QR Code Scanner: How to Scan QR Codes with Your Device

A QR code scanner is an app that allows users to access the information embedded within QR codes.

Most devices today may already have built-in QR scanners, but a QR scanner app is a better choice as it has additional functions and other advanced features.

Scanner apps and software would be handy today since many industries, like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, have adopted QR codes in their services.

Scan your QR codes using the most advanced QR code generator software in the market. Want to know how to use a QR scanner? Read the article below to learn more.

How to scan QR codes with your smartphone

Android

Both iOS and Android can use the Google Search Lens as a code scanner option. However, there are other more specific ways to scan a QR code per device.

Android devices running on versions 8 or later now have a built-in QR code reader in their cameras. No need to install any third-party software. Here’s how to use it:

• Launch your camera app.
• For two to three seconds, point it at the QR code.
• Your screen will then show a link. Tap it to view its content.

Don’t worry if your Android does not have this feature. Most Android devices also come with a pre-installed QR code reader app. Look for it on your device’s camera setting and just enable the feature.

You can also download a QR code reader online if the feature does not exist on your device.

iOS

You can scan QR codes on iPhone devices running on iOS 11 or later versions. The built-in camera app supports scanning and reading QR codes right out of the box.

• Open your camera.
• Hover your phone over the QR code.
• A yellow bubble containing the link will appear on your screen.
• Tap the bubble to find the embedded content.

You might have to download a third-party scanner for earlier versions, too.

Top 5 popular QR code scanner online and app you can use

It’s inconvenient when your device cannot read QR codes, especially when you’re more likely to encounter or use them regularly.

Luckily, there are apps you can install so you can use your smartphone to scan QR codes. Here are the top three scanner apps:

QR TIGER

The QR TIGER app is one of the most user-friendly and arguably the best for scanning QR codes. You can download it for free on Play Store and App Store.

Some scanner apps limit the times you can scan a QR code. Once exceeded, these will redirect you to an Error 404 page.

You won’t have to worry about this with QR TIGER. It doesn’t set any limits, so you can scan QR codes as often as possible.

This QR code reader online is also a code generator at the same time. It’s packed with advanced QR code solutions, including an SMS QR code with a logo that you can create for free.

With the app, you can do the following:

• Create basic QR codes for free.
• Customize your QR code’s design.
• Add logos or icons to your QR code.
• Generate high-quality QR code images.

These QR codes are permanent; there’s no limit to the number of times people can scan them.

Aside from being a scanner, QR TIGER is also a QR code maker which allows you to create different QR code solutions, such as URL, WiFi, vCard, and QR code for an image.

Kaspersky 

The Kaspersky scanner protects you from dangerous websites with unsafe QR code data links that may contain viruses or malware.

But here’s the catch: The app scans slower than others. You may think it’s due to bugs and errors, but there’s a better explanation.

Kaspersky scanner is slow because it takes time to look at the information in the code to guarantee that its landing page is safe for you to visit.

Therefore, this QR scanner online is suitable for users who value their security. It’s also great to use if you are not in a rush.

QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play

Gamma Play’s Scanner is another excellent scanner that can quickly do the job. It can decode a QR Code as soon as it finds it.

This Gamma Play app quickly reads QR codes and records all the times it has done so. It lets people scan the barcodes on products and compare prices online.

After each scan, the app suggests actions, like going to a URL, saving contact information, or calling a phone number.

QR Droid and QR Droid Private

QR Droid Private scanner, technically, has more advanced features than QR Droid but still provides the core function of scanning a QR code. 

Its sort and group function lets you organize your scan history—should you wish to revisit these sites again. 

When scanning, it gives a preview link first, giving you the option to proceed or not—protecting you from potential malware attacks. However, this scanner is only available on Androids.

QuickMark Scanner

QuickMark barcode scanner app supports multiple formats apart from QR code—Data Matrix, Code 128, etc.

This free QR code reader also allows scanning a QR code saved on your device, but this QR code is only available on iOS devices.

Why you should use the QR TIGER scanner

Here’s why it’s the best QR scanner and generator in the market:

Two-in-one

QR TIGER can do more than scan QR codes. The app lets you generate basic QR code types and customize them right on your smartphone screen.

Easy to use

No one likes using complicated apps that take you forever to figure out.

The QR TIGER app is straightforward. Its home screen shows buttons for scanning and for creating basic QR codes. One tap is all it takes to access them.

ISO 27001 certified

Did you know that the QR TIGER scanner app and QR code generator are ISO 27001 certified?

The ISO 27001 standard ensures that apps, websites, and businesses protect their users’ privacy.

You can guarantee that your sensitive information, employee data, and customer information are 100% safe from leakage and security threats with QR TIGER.

Faster scans

The primary function of your phone’s camera is to take photos. Scanning QR codes is merely a bonus or add-on feature. Scanner apps are more suited for doing the job.

QR TIGER prioritizes color balancing, dynamic range, and other factors to speed up the scanning process, significantly impacting the overall experience.

How to use the QR TIGER QR code generator scanner app

QR TIGER is a free app that is available for both Android and iPhone. This is the best QR code reader and generator app available.

If it’s your first time using the app, allow it to access your location and gallery to continue using.

The app allows you to upload a QR code image from your device’s gallery, which is helpful if the QR code is on your screen rather than on a physical surface.

It also displays your scan history, including links to previously scanned QR codes. And it comes with a flash control which is handy for scanning QR codes in dark areas.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to scan QR codes with the app:

• Open the QR TIGER app.
• Tap Scan.
• Point your camera at the QR code.
• You will then find a page that shows the code’s destination—tap Open Link to access it.

What makes a good QR code reader found online? 

With so many QR code readers available, you may wonder what distinguishes one from the other. 

What are the factors considered to be the best QR code reader? Here are a few things you should consider when looking for one: 

No ads

It’s common for free apps to find other ways to make money, and most of the time, they choose to run ads onscreen.

One might seem fine, but if one pops up now and then and you can’t skip or close it, it will slow you down and make it harder to scan QR codes.

Stable

A scanner app must be stable to be functional. If it keeps crashing or stopping, it won’t live up to its name and put people in a dilemma.

To avoid QR code scanning problems, go for scanners that work. Check whether a scanner app has good ratings and feedback from users.

Updated regularly

A QR code scanning app may only do little, but it still needs regular updates to fix bugs and errors or to speed up its process.

QR codes are also changing; they now come in different colors, and sometimes, they already have logos or icons in the middle. Older scanners may be unable to read them.

Free basics

Only pay for something worth paying. While people usually pay for advanced features, basic services should be free.

The free basic features serve as your trial, providing you with the feel and experience of the app so you can properly decide whether the scanner suits your needs.

User-friendly interface

Using the app to scan QR codes should be easy-peasy. It would be inconvenient on the users’ end if it’s complicated to use.

There should be a reasonable number of buttons, toggles, and options to make it a breeze to navigate through the app,

All-in-one

The more features a scanner has, the better the overall user experience. To better read QR codes, it may include built-in flash controls.

A camera’s flash may affect the readability of QR codes, especially those printed on shiny surfaces.

Turning it off in the scanner app can help avoid this problem.

And if you’re the type of person who needs to make QR codes and scan them, a scanner that doubles as a generator is a great time saver.

How to scan QR codes with your computer

To scan a QR code on laptop, you can use both Android and iOS devices and just point into the QR code on the screen.

But did you know that with Windows 11, you can scan QR codes using your laptop’s camera? 

With the new Windows 11 update, your PC’s native camera can now scan a QR code with its added Barcode icon feature.

To scan a QR code, you just need to put it in front of the camera and wait a few seconds.

It will then show the result of the scan.

Unfortunately, for Mac users, you will need a third-party tool to scan QR codes online. 

You can try this alternative: save the QR code as an image and scan it using a third-party online tool.

Make sure you use a reliable and secure QR code scanner online like QR TIGER. Here’s how to use it to scan QR code images from your PC:

• Go to the QR TIGER homepage
• Click Upload QR code image to extract the URL
• Select the QR code image that you want to scan
• Once your URL appears on the empty field, copy and paste it into your browser

Our developers are improving this to improve the customer experience.

You may encounter errors when using this, but rest assured that it will be for the better use of the feature.

Scan QR codes easily using QR TIGER scanner

Having a reliable QR code scanner in your smartphone makes it easier to deal with QR codes used in daily transactions.

And with the QR TIGER scanner app, you can be confident that it is well-designed, well-organized, and secure.

It operates with maximum security, just like its online code generator platform, which caters to and provides various QR code features and solutions for all your QR code needs.

Its additional features keep your previous scans allowing you to revisit them anytime, even without scanning the actual QR code. 

Find out more about QR codes and how to make them. Go to the best QR code generator now.

FAQs

How do you scan a QR code?

Scanning a QR code has three methods: using your camera, Google Lens, or a third-party scanner. Simply launch any of these 3 and hover on the QR code. It should decode the embedded data in seconds.

Can I scan a QR code without an app?

Of course! If you’re using Androids 8 and above or iOS 11 and above, your camera device can serve as a QR code scanner.