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There are many Android devices in the world. However, the process of reading QR codes depends on the type of device being used. Newer models scan QR codes simply with the camera, while others require a QR code reader app. Can't scan a QR code on an Android smartphone? Here is our complete guide on the subject for all smartphone models.
If you are not interested in storing your QUAR codes and generally do not need Dynamic QR Codes and do not want to register, then we have this, the button below!
What is a QR code and how to scan it?
QR codes were originally developed to improve barcode technology. Convenient quadrilaterals, they can be used in any position, which in ancient times, when there were no smartphones, made inventory much easier. Now they can transfer all kinds of information directly to the smartphone that scans the code, whether through a third-party app or the built-in reader for the latest models.
What smartphones work with Android?
Android is one of the most popular operating systems and is used in many smartphones. Among the most recent:
- Sony Xperia XZ2
- Google Pixel 2 et 3
- Nokia 8
- HTC U11
- LG G6
- Samsung Galaxy
- Huawei P30 PRO
- OnePlus 7T PRO
- Xiaomi Mi 9T PRO
and many others.
If you don't know what operating system your phone is using, open Settings, select About device, or ask the manufacturer.
How to know if your phone's camera automatically scans QR codes
If your phone is not listed above, don't panic. We recommend that you try scanning the code first before even downloading the app. Here's how:
- Open the camera and point it for two to three seconds at the QR code you want to scan.
- If scanning is allowed, a notification will appear.
- If nothing happens, enable reading QR codes in the settings.
- If you don't have a QR code reader in your settings, you'll need to download a third-party app (see our recommendations below).
You can also follow this guide to find out what version of Android is on your phone.
Scan QR code with Now on Tap on Android 6.0
If your phone is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, there is a feature called "Google Now on Tap" to read QR codes directly. Here's how:
- Install the Google app and open it.
- Turn on Google Now on Tap.
- In the settings, select "Screen Search".
- Activate the first button (“Ask Google to show relevant information on the home screen when you press the Home button or perform a voice search”).
- Press and hold the Home button on your Android smartphone to launch "Google on Tap" so you can scan QR codes with your camera.
If you prefer not to use Google on Tap, you can also install a third-party QR code reader app.
Android 7 and previous versions (except Android 6.0)
These versions of Android (except Android 6.0) cannot read QR codes without a third party app.
Please see our recommendations in the section below.
Scan QR code with Android 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0
If your smartphone is running Android 8.0 or later, chances are it will be able to scan QR codes without an app. Here are some ways to do it:
Google Screen Search
No app is required to scan a QR code with Google Screen Search. Here's how:
- Point your camera at the QR code.
- Press and hold the Home button, and then swipe left to view the options at the bottom of the screen.
- Select "What's on my screen?" »
- Then a simplified URL appears that is linked to the contents of the QR code.
Google Lens in Google Assistant
The Google Lens feature in Google Assistant is a very easy way to scan QR codes without an additional app. Here's how:
- Hold the Home button to call the Assistant.
- Depending on your version of Assistant, the Google Lens button appears by itself. If not, click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen to make it appear on the left.
- If you've never used Google Lens before, you'll need to authorize it to use your camera and then point your camera at the QR code to scan it.
Google Lens App
You can access Google Lens through the app of the same name. To scan a QR code this way, first download the app from the Google app store and then follow steps 2 and 3 from the instructions above.
Warning: For the most recent versions of Android (8.0 and up), your phone may have undergone an update that makes these steps redundant. The next paragraph explains how to determine if your phone is automatically scanning QR codes.
How to Scan a QR Code with a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone
There are different ways to scan a QR code with a Samsung smartphone. Please note, however, that there may be slight differences depending on the phone model and operating system version.
Bixby Vision
1. Open the camera and select Bixby Vision.
2. If you haven't already, allow Bixby Vision to use your camera.
3. Accept the Bixby Vision Terms of Service.
4. Use the camera to scan the QR code and select Go to view the contents of the QR code.
Samsung Internet
If your smartphone does not have Bixby Vision, you can also scan QR codes using Samsung Internet. Here's how to do it with this usually preinstalled app.
1. Open the Samsung Internet Browser app.
2. Tap the three bars at the bottom of the screen.
3. Then open the settings.
4. Select Useful Features.
5. Allow reading QR codes.
6. Return to the main screen and select the QR code icon next to the URL in the upper left corner.
7. Allow taking pictures.
8. Point the camera at the QR code and scan it.
Samsung Camera app (version 9.0 and up)
1. Swipe down to open quick settings and select QR code reader.
2. Select "OK" to continue.
3. The camera opens and you can scan the QR code.
4. If the code is not scanned, allow the application to do so in the settings in the upper left corner.
5. Turn on the "Scan QR codes" button.
Appli Gallery Samsung
1. Take a photo of the QR code you want to scan, then open the Gallery app.
2. Select the QR code image.
3. Tap the Bixby Vision icon in the lower left corner.
4. Select "Lens" and let Bixby Vision read the QR code.
How to Scan QR Code with LG G6 Smartphone
There are two ways to scan code with LG G6. You can use Google Lens by opening it in the Assistant or by opening the Google Lens app.
Google Lens in Google Assistant
The Google Lens feature in Google Assistant is a very easy way to scan QR codes without an additional app. Here's how:
- Hold the Home button to call the Assistant.
- Depending on your version of Assistant, the Google Lens button appears by itself. If not, click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen to make it appear on the left.
- If you've never used Google Lens before, you'll need to authorize it to use your camera and then point your camera at the QR code to scan it.
Google Lens App
You can access Google Lens through the app of the same name. To scan a QR code this way, first download the app from the Google app store and then follow steps 2 and 3 from the instructions above.
How to Scan a QR Code with a Google Pixel Smartphone
1. Select "Google Camera" and make any updates.
2. Select the "Advanced" tab and then "Settings" to allow suggestions from Google Lens.
3. Open your smartphone camera and point it at the QR code to scan it.
How to scan a QR code with a Sony Xperia smartphone
Avec Info-eye
- Open your camera.
- Select the yellow camera icon and then the blue "i" button.
- Point your camera at the QR code and take a photo of it.
- Wait for the photo to be analyzed, then press and hold "Product Details" and drag it up to view the content.
How to scan QR code with HTC U11 smartphone
Вот два способа сканирования QR-кода с помощью HTC U11:
Built-in camera
Your camera can already scan QR codes directly. Here's how to make sure:
- Open the camera on your HTC smartphone and point it for two to three seconds at the QR code you want to scan.
- If scanning is allowed, a notification will appear.
- If nothing happens, enable reading QR codes in the settings.
- If there is no such item in the settings, your device cannot scan QR codes on its own. This means you need to download a third-party QR code reader app (see our recommendations below).
Google Lens in Google Assistant
The Google Lens feature in Google Assistant is a very easy way to scan QR codes without an additional app. Here's how:
- Hold the Home button to call the Assistant.
- Depending on your version of Assistant, the Google Lens button appears by itself. If not, click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen to make it appear on the left.
- If you've never used Google Lens before, you'll need to authorize it to use your camera and then point your camera at the QR code to scan it.
How to scan a QR code with a Nokia 8 smartphone
Here are two ways to scan a QR code with Nokia 8:
Built-in camera
Your camera can already scan QR codes directly. Here's how to make sure:
- Open your Nokia camera and point it for two to three seconds at the QR code you want to scan.
- If scanning is allowed, a notification will appear.
- If nothing happens, enable reading QR codes in the settings.
- If there is no such item in the settings, your device cannot scan QR codes on its own. This means you need to download a third-party QR code reader app (see our recommendations below).
Google Lens in Google Assistant
The Google Lens feature in Google Assistant is a very easy way to scan QR codes without an additional app. Here's how:
- Hold the Home button to call the Assistant.
- Depending on your version of Assistant, the Google Lens button appears by itself. If not, click on the three dots at the bottom of the screen to make it appear on the left.
- If you've never used Google Lens before, you'll need to authorize it to use your camera and then point your camera at the QR code to scan it.
How to scan a QR code with a Huawei P30 PRO smartphone
The Huawei P30 PRO smartphone allows you to scan codes in three different ways. You can scan them from the built-in camera, from the Gallery app (similar to Samsung devices), and directly from the lock screen.
Built-in camera
The vast majority of Huawei phones allow you to scan a QR code directly from the device's built-in camera. Here's how:
- Open the camera of your Huawei smartphone and point it, without moving for two to three seconds, at the QR code you want to scan.
- If scanning is allowed, a notification will appear.
- If nothing happens, enable reading QR codes in the settings.
- If there is no such item in the settings, your device cannot scan QR codes on its own. This means you need to download a third party QR code reader app.
From the lock screen
Huawei has also developed a very practical feature: the ability to scan QR codes from the lock screen. Here's how:
- Call up the function bar by swiping your finger across the screen from bottom to top.
- Touch the Huawei Vision symbol.
- Scan the QR code with your camera.
Using the Gallery app
You can also scan QR codes using the Gallery app.
- Download the QR code image to your phone if it's not already saved there.
- Open the Gallery app on your Huawei smartphone and tap the image to display the menu.
- Select "Advanced", then wait until the "Scan QR code on image" option appears at the bottom of the menu.
- Tap the option to allow your phone to scan the QR code located on the image.
How to Scan QR Code with OnePlus 7T PRO Smartphone
The best way to scan a QR code with your OnePlus 7T PRO phone is to use the built-in camera.
- First, open the camera.
- Then point it at the QR code you want to scan.
- If the QR code works correctly, you will be redirected to the content associated with it.
How to scan a QR code with a Xiaomi Mi 9T PRO smartphone
The best way to scan a QR code on a Xiaomi device is to use the built-in camera.
- Start the camera.
- Then point it at the QR code you want to scan.
- A notification will appear prompting you to view the details of the QR code. Tap it to access content in your default browser or app.
If you are unable to scan the QR code on your Xiaomi or Redmi device using the built-in camera, please make sure the "Scan QR Codes" feature is enabled.
- Open settings.
- Select System Applications.
- Tap the camera.
- Allow reading QR codes.
These highly rated apps offer a unique feature. If you are concerned about the security of QR codes, these apps will display a notification when the contents of the scanned code may be malicious.
Apps you already have but didn't know about can also scan QR codes.
Snapchat
With 218 million daily active users worldwide (the article is in English, but the graphics are very revealing), Snapchat also lets you scan QR codes to easily add new friends. Open the app, point the camera at the code and tap.
Shazam
Essential for music identification, Shazam also allows you to scan QR codes to access interactive content, special offers, purchases and sharing.
This platform has added QR code scanning to its options to be more useful and easier to use for brands that promote their products through this medium.
WhatsApp uses QR codes to link desktop software to smartphone software. Just download WhatsApp on your computer, select Options, WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code with your smartphone.
LinkedIn works like Snapchat and lets you add profiles instead of searching by name. To access the profile QR code, select the code symbol to the right of the search bar and allow the camera to add someone, or select My Code to share it.
Twitter allows you to scan QR codes to share and add profiles or read any type of content. To view your QR code, select your profile icon and then the QR code icon in the lower right corner. You can then share it with a photo, tweet, or save as an image. To scan a QR code with Twitter, go to the QR code icon and automatically scan the QR code.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger also allows you to add new friends using a QR code. View the QR code for your profile by selecting My Code.
List of QR Code Types You Can Scan on an Android Device
Most of the QR code solutions we have developed in QR Code Generator are dynamic QR codes. Unlike static (non-editable) QR codes, dynamic QR codes have a number of advantages:
- Monitor your campaigns by QR codes.
- Ability to switch from one type of QR code to another.
- Update related content without reprinting the QR code.
Website (URL)
Automatically links the QR code to the site.
Social media
Combines your social media profiles on one page.
Discount
Create a digital coupon to drive sales.
Business card
Digital business card with detailed information.
Company
Displays a page containing all the up-to-date information about your company and redirects the user to your site.
Reviews
Collects detailed customer reviews and sends them to your email address.
Grade
Gathers customer ratings with an optional comment field.
Video
Merges multiple YouTube videos into one QR code.
Event
Allows you to confirm the presence of guests and stimulates the level of participation.
Opens a PDF file for download.
Displays your Facebook profile so everyone can like your page without viewing it.
Application
Displays your app in all app stores where it is in the QR code.
MP3
Converts audio files to QR codes using the built-in MP3 player.
Gallery
Displays your images in gallery format.
Bitcoin
Allows you to receive and send cryptocurrency.
Wi-Fi
Connects a Wi-Fi network to a device that scans a code without entering a password.
QR codes are great for digital and print marketing, especially when using dynamic QR codes in your campaigns as they help track scan data and update related content. Here are some (fictional) professional use cases to inspire your marketing strategy.
Electronic devices
Siekens Electronics creates high quality electronics for sale online and in stores. To make them easier to use and reduce the number of returns, the brand has added a rating QR code to the product packaging. This way, users get the exact link in just a few seconds and can leave a review in seconds.
Software and game developers
eGo Gaming Studios recently released a new PC game. To help people know and make it easier to buy on a mobile device, the studio has added a dynamic URL QR code to its print ad to redirect interested people to a page of their choice.
Real estate agency
Real estate agency The Home Finders uses QR codes to attract more visitors when viewing their properties. Passers-by can register at any time by scanning the event's QR code located on the "For Sale" signs or on the agency's window.
Doctors and medical workers
Dr. Andrew Webber wants his patients to get the treatment they deserve. So he added the Avis QR code to his patient questionnaires.
Sports and health clubs
Studio Gym wants to promote their classes on large format banners. A discounted QR code encourages customers to try it out, while scanning tracking helps determine if an ad is effective and attractive and analyzes the ROI.
FAQ
Please start by verifying that you have used the correct method for the version of Android you have on your phone. Refer to this guide to determine its operating system. If you follow the instructions for the correct smartphone version and model, the QR code may be damaged and unreadable.
It depends on the type of smartphone or tablet you have, as well as your version of Android. In this article, we have listed the steps to scan QR codes without an app for Android versions 6.0-10.0. See also the section on specific smartphone models. For tablets, they work the same as for the corresponding version of Android. Otherwise, you can download the third-party app mentioned above to scan the QR code.
Check the steps for Samsung Internet above and the contents of the QR codes will show up in Chrome if that's your default browser. You can also use the above description for Google Lens.
You cannot use Google Maps to scan a QR code, you must use one of the methods above. If the content of the QR code is associated with Google Maps, it will be automatically opened in the application. You can also use the URL QR code to turn a Google Maps map into a QR code and share it.
You can scan these types of QR code just like any other code. Just find the instructions for your smartphone and follow them.
To program to read QR codes with Android, you will need Android Studio.
