How to Scan a QR Code on Android: The Ultimate Guide

How often have you searched for “How to scan a QR Code on Android” because there are too many ways to do it, and you don’t know which one you should follow? 😅

Android is an open-source mobile operating system developed by tech giant Google. Android phones are mobile devices that run on this operating system (OS). The OS versions have grown from Android 1.0 (2008) to 16 (present, 2024). 

Android 9.0 and above versions offer native QR Code scanning support. For Android 8.0 and below, you’ll need to depend on third-party apps. Additionally, different devices, such as Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus, offer different options for QR Code scanning. 

This article shares the complete ways to scan a QR Code on any Android device. 

How to scan a QR Code on Android: a step-by-step process

There are six main ways you can scan a QR Code on your Android phone. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app (for Android 9 and above)

Most Android operating systems offer native QR Code scanning through their camera app. In some cases, the scanning happens through Google Lens. 

To scan a QR Code on Android through the native camera app, you can follow the below steps: 

1. Open the camera app.
2. Point your camera at a QR Code.
3. Either a notification with further options or the information will open directly.

Method 2: Using Google apps: Photos, Google, Chrome, and Lens (for Android versions 9 and above)

Google Photos is Google’s online photo and video storage app. This is an especially great tool to scan QR Codes from an image or your photo gallery. 

Scan a QR Code using the Google Photos app: 

1. Launch the Google Photos app. 
2. Choose the photo with the QR Code you want to scan.  
3. Click the Google Lens icon at the bottom to scan the image.

The Google and Chrome app offers a simple way to access Google Lens and scan a QR Code. 

Scan a QR Code using the Google app:

1. Launch the Google app. 
2. Use Google Lens by tapping the image icon on the right side of the search bar. 
3. Point your camera at a QR Code or choose a photo with a QR Code from your gallery. 

Scan a QR Code using the Google Chrome app:

1. Launch the Google Chrome app. The following steps are the same as above. 
2. Tap on the image icon on the right side of the search bar. 
3. Point your camera at a QR Code or choose an image with a QR Code from your gallery. 

Method 3: Using Google Lens

Google Lens is an image recognition technology that opens up relevant information about whatever you point the camera at. You can integrate Google Lens with other Google apps, such as Camera, Photos, Chrome, and Screen Search. 

You can scan a QR Code directly with the Google Lens app using the following process: 

1. Download the Google Lens app from the Play Store if you don’t have it already. 
2. Launch the Google Lens app and point it at the QR Code you want to scan. 
3. Click on the pop-up to access the desired content. 

Method 4: Using a third-party apps (for any Android version and device)

If your Android device doesn’t offer native scanning or needs dedicated QR Code scanners, you can opt for third-party apps. Some of the most popular ones on the Android store are: 

1. QR Code Reader: The Trend Micro™ QR Scanner prioritizes security and has a 4.7 rating. 
2. The QR Code Generator: Create, save, share, and manage QR Codes with this tool. The Scan page will let you scan and read QR Codes for free.
3. QR & Barcode Scanner: You can scan and sync your QR Codes across all devices via iCloud with TeaCapps’s QR Code & Barcode Scanner. 
4. Kapersky QR Scanner: Apart from scanning QR Codes, it also protects you from phishing and other scams. 
5. QR Scanner: This app by Simple Design can help you scan small QR Codes and use flashlight to scan QR Codes in the dark. 

Method 5: Using third-party browsers (for any Android version and device)

Some third-party browsers come with a built-in QR Code scanner. They are: 

1. Firefox: To use it, launch the app, tap the search bar, and select the scan icon. 
2. Samsung Internet: To enable the internet, you need to first launch the app, tap the three lines, go to Settings, choose Useful Features, and enable the QR Code reader. To use the feature, you can open the app, and select the QR Code icon in the search bar. 
3. UC Browser: To scan, open the app and scan the QR Code from the browser. 
4. Opera Mini: You can only use this to scan QR Codes that contain URLs. 

Method 6: Using Now Tap (for Android version 6)

If you’re using Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you can use the “Now on Tap” feature to read QR Codes directly. 

Here are the steps you can follow to use this feature: 

Step 1: Install and open the ‘Now on Tap’ Google App. 

Step 2: Head to your phone settings, locate the Now on Tap option in the Google App settings, and enable it. 

Step 3: Open the Google App, point your phone camera at the QR Code, and press and hold the home button to scan and search. 

Answering all your questions on scanning a QR Code on Android

Why scan QR Codes?

A QR Code is a modern technology that helps bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. It is an evolution of the erstwhile barcode technology. QR Codes contain more data, have better error-correction abilities, and can read data horizontally and vertically. QR Codes found a massive user base during the COVID-19 crisis. Today, you can access any information with QR Codes: Wi-Fi, payment gateways, restaurant menus, phone numbers, apps, PDF or documents, social media profiles, and more. 

Which devices use Android?

Android is the operating system for various devices, including Samsung, Sony, Google, and OnePlus. 

What Android models support scanning a QR Code?

Android devices 8 and below don’t have native QR Code scanning abilities. You’ll get this once you upgrade to Android 9 and above.

How to enable QR Code scanning on an Android

Irrespective of which Android version you’re using, you can check if QR Code scanning is an option on it. 

Follow these steps to check if your Android version offers QR Code scanning (and enable it, if not): 

Step 1: Open your phone camera and point it at a QR Code you want to scan.

Step 2: If your Android phone offers QR Code scanning, you’ll find a notification. 

Step 3: In case you don’t find any action, head on to your Settings app and enable the QR Code scanning option. 

Step 4: In case you don’t find the option, your phone version won’t be able to scan QR Codes natively. In this case, you can use third-party apps to scan QR Codes. 

How to scan a QR Code on Android (based on OS versions) 

Are you more well-versed with your Android device version than brand? In that case, here is a rundown on the different Android versions and scanning methods for each of them: 

How to scan a QR Code on Android (based on Android devices)

Some of these scanning methods change with different devices. Here’s how the QR Code scanning method looks for different Android devices: 

Here are the detailed steps for scanning QR Codes on some of these popular Android devices: 

How to scan a QR Code on Samsung devices

Based on the version you’re using, there are different ways you can scan QR Codes on Samsung devices. 

Method 1: Using Bixby Vision

Samsung has an equivalent of Google Lens: Bixby Vision. It’s available on Samsung Galaxy devices and OS versions Android 9 (Pie) and above. Some devices with Android 8 (Oreo) and 7 (Nougat) have limited Bixby features. 

To use Bixby Vision, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Open the Bixby Vision app. 

Step 2: If you’re a first-time user, enable the requires permissions. 

Step 3: Enable Bixby Vision to allow it to take pictures. 

Step 4: Point your camera at a QR Code and click ‘Go’ to view the QR Code content. 

Method 2: Using Samsung Internet

In case your phone doesn’t support Bixby Vision, you can use Samsung Internet to scan QR Codes. It usually comes pre-installed. If it doesn’t, you can download it from the Google Play app. 

Here’s how you scan a QR Code using Samsung Internet:

Step 1: Open the (Samsung) Internet Beta app. 

Step 2: Tap on the three lines at the bottom right of your screen. 

Step 3: Head on to your Settings app. 

Step 4: Select ‘Useful Features’. 

Step 5: Toggle the ‘QR code reader’ button to enable it. 

Step 6: Return to the home search page; choose the QR Code button on the top right corner. 

Step 7: Enable permission to take photos. 

Step 8: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan. 

Method 3: Using the native camera app

You can use Samsung’s native camera app to scan a QR Code as well. 

Here are the steps: 

Step 1: Swipe down, select ‘Quick Settings’, and then QR Code scanner. 

Step 2: Click ‘OK’ to launch the camera and scan the QR Code.

Step 3: If the scan is not going through, you’ll need to enable it from the Settings icon on the top left corner. 

Step 4: From the Settings, select ‘Scan QR codes’. 

Method 4: Using the Gallery app

Have a QR Code in your Samsung gallery? You can scan it using Bixby Vision. 

Follow these steps to use this feature: 

Step 1: If you haven’t already, take a screenshot of the QR Code. 

Step 2: Locate the image in the gallery. 

Step 3: Go to the top right corner and click the Bixby icon. 

Step 4: The link will appear in a pop-up. 

How to scan a QR Code on Google Pixel devices

To scan QR Codes on your Google device, your native camera should be enough. Google Lens is already available for all Google and device apps, such as Photos, Camera, Chrome browser, and Google app. 

To scan a QR Code on Google Pixels devices, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Open the camera app and point it at a QR Code. 

Step 2: A pop-up will open with the associated link. 

Step 3: Click the link to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Motorola devices

Motorola devices have Google Lens built into their native camera and ‘Photos’ app. 

You can scan a QR Code on your Motorola device with these steps: 

Step 1: Turn on Google Lens from your camera settings, unless already done. 

Step 2: Once enabled, you can point your camera at a QR Code and scan it automatically. 

How to scan a QR Code on OnePlus devices

OnePlus’s native camera can scan QR Codes automatically. To scan a QR Code, simply point your camera at it and scan. 

An alternative way to scan QR Codes on OnePlus devices is to enable and use Google Lens. 

How to scan a QR Code on Nothing devices

You can use both the Camera app and Google Lens to scan QR Codes on Nothing devices. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app

Step 1: Open the camera and point it at the QR Code.

Step 2: Tap on the notification to open the URL and view the information. 

Method 2: Using Google Lens

Step 1: Open the camera app and point it at the QR Code. 

Step 2: Locate the Google Lens option and tap on it. 

Step 3: Scan the QR Code to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Sony devices

Sony devices have QR Code scanning abilities in the native camera app for Android versions 9 and above. Alternatively, you can use the Google Lens embedded with the gallery or the photos app. 

How to scan a QR Code on Redmi/Xiaomi devices

The camera app is the easiest way to scan a QR Code on Redmi or Xiaomi devices. Open the camera, point it at a QR Code, scan it, and view the desired information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Huawei devices

Huawei devices offer you three options to help you scan QR Codes. You can use the camera app, gallery app, and lock screen to scan QR Codes automatically. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app

Some Huawei phone models allow you to scan QR Codes from your native camera app. 

Here are the steps on how you can do it: 

Step 1: Open your camera and point it at a QR Code. 

Step 2: If scanning is enabled, you’ll get a pop-up to view the information. 

Step 3: If no action happens, go to your Settings app and enable QR Code scanning. 

Step 4: If you don’t find the option in the settings, your device won’t be able to scan QR Codes automatically

Method 2: Using the lock screen

Huawei also offers the ability to scan QR Codes from the lock screen. 

You can follow these steps: 

Step 1: Swipe the function bar up.

Step 2: Tap on the Huawei Vision icon. 

Step 3: Scan the QR Code with your camera. 

Method 3: Use the Gallery app

The Gallery app also gives you the option to scan QR Codes. 

Here are the steps to do it: 

Step 1: Take a screenshot of the QR Code image or download it on your phone. 

Step 2: Open the Gallery app and press the image to open the bottom menu. 

Step 3: Select ‘More’ and choose the ‘Scan QR code in image’ option. 

Step 4: Click the pop-up to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on HTC devices

The camera is the easiest way to scan a QR Code on HTC devices. 

Here are the steps: 

Step 1: Tap the Settings icon to ensure ‘QR Code recognition’ is on. 

Step 2: Return to the Home screen and tap the Camera icon to open the app. 

Step 3: You need to change the capture mode. Click ‘More’ and choose the ‘QR Code’ option. 

Step 4: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 5: You’ll find the information at the bottom of the screen. Tap it to access the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on LG devices

LG devices offer QR Code scanning abilities through their QLens feature. 

Here are the steps to use QLens to scan a QR Code. 

Step 1: Launch the Camera app and tap on QLens.

Step 2: Choose the ‘Scan QR code’ option. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Access the desired information from the pop-up. 

You can use Google Lens to scan a QR Code. You can access it either through the Google Lens app or through the Assistant function. 

How to scan a QR Code on Asus devices

You can scan a QR Code on Asus devices in two ways: the Camera app and the Quick Settings app. 

Method 1: Using the camera app

Step 1: Launch the Camera app. 

Step 2: Point it at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 3: Tap the notification to view the required information. 

Method 2: Using the Quick Settings

Step 1: Swipe down to access Quick Settings from the top of your screen. 

Step 2: Tap Scan QR Codes

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Tap the screen to view the desired information. 

You can view various kinds of information from the QR Codes, such as website, vCard, text, phone, SMS, email, calendar, Wi-Fi, and location. 

How to scan a QR Code on Vivo devices

Vivo devices let you scan QR Codes in three ways: through the camera, Google, and the Quick Panel. 

Method 1: Using the camera

Step 1: Launch the Camera app from the home screen. 

Step 2: Click the Google Lens icon. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll need to allow it to access the camera. Choose the Open Camera option. Select the access option that works for you. 

Step 3: You’ll return to the home screen. Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: A notification will pop up with an action option. Click the notification to view the information. 

Method 2: Using Google

Step 1: Launch the Google Lens app. You can access it from your app list or from the Google search engine widget on your home screen. Other places from where you can access the Google Lens is from the Chrome browser app or the Google app.  

Step 2: Press the camera icon from any of these apps to start the Google Lens app. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Once a notification comes, click to view the information. 

Method 3: Using the quick panel

Step 1: Swipe down your phone to display the quick panel. Slide down once more to reveal the full panel. 

Step 2: Tap the option ‘Scan QR Code’ to launch the feature. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code to scan. 

Step 4: Click the pop-up to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Nokia devices

Nokia devices allow QR Code scanning in two different ways. Below are the steps for each. 

Method 1: Using the native camera app

Step 1: Open the camera app, point it at the QR Code, and scan. 

Step 2: If scanning is enabled, you’ll get a notification. 

Step 3: If no action occurs, you can go to your Settings and enable QR Code scanning. 

Step 4: If you don’t find the option in your settings, your device won’t be able to scan QR Codes automatically. In this case, you can choose another option, such as a third-party browser or QR Code scanner. 

Method 2: Using Google Lens

Step 1: Open Google Lens either directly from the app or from Google Assistant. 

Step 2: If the Lens button doesn’t appear automatically, tap the three buttons at the bottom, and you’ll find the button on the left-hand side. 

Step 3: If you’re using Lens for the first time, you might need to enable it. Once you’re done or if it’s already enabled, you can point it at the QR Code to scan. 

Step 4: Click the notification banner to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Oppo devices

You can scan QR Codes on any Oppo device in three ways. Find the steps below. 

Method 1: Using the camera

Step 1: Launch the Camera app from the home screen. 

Step 2: Click the Google Lens icon. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll need to allow it to access the camera. Choose the Open Camera option. Select the access option that works for you. 

Step 3: You’ll return to the home screen. Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: A notification will pop up with an action option. Click the notification to view the information. 

Method 2: Using Google

Step 1: Launch the Google Lens app. You can access it from your app list or from the Google search engine widget on your home screen. Other places from where you can access the Google Lens is from the Chrome browser app or the Google app.  

Step 2: Press the camera icon from any of these apps to start the Google Lens app. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code and scan it. 

Step 4: Once a notification comes, click to view the information. 

Method 3: Using the quick panel

Step 1: Swipe down your phone to display the quick panel. Slide down once more to reveal the full panel. 

Step 2: Tap the option ‘Scan QR Code’ to launch the feature. 

Step 3: Point your camera at the QR Code to scan. 

Step 4: Click the pop-up to view the information. 

How to scan a QR Code on Lenovo devices

You can scan a QR Code automatically on Lenovo devices through the Google Lens method and the native camera app. 

Another additional way to scan QR Codes are: 

Step 1: Tap on Contacts from the home screen. 

Step 2: Click the three vertical dots icon on the top-right corner. 

Step 3: Select QR Code. 

Step 4: Scan the QR Code by pointing at it. 

Step 5: View the required information from the pop-up. 

6 (surprising) apps that can also scan QR Codes

You may have some apps in your device that can scan QR Codes, but you probably didn’t know: 

1. Snapchat for adding new friends
2. Facebook Messenger for adding friends and viewing your profile QR Code
3. X (formerly Twitter) for sharing profiles
4. LinkedIn for sharing profile QR Codes 
5. WhatsApp for pairing desktop and mobile versions
6. Pinterest for visual discovery with its Lens feature 

10 common scenarios where you’ll need to scan QR Codes on Android

Now that you know how to scan a QR Code on Android, next comes when this information will be handy. 

You might be scanning static QR Codes or dynamic QR Codes. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is: static QR Codes will directly open the link, whereas dynamic QR Codes will open the link from a hosted URL. 

Read more: Static vs. dynamic QR Code

Here are some QR Code types and use cases you may encounter:

Opening or connecting a website URL 

It’s possible to embed website URLs into a QR Code. Once the user scans the QR Code, it takes them to a website or landing page. You can use website URL QR Codes to connect your retail, education, or marketing digital space. 

Viewing and displaying social media accounts

Scanning a QR Code can also take you to social media accounts. You can also create social media QR Codes to display your social presence and boost your audience. 

Opening and connecting mobile apps

You can use QR Codes to download and navigate mobile apps from the store. You can also use them to promote your mobile apps and boost downloads. 

Viewing and sharing PDF files

You can view PDF files after scanning a QR Code on your Android phone. Alternatively, you can embed PDF files in QR Codes to share information. 

Viewing and sharing business digital cards

You can scan QR Codes on your Android device to view and share business cards. This makes contact management and networking convenient. 

Send and receive calls, text messages, or emails 

You can create call, text, or email QR Codes to send and receive communication. All of this by scanning a QR Code! 

Connecting to Wi-Fi

You can scan QR Codes at airports or events to connect to Wi-Fi. 

Viewing and sharing images and videos

It’s easy to share various kinds of content and information through images and videos embedded in QR Codes. For example, listening to an audio at a museum or scanning a QR Code to open a promotional video. 

Viewing and ordering from restaurant menus

You must have scanned a QR Code to view a contactless menu at restaurants or cafes. As business owners, you can also use QR Codes to attach menus and share them. 

Managing event bookings

You can download and register for events by scanning a QR Code. As event managers, you can add QR Codes to your event brochures and flyers for smooth scanning and booking.