QR Code Scanner

Scan and decode QR codes from uploaded images or your device camera — no app needed.

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QR Code Scanner
Free Tool

How to use QR Code Scanner

Scanning a QR code normally requires a smartphone camera app. This browser-based scanner lets you decode QR codes from image files on any device — desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile — without installing any app. Two scanning methods: 1. Upload an image — Drag and drop or click to upload any image containing a QR code (PNG, JPG, WEBP). The decoder finds the QR code in the image and extracts its content. Works even if the QR code is small within a larger image. 2. Camera scan (mobile) — On devices with a camera, grant camera permission and point the camera at a QR code. The scanner decodes it in real time. Types of QR code content decoded: URL — a website link. Shown with a clickable preview (verify before clicking). Plain text — any text stored in the QR code. Email — pre-populated email address, subject, and body. vCard / Contact — name, phone, email, address stored as a contact card. Export as .vcf file. WiFi — network SSID, password, and encryption type. SMS — phone number and message text. Geo location — latitude and longitude coordinates. Calendar event (vEvent) — event title, date, time, location. All decoding happens in your browser — QR code image data is not uploaded to any server. Private for decoding QR codes from confidential documents. If scanning fails: ensure the QR code image is clear and well-lit, the QR code is not cropped, and the image is at least 200x200 pixels of the QR code area. Blurry or low-contrast QR codes may fail to decode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot on my computer?

Yes. Screenshot a screen containing a QR code, then upload the screenshot image to this tool. The decoder locates the QR code within the full screenshot and extracts its content. This is useful for scanning QR codes you receive in emails, documents, or chat messages when your phone is not nearby. Any image format containing a visible QR code can be decoded.

Why might a QR code fail to scan?

Common failure reasons: image is too blurry or low resolution (QR code needs at least 200x200 pixels to decode reliably), the QR code is rotated at an extreme angle, the code is damaged or partially obscured (QR codes have error correction but excessive damage defeats it), poor contrast between QR pattern and background, or the image has heavy JPEG compression artifacts distorting the pattern modules.

Is it safe to scan QR codes from unknown sources?

Be cautious with QR codes from unknown sources. QR codes commonly contain URLs — always review the decoded URL before clicking, checking the domain for misspellings or suspicious domains. Malicious QR codes can point to phishing sites, trigger automatic downloads, or contain JavaScript links. This scanner shows the raw content before you act on it — always read the decoded content carefully.

Can I scan QR codes that contain WiFi passwords?

Yes. WiFi QR codes contain the network name (SSID), password, and encryption type in a standardized format. The scanner decodes these and displays the WiFi credentials in plain text. This is useful for sharing network access with guests or recovering a WiFi password from a printed QR code. On mobile browsers with Android 10+, a Connect button may appear to join the network directly.

What is the difference between QR code scanning and generating?

Scanning (this tool) reads an existing QR code and extracts its encoded content. Generating creates a new QR code from text or a URL you provide. For generating QR codes with custom content, use the QR Code Generator tool. For reading a QR code you have received (in an image, email, or document), use this scanner tool.

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