How to Scan a QR Code from Photo Gallery
Learn to scan a QR code directly from your iPhone or Android’s photo gallery.
In this article, we’ll show you the step-by-step process on how to read QR code image from your gallery app without using multiple devices.
Table of Contents
- On iPhone (Gallery method)
- On Android (Gallery method)
- Third-party QR scanner apps to scan QR codes from a picture
- Common issues when scanning QR codes from image (and how to fix them)
- Tips for safe and smooth QR code scanning
- Why dynamic QR codes work best for scanning and sharing
- How to create your own QR code image you can store and scan from Photos
- FAQs
On iPhone (Gallery method)
You can use your iPhone’s built-in camera app to decode the data within a QR code image. iOS 11 and later versions surely have this built-in scanner feature.
Here’s how to scan a QR code from the Photo album on your iPhone:
- On your iPhone, open the Photos app.
- Select the QR code image from your gallery.
- Press the QR code image and hold for a few seconds, and a popup will appear.
- Tap the popup to open the link.
If this doesn’t work, you can try this alternative method to scan QR code from Photos app:
- Tap the scan button at the lower right of the image.
- Tap the QR image, and a popup will appear.
- You can open the link via Safari app, copy the link, or directly share it via other apps.
If you’re using an iPad, you can go to Apple support to learn more.
💡Did you know?
iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max users can use the camera control to instantly open Code Scanner.
On Android (Gallery method)
There are actually three ways to read a QR code stored in the image gallery on Android devices: through the device's built-in QR scanner on the camera app, Google Lens, and the native browser app's QR scanner.
Here’s how to scan a QR code from the Image gallery on Android:
Using the built-in QR scanner
The latest models of Android devices now come with a built-in QR scanner accessible through the camera app. This allows users to quickly scan QR codes stored in their galleries. Here's how to find it and use it for scanning:
- Open the Camera app.
- Locate the scanner icon, then tap it to launch.
- Tap the gallery icon beside the shutter button and select the QR code image you want to scan.
The scanner automatically reads the QR code and directs you to its content.
If you can't find the scanner on your camera, try this alternative technique to scan a QR code from image gallery:
- Go to your Device Controls shortcut. You can find this by scrolling down from the top of your screen or by scrolling up from the bottom.
- Find the QR scanner icon.
- Press the photo gallery icon, then choose the image of the QR code.
Using Google Lens
Google’s image-recognition technology makes QR code scanning from your photo gallery app easy on Android devices. You can access this feature through Google Lens.
Here’s how you can scan a QR code online from an image:
- Launch the Google Lens app or open your camera and tap the Google Lens icon.
- Tap the photo icon, and allow access to your photos.
- Choose the QR code photo from your gallery.
- A white popup containing the link will appear once the app detects the QR code.
- Tap it to visit the link; you can also copy its URL or share it.
Using a browser QR scanner
Some Android devices' native browser apps have a QR and barcode scanner. Here's how to read a QR code from an image online:
- Open the browser app.
- Tap the scanner icon on the search bar. It is often placed beside a microphone icon.
- Press the gallery option and select the QR code image you want to decode.
Third-party QR scanner apps to scan QR codes from a picture
Most Android and iOS devices today have built-in scanners that are accessible through their camera. But you have to check the camera settings and enable this feature first.
If your device doesn’t have one, don’t worry. There’s still a way for you to do this—a third-party QR code scanner app.
Plenty of code scanner apps exist on the Play Store and App Store, but finding the right one for your device can be challenging and confusing.
You must be keen on choosing the right scanner, as some might harm your device or endanger the data that comes with each scan.
To help you out, here are the top three apps that can scan QR codes or read barcodes from a picture that work great for both Android and iOS devices:
QR TIGER QR Code Generator | QR Scanner
QR TIGER is a free app available for Android and iOS devices. You can install it on your device from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
It’s highly rated for its user-friendly interface and fast scanning capabilities.
QR TIGER also shows your scan history, including links to QR codes you’ve already scanned, allowing you to revisit the scanned data anytime.
It also has a flash control that helps scan QR codes from pictures in low light.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the app to scan QR codes:
- Open the QR TIGER app.
- Tap the Scan button.
- Select the Gallery icon.
- Choose the QR code image you want to scan.
- A popup will appear that shows where the code will take you. Tap the Open Link to go to the website.
The best part of using the QR TIGER app is that you can generate a custom QR code for free on your smartphone. The mobile app offers free QR solutions, including text, URL, and Wi-Fi.
You can save your QR codes directly on your device and share them with your friends hassle-free.
The web-based software lets you extract the embedded link from a QR code image using a smartphone, desktop, tablet, or iPad. Here's how to read a QR code from an image online:
- Open the website on your browser.
- Under Step 1, click “upload an image to extract the URL”
- Select the QR code image on your device and upload.
- Highlight and copy the extracted QR code URL from the image.
QR code & Barcode scanner by TeaCapps
This user-friendly app is fast and easy to use, making it the perfect tool to get a QR code from an image quickly and efficiently.
To scan a barcode from a photo or a QR code from a gallery, open the app and point your camera at the QR code. Make sure to keep it at a sufficient distance, not too close or too far.
The app will automatically scan and display the result without taking photos or pressing any buttons.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky’s QR scanner is a safe and reliable app that lets users quickly and easily scan QR codes or barcodes from a picture while keeping their data safe.
What’s great about this is that it checks the URL detected in the code for potential security threats.
You will receive a warning, but you can still proceed to the link. This feature protects you from malicious links encoded in a QR code.
Common issues when scanning QR codes from image (and how to fix them)
Dirty lens
One common reason your scanner can’t read a QR code from a picture is that your camera lens needs a little cleaning. A dirty camera lens with smudges, fingerprints, or dust hinders its ability to read the code.
How to fix it: Grab a microfiber cloth or any cleaning cloth. Use it to wipe off the dirt and try to scan the code with your camera.
Blurry or low image resolution
A poorly printed or poorly captured QR code results in low image resolution. Low photo quality affects the scannability of the QR code picture.
How to fix it: Capture the QR code again with a really good focus to sharpen the image quality.
Color contrast or inverted colors
The QR code may have an incompatible color combination. A QR code with inverted colors or incorrect contrast is hard to scan. Even over-customization may also affect its scannability.
How to fix it: When adding colors to a QR code, avoid combining light colors on a light background or dark colors on a dark background. To fix this, use a high-contrast color combination (e.g., a light background with a dark foreground).
Congested pattern
For static QR codes, the bigger the stored data, the more congested the pattern. A QR code with a congested or highly dense pattern is hard to read, as the modules are densely packed.
How to fix it: Reduce the data or use dynamic QR codes. They store big data without making the pattern congested or dense.
Damage or distortion
If the QR code is scratched, bent, torn, or smudged, your phone’s camera might not read it correctly. Environmental forces can cause physical damage to the image, print, or material of the QR code.
How to fix it: Try scanning a clearer version of the QR code picture or, if possible, ask for the code again.
Wrong size or distance
You might be scanning the QR code photo too close or too far. Without the right distance, the scanner can hardly focus.
How to fix it: Hold your phone at an appropriate distance to allow your camera to focus and read the QR code.
Incorrect placement
If part of the QR code is cut off in the photo, it won’t scan. Or, it might be that the QR code has a transparent background and overlaps with texts or other design elements.
How to fix it: When you take the picture, ensure the entire square is inside the frame.
Sizing
A QR code that’s too tiny in an image will be hard to detect. Don’t zoom in or out too much, which may result in pixelation. Your phone may not pick up the details and won’t be able to process them.
How to fix it: Balance is key. Adjust the photo to make it sharp, clear, and fully visible in the frame.
Lighting issues
Bad lighting can interfere with scanning. Glare, shadows, or dim light can block the camera from recognizing the code.
How to fix it: Adjust the brightness on your phone or move to better lighting before trying again.
Outdated system
Sometimes the problem isn’t the QR code but the device. If your phone’s camera app or operating system is outdated, it may not support QR scanning.
How to fix it: Updating your software or using a dedicated QR scanner app can solve the issue.
Tips for safe and smooth QR code scanning
QR codes make life easier, but they can also be misused. To keep your information safe and avoid scanning issues, here are a few simple habits to practice before pointing your camera at a code:
Take a little closer look at the QR code
Before you point the camera at the code, check for any tampering. If it looks tampered with, poorly printed, or pasted over another code, think twice before scanning. It might be a fraudulent QR code trying to cover the legitimate one.
Check the link first
Many scanners show the URL before opening it. If the address looks suspicious or doesn’t match the brand, don’t tap.
Know where it came from
Read the room. Is the QR code placed in the right context and timing? Or is it put there randomly? Only scan codes from trusted sources, such as official websites, verified businesses, or reliable contacts.
Keep your device updated
Software updates often fix security gaps that scammers might exploit. To keep your device safe from threats and malicious activities, update your device’s operating system for enhanced security.
Add a layer of protection
Using a reputable antivirus app helps block harmful links that may sneak in through a QR code. Use the app to scan threats or security issues and run fixes.
Stay aware
Fraudsters are getting more creative and techy. Keep up with common tricks so you know what to watch out for, especially when scanning QR codes.
Use a secure QR scanner app
Don’t just choose the smart one; choose one that’s safe and secure. Use a QR code reader that previews links first and complies with the highest privacy and security standards.
Why dynamic QR codes work best for scanning and sharing
Cleaner code pattern that’s easy to read
Dynamic QR codes can handle big data while maintaining their scannability.
They don’t hold all the data inside the pattern, so the code looks cleaner. This makes them easier to read.
A cleaner code means your phone’s camera can pick it up quickly and clearly, whether you scan a QR code from a picture up close, from a few steps back, or even at a slightly awkward angle.
Edit QR code content anytime for easy updates
The edit feature allows users to update and edit the current embedded data in a QR code. It is helpful because users no longer have to generate a QR code again whenever they want to replace the embedded information.
It’s time-saving and, at the same time, convenient.
Here's more: With QR TIGER, you can edit more than just the QR code content.
The platform has added a new feature: Edit QR code design.
Now, you can modify your existing QR code template or QR code design even after you generate it. You can do this on your account dashboard.
Select the dynamic QR and click Settings. Then click Edit QR design. Once changes are made, click the Save button.
Track scans and monitor performance
Track your QR code’s effectiveness. You can track the number of scans on your QR code, the time and date of scanning, the location of scanners, and the devices used to scan the code.
You will identify your target market and its demographics through the comprehensive scan data.
Protect your QR code content with a password
The password protection features add another layer of security to your QR code data, making it perfect for sharing confidential files.
When users scan the code, they must be able to key in the correct password before opening the embedded information. A password-protected QR code will help you ensure that only intended individuals can access your data.
Set QR code expiry for limited access
The expiry feature allows you to limit the time it takes to access your QR code. You can set an expiry time or date so that your QR code becomes inaccessible after some time. You can also set a maximum number of scans to regulate its accessibility.
Use GPS tracking for location-based QR code scans
The GPS feature works in two ways: precise location tracking and geo-fencing.
You can access the exact location of your scanners and set up the parameters for the scannability of your QR code.
Those outside the parameter range of the area you set cannot scan the QR code, ensuring that only specified groups can access your data.
How to create your own QR code image you can store and scan from Photos
To create your QR code image, simply follow these steps:
- Go to the QR TIGER homepage and choose a QR code solution.
- Enter your data, then click Generate QR code.
- Customize your QR code’s appearance, add a logo or image, and use a frame with a call to action.
- Run a test scan using your smartphone to check for issues or errors.
- Download your QR code in PNG format.
If you want to create a QR code that looks professional and high-quality and can be saved in your phone’s gallery, you can use QR TIGER.
It is a trusted QR code software by over 850,000 brands worldwide. It offers 20 QR code solutions and various customization features to produce appealing QR codes.
Other than that, it secures the safety of your data, proven by its IS0-27001 certification and GDPR compliance—following strict international rules on data protection.
For beginner users of QR codes, you have nothing to worry about because QR TIGER’s user-friendly interface will allow you to navigate the site swiftly.
The platform offers two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. The dynamic QR code is a more advanced two-dimensional barcode than the static one. It allows editing, tracking, password protection, expiry, and GPS tracking.
This software offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of QR code solutions for different data types. It also has customization tools for designing your QR code.
What’s great about this generator is its high-definition QR codes. With its PNG format, you can guarantee image quality when you save it on your device.
FAQs
Can I scan a QR code from a photo?
Yes, you can definitely scan any QR code from a picture. You can use QR scanner apps to scan any QR code image. Scanner apps are built to read or decode QR code screenshots or QR code photos.
How do I open a QR code from an image on my iPhone?
To scan a QR code from an image on your iPhone, open the image in the Photos app. Tap the icon and then tap the QR code to access the link.
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Open the image in your gallery app to scan a screenshot QR code. Then, tap the share icon and select a QR code scanner, or use Google Lens to detect and read the code.
Can you turn an image into a QR code?
To turn a picture into a QR code, use a QR code generator online. This will convert any photo or image file into a scannable code, which allows users to view or download the image instantly when scanned.
