QR codes have made their way into our digital routines, allowing us to gain information through web links, application downloads, and sharing contact information with a simple scan.
Most people can scan a QR code with their phone’s camera, but what do you do when the QR code already appears on your phone screen, such as in a screenshot, email, or social media post?
Below is a complete guide to scanning a QR code from your phone screen from either an Android or an iPhone device.
When Would You Scan QR Codes from Your Phone Screen?
While web browsing, scrolling social media, or viewing an image from a friend, you may have come across a QR code. Instead of using a separate device to scan it, both Android and iOS devices let you scan a QR code from the image on your screen.
This can potentially save you time when scanning the code, as you can take care of it all on one device.
Scanning a QR Code from Your Phone
Using Live Text (iOS 15 and newer):
- Open the Photos app and tap on the photo or screenshot with the QR code.
- Tap the Live Text button (often depicted as a frame with lines) located in the bottom right corner.
- Tap directly on the QR code in the photo.
- A link or relevant action will appear; tap to open or interact with the content.
Alternative Methods:
- Long-press on the QR code in the photo (if it is supported), then copy the link.
- Use the Google app or Google Photos app (The Google app includes the Google lens part) to scan QR codes from photos.
Scanning a QR Code from Your Phone Screen On Android
Using Google Lens (Most Android Phones):
- Open your Gallery or Google Photos app and select the photo with the QR Code.
- Then tap on the Google Lens icon (small camera/lens shape, probably in the bottom or top corner).
- It should automatically detect and highlight the QR code.
- Then tap the pop-up link or action to continue.
If you can’t find Google Lens:
Tap the Share icon, then select “Search Image with Google Lens.”
Some Android devices also support Google Assistant: Open it, select the image, and tap the link.
For Samsung Devices:
Open the Samsung Gallery app, select the image of the QR code, then tap on the Bixby Vision icon to scan and interact with the QR code.
3 Ways to Scan a QR Code from Your Phone
If your device fully supports built-in QR code scanning from images, there are online QR code scanners available:
> Save or take a screenshot of the QR code image.
> Open your web browser and look for a reputable QR code reader online.
> Upload the image as instructed. The website will decode the QR code and present the information or link for you to use.
Troubleshooting:
Update Apps: Make sure your Photos App, Google Lens App, or other specified apps are updated.
Device Capability: Some older devices may not have the ability to scan QR codes from images and you may need a third-party QR code scanner app.
Clear Image: Ensure your QR code in the image was not blurry or hunched (obscuring any of the QR code’s markings).
Summary Table: Scanning QR Codes from Your Phone Screen
| Platform | Built-in Method | Alternative Method |
| iOS | Live Text in Photos app | Google Photos/Google app, long-press |
| Android | Google Lens in Gallery | Google Assistant, online tools |
| Samsung | Bixby Vision in Gallery | Google Lens, online tools |
| Both | Online QR code readers | Third-party QR code apps |
