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How to Scan QR Codes from a Picture: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2024
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QR codes are everywhere—from product packaging to event tickets. They’re handy for quickly accessing websites, contact information, and more. But what if you have a QR code in a picture and need to scan it? No worries! This guide will walk you through how to scan QR codes from a picture on both iPhone and Android devices. We’ll also cover scanning from screenshots and share tips for a smooth experience.

Understanding QR Codes and Their Functionality

Before diving into how to scan QR codes from pictures, let’s review what QR codes are and how they work.

  • What is a QR Code?
    A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that stores information. You scan it with your phone's camera to quickly access data, like URLs or contact details.
  • How QR Codes Work
    QR codes encode data in a square pattern of black and white squares. When you scan it with your phone, the QR code reader decodes the pattern and presents the stored information.
  • Common Uses for QR Codes
    QR codes are used for various purposes, such as linking to websites, saving contact information, or accessing promotional offers.

How to Scan a QR Code from a Picture on iPhone

Scanning QR codes from pictures on an iPhone is straightforward. Here’s how:

- Using the Built-in Camera App

  1. Open the Photos app and find the picture with the QR code.
  2. Take a screenshot of the picture with the QR code if needed.
  3. Open the Camera app and focus on the screenshot or picture with the QR code.
  4. The Camera app should recognize the QR code and display a notification with the link or information.

qr code camera

- Using the Photos App

  1. Open the Photos app and select the picture with the QR code.
  2. Tap the share icon and select “Copy Link” if the QR code contains a URL, or use an external QR code scanning app for better results.

- Using Third-Party Apps

  1. Download a QR code scanner app from the App Store, such as QR Code Reader or Scanner Pro.
  2. Open the app and select the option to scan from a photo or gallery.
  3. Choose the picture with the QR code, and the app will scan and decode it.

How to Scan a QR Code from a Picture on Android

Android users can follow these steps to scan QR codes from pictures:

- Using Google Lens

  1. Open the Google Photos app and find the picture with the QR code.
  2. Tap on the Google Lens icon.
  3. Google Lens will analyze the picture and display the QR code's information or link.

scan qr code android

- Using Gallery Apps

  1. Open the Gallery app and select the picture with the QR code.
  2. Use the built-in QR code scanning feature if available, or download a QR code scanner app for enhanced functionality.

- Using QR Code Scanner Apps

  1. Download a QR code scanner app from the Google Play Store, like QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner.
  2. Open the app and select the option to scan from an image or gallery.
  3. Choose the picture with the QR code, and the app will decode the QR code’s information.

How to Scan QR Code from Screenshot

If you have a QR code in a screenshot, here’s how to scan it:

- Scanning QR Codes from iPhone Screenshots

  1. Open the Photos app and locate the screenshot with the QR code.
  2. Use the Camera app to focus on the screenshot if it’s not too blurry.
  3. Alternatively, use a QR code scanning app to scan directly from the screenshot.

Scan QR Code image

- Scanning QR Codes from Android Screenshots

  1. Open the Google Photos app or Gallery and find the screenshot with the QR code.
  2. Tap on Google Lens or use a QR code scanning app to decode the QR code from the screenshot.

how to scan qr code screenshot android

Additional Tools and Apps

For better results and additional features, consider these tools and apps:

- QR Code Scanner Apps

Recommended Apps: QR Code Reader, Scanner Pro

Features: Enhanced scanning capabilities, history tracking, and more.

- Online QR Code Scanners

How to Use Them: Upload the image with the QR code to online tools like QR Code Scanner.

Scanning QR codes from pictures is a simple and effective way to access information quickly. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, follow these steps to ensure a smooth scanning experience. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily decode QR codes from photos, screenshots, and more. Happy scanning!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are hesitating, do not worry - we are here to explain everything you might want to know. Let us help!

  • A digital business card, also known as an electronic business card or virtual business card, is a way to share and save contact information in real-time quickly. Beyond contact information they can be customized with different designs and interactive elements

  • You may include your contact information, as well as links to your social networks and communication channels, personalized links and buttons, and video content. You may also edit the colors of your card and add an avatar and a cover.

  • KADO includes a free tier version where you will be able to create your digital business card top to bottom, including links to socials, buttons and video content! Only color designs are part of the paying tiers.

  • Every KADO digital business card has a QR code attached to it, which you can find on your app, under the exchange screen; or under the web app profile.

  • There are many digital business card providers out there, but KADO offers many benefits:

    • KADO allows to integrate videos and personalized buttons and links, even under the free tier
    • KADO offers many integrations, even native, such as HubSpot, Salesforce and Dynamics
    • We allow to fully design your digital business cards, adding all your preferred colors and company logo
    • KADO is ready for enterprises with complex organizational structures.

  • All data is encrypted and firewalled in AWS with no public IP address, and we offer role based, access control within your firm. Plus we are SOC2 ceritfied and GDPR compliant.

  • Yes, KADO is designed for enterprises with multiple offices and teams. Contacts, notes and other information are easily shared or restricted across the organization. Finally, KADO has a beautiful admin UI for managing all aspects of the account.

  • Currently, NFC digital business cards are not publicly listed on the web, but you may request them on demand.

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