and decode the QR code. |
| 5 | View the extracted information or follow the associated link. |

Scanning QR Codes from Camera Roll

Unlock the convenience of scanning QR codes stored in your photos with these hassle-free methods. Say goodbye to tedious re-typing and embrace the seamless transfer of information right from your image gallery.

Using In-Built Features

Many modern smartphones come equipped with native QR scanning capabilities. To utilize this feature:

Open your camera app.
Point the camera at the QR code in your photo.
The camera will automatically detect and scan the code.

Third-Party Apps

If your phone doesn’t have an in-built QR scanner, rely on third-party apps. There are numerous user-friendly options available in app stores. To scan using a third-party app:

Download a QR scanner app from the app store.
Open the app and grant necessary permissions.
Select the photo containing the QR code from your gallery.

Online QR Code Scanners

Online platforms offer another alternative for scanning QR codes. These websites allow you to upload an image and scan the code without installing any software. Here’s how to use them:

Visit an online QR code scanner website.
Upload the photo containing the QR code.
The website will process the image and display the decoded information.

Advanced Features of Third-Party Apps

Third-party QR scanner apps often offer additional features that enhance the scanning experience. These include:

Batch Scanning: Scan multiple QR codes simultaneously, saving time.
History Management: Keep track of scanned codes for future reference.
Custom Actions: Assign specific actions to scanned codes, such as opening a website or sending an email.

Using Google Lens or Apple’s Visual Look Up Feature

Both Google Lens and Apple’s Visual Look Up feature allow you to scan QR codes from photos by using your smartphone’s camera.

Google Lens

For Android devices:

1. Open the Google Lens app or the Google Photos app.

2. Point your camera at the QR code in the photo.

3. Google Lens will automatically detect and scan the QR code.

For iOS devices:

1. Download the Google Lens app from the App Store.

2. Open the Google Lens app.

3. Tap the camera icon in the bottom left corner.

4. Point your camera at the QR code in the photo.

5. Google Lens will automatically detect and scan the QR code.

Apple’s Visual Look Up Feature

For iOS devices:

1. Open the Photos app.

2. Find the photo containing the QR code.

3. Tap and hold on the QR code until the Visual Look Up feature appears.

4. Tap on the “Copy” button to copy the QR code’s contents to your clipboard.

5. You can then paste the QR code’s contents into a QR code scanner or another app.

Google Lens	Apple’s Visual Look Up
Requires a separate app on iOS	Built-in feature on iOS
Can scan QR codes directly from photos	Requires copying the QR code before scanning
Available on Android and iOS	Only available on iOS

Scanning by Email or Web Browser

If you don’t have a QR code scanning app, you can use your email or a web browser to scan QR codes. Here’s how:

Method 1: Using Email

Open a new email message.
Attach the image containing the QR code to the email.
Compose and send the email to yourself.
Open the email on your mobile device.
Tap on the QR code image.
Your device will automatically scan the QR code and display the result.

Method 2: Using a Web Browser

Open a web browser on your mobile device.
Go to a QR code scanning website, such as QRCode.com.
Click on the “Choose File” button.
Select the image containing the QR code.
The website will automatically scan the QR code and display the result.

Method	Steps
Email	Attach QR code image to email. Send email to yourself. Open email and tap on QR code image. Scan result is displayed.
Web Browser	Visit QR code scanning website. Click “Choose File” and select QR code image. Website scans QR code and displays result.

Leveraging File Manager Applications on Android Devices

File manager apps for Android provide便捷的功能，使您能够直接从照片扫描 QR 码。以下几个步骤介绍了如何使用这些应用程序扫描 QR 码：

1. 安装文件管理器应用程序

从 Google Play 商店下载并安装文件管理器应用程序，例如 Files by Google、Solid Explorer 或 X-plore File Manager。

2. 访问照片库

打开文件管理器应用程序并导航到存储照片的文件夹，通常称为 “照片” 或 “相机”。

3. 长按 QR 码图像

找到包含 QR 码的图像并长按它，直到出现上下文菜单。

4. 选择 “扫描 QR 码”

从上下文菜单中选择 “扫描 QR 码” 选项。

5. 授予相机权限

文件管理器应用程序需要访问您的相机以扫描 QR 码。授予应用程序必要的权限。

6. 对准 QR 码

将相机对准 QR 码图像，确保整个 QR 码都位于取景框内。

7. 自动扫描

文件管理器应用程序将自动扫描 QR 码并显示扫描结果，通常是链接或文本信息。

8. 进一步操作（可选）

扫描 QR 码后，您还可以执行以下操作：

遵循链接：如果扫描结果是链接，则单击该链接以访问网站或应用程序。
复制文本：如果扫描结果是文本，则按住文本并选择 “复制” 以将其复制到剪贴板。
分享结果：通过单击共享按钮将扫描结果分享给其他人。
保存扫描历史记录：某些文件管理器应用程序允许您查看和管理已扫描 QR 码的记录。

扫描方法	适用设备
文件管理器应用程序	安卓设备

Utilizing the Google Assistant or Siri to Scan QR Codes

Scanning a QR code from a photo is incredibly convenient, enabling you to access information quickly and easily. Two popular ways to achieve this are through Google Assistant and Siri, both of which are voice assistant technologies that can perform a variety of tasks. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use these tools:

Google Assistant

1. Open your photo gallery or image viewer and select the photo containing the QR code.
2. Bring up Google Assistant by long-pressing the home button or saying “Hey Google.”
3. Tap the Google Lens icon (a camera with a white dot) located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
4. Point your camera at the QR code in the photo.
5. Google Assistant will automatically scan the QR code and display the results, such as a website URL or contact information.

Siri

1. Open your photo gallery or image viewer and select the photo containing the QR code.
2. Bring up Siri by holding down the side button on your iPhone or saying “Hey Siri.”
3. Tap the Photos icon located at the bottom right corner of the Siri interface.
4. Select the photo with the QR code.
5. Siri will scan the QR code and display the results, providing you with the necessary information or actions.

QR Code Scanning from Photos

Scanning QR codes from photos is a convenient way to access information quickly and easily. Here are some tips to ensure optimal results:

1. Ensure Good Lighting

Adequate lighting is crucial for successful QR code scanning. Ensure the photo is well-lit, with no glare or shadows obscuring the code.

2. Position the QR Code Centrally

Place the QR code in the center of the photo’s frame. This ensures that the scanner can easily detect and decode the code.

3. Focus on the QR Code

The QR code should be the primary focus of the photo. Avoid capturing any unnecessary background or distractions.

4. Use High-Resolution Images

A high-resolution image will contain more detail, making it easier for the scanner to decode the QR code. Use a camera with a high megapixel count.

5. Stabilize the Camera

Hold the camera steady or use a tripod to prevent blurry images that may affect the scanning process.

6. Avoid Distortions

Ensure the QR code is not distorted or warped in the photo. Any alterations can hinder the scanner’s ability to decode the code.

7. Zoom in if Necessary

If the QR code is small, zoom in to capture a closer image. However, avoid excessive zooming, as it may blur the code.

8. Adjust Brightness and Contrast

The brightness and contrast of the photo should be adjusted to enhance the QR code’s visibility. Use editing tools to improve the image quality.

9. Crop the Image

Crop the photo to remove any unnecessary elements surrounding the QR code. This helps the scanner focus solely on the code.

10. Use a Dedicated QR Code Scanner App

Dedicated QR code scanning apps are optimized for decoding codes from photos. They offer features such as auto-focusing and automatic scanning, making the process more efficient.

How to Scan QR Code from Photos

Nowadays, QR codes are used for many things. It is essential to know how to scan them. QR codes can be scanned from photos using a QR code reader app. Here are the steps on how to scan QR code from photos:

Open the QR code reader app on your phone.
Select the option to scan QR code from a photo, which can usually be found in the app by tapping on the icon of a photo or gallery.
Choose the photo that contains the QR code you want to scan. The app will automatically scan the QR code and display the information it contains.