QR Codes are everywhere these days and have a range of uses from buying a coffee to linking to a website. Doubtlessly you’ve seen those distinctive little black-and-white squares and wondered what they are. We give you the low down and explain what a QR Code is and how to scan a QR Code. Ready to dive in?
Table of contents
What is a QR Code
A QR Code – also known as a Quick Response code – is a checkered black-and-white square. Doubtlessly, you’ve seen them on the subway or perhaps in a magazine.
These squares are designed to pack loads of information in a small and easy-to-scan format. Invented in 1994, they did not gain widespread adoption until recently. Whilst quite different, they can be seen as the natural successor to the bar code.
QR Codes have a number of uses, including, but not limited to:
- Links to website URLs
- Advertising
- As a shortcut for long codes such as crypto keys
- The sharing of WIFI passwords
- Tracking, such as with COVID-19
- Shortcuts for hospitality including digital menus
- Ordering systems
QR Codes are super-easy to use and can be scanned using a modern smartphone with a camera – such as the OnePlus 8T.
This quick guide will take you through the simple process of reading a QR Code with your smartphone.
How to Scan a QR Code with an Android Phone
Android smartphones have QR Code support built-in since 2018 – so most modern phones should do the job.
Check that your phone is running Android 9 or newer. You can scan the QR Code using the camera application.
- Open the camera application on your smartphone
- Make sure you have the rear-facing camera selected
- Point the camera at the QR Code and try to center the QR code in the frame. Hold your phone steady and wait for a few seconds.
- Wait for a notification on the phone that the QR Code has been captured
- Tap the link in the notification, ensuring you are connected to the Internet
How to Scan a QR Code with an iPhone
QR Code support was introduced into IOS back in 2017. Every iPhone that runs iOS 11 or later can use the camera directly to read QR Codes.
- Open up the camera application
- Make sure the rear-mounted camera is selected and is in photo mode
- Point the camera at the QR Code and try to center the QR code in the frame. Hold your phone steady and wait for a few seconds.
- Wait for a notification on the phone that the QR Code has been captured
- Tap the link in the notification, ensuring you are connected to the Internet
Google Lens as an Alternative
Google Lens also offers support for scanning QR Codes. This is a great option if, for example, you are unable to use your camera application for any reason. Try Google Lens as an alternative option.
Using Google’s acclaimed image-recognition technology is easy, as it is integrated into the Google Assitant and Google Photos on your Android phone.
- Ensure you have Google Lens App installed by tapping the coloured lens icon in the Google Assitant
- Open the Google Lens application
- Select Search mode
- Point the camera at the QR Code and try to center the QR code in the frame. Hold your phone steady and wait for a few seconds.
- Tap the link in the notification, ensuring you are connected to the Internet
Using a Web Browser
It is also possible to read a QR code using a modern web browser. This might be necessary as the code is displayed, for example, on a webpage on your phone.
Using the Google Chrome browser simply follow these steps:
- Select the QR image by tapping and holding with your finger on the image
- Using the popup menu select Search With Google Lens
- Tap the link in the notification, ensuring you are connected to the Internet