You want to scan a QR code that was sent to you as an image or screenshot but don’t know how to scan it with your camera app or your regular QR code scanner app. What do you do?
If you’re a regular QR code user, you are very much likely to face this dilemma and are in need of an urgent solution.
With today’s technology, scanning QR codes from an image or screenshot in your image gallery is perfectly doable, so do not despair. If you want to know how, keep reading.
Also see: How to Easily Create a Custom QR Code with Logo
Table of Contents
- How to Scan the QR Code From a Screenshot
- Anatomy of QR Codes
- FAQs
- Wrap-Up
How to Scan the QR Code From a Screenshot
Scanning a QR code from inside your phone might sound like a paradoxical issue. But, in fact, downloading the right tools and knowing how to use them will help you scan QR codes from your image gallery very easily. These are the best ways to scan a QR code.
Also see: Barcode vs QR Code 101: The Ultimate Head to Head
With Google Lens
You can use the Google Lens app to scan QR codes in a screenshot. Google Lens is an app by the internet giant that lets you point at objects and identify the information contained therein.
Google Lens will also let you identify objects within images, a very handy functionality that lets you scan a QR code in a screenshot.
To do so:
Step 1. Get Google Lens
If you don’t have the Google Lens app installed on your Android smartphone, download it from the Play Store.
Step 2. Select the image with the QR code
Since the QR code is in a screenshot, go to your Photo Gallery > Screenshots and select the image you want to scan the QR code from.
Step 3. Let Google Lens do the job
Once you select the screenshot, Google Lens will open the QR code and scan it, and will open the embedded information for you.
With Google Photos (Android and iOS)
Google Photos includes Google Lens, which means you can scan the QR code from a screenshot.
To do so:
Step 1. Download Google Photos
If you don’t have it, you can download Google Photos for both Android and iOS on their respective app stores.
Step 2. Open the Google Photos app and go to the Library
When opening the app for the first time, you might be prompted to back up your photos, so tap Skip to continue the scanning process.
When you open the app, it will show you all the images and videos stored on your camera app. So, go to Library at the bottom-right of the screen so you can select the Screenshots folder.
Step 3. Open the image and scan it
Once you’re in the Screenshots folder, tap the image with the QR code and tap the Lens icon at the bottom. The scanner will read the QR code and take you to the embedded data.
Also see: QR Code Text Message: Sending SMS with One Scan
With the Google App (Android and iOS)
Google app will also allow you to very easily scan QR codes from screenshots.
To do so:
Step 1. Download Google app
iOS users will have to download the Google app as it is pre-installed only on Android phones.
Step 2. Enable the app to scan
Open the Google app and tap on the camera icon on the right side of the search bar.
Step 3. Select the image with the QR code
Once you tap on the camera icon, the Google Lens app will be enabled and show all the images in your gallery. Tap on the image of the QR code you wish to scan and let Google Lens do the magic.
Also see: How to Create a Customized Snapchat QR Code
QR Code Scanner
If Google Lens is not up for the challenge on an Android phone, you can use third-party scanners available on the Play Store.
To do so:
Step 1. Download a scanner app
Go to the Play Store and search for a reliable third QR code scanner app such as Kaspersky’s and QR Droid Private.
Step 2. Activate the app and tap the gallery icon
When you activate the app, your camera will follow suit, which will allow scanning the code from your image gallery. Once you do so, tap on the image icon and on the top of your screen to activate the scanner function.
Step 3. Select the image
From your gallery, select the screenshot or image with the QR code that you wish to scan. Once you do this, the app will display the embedded data.
With CodeTwo
This is a third-party app that works well with Windows devices and will allow you to scan the QR code.
To do so:
Step 1. Open the QR code reader
CodeTwo is a desktop QR code reader, so open it from your Windows device to start the process.
Step 2. Select the file
Click on File to browse the screenshot or image containing the QR code you want to scan.
Step 3. Copy the link and click on it
When you’ve selected the image, the app will scan it and give you a link in the code’s text field, which you will copy and paste onto the search bar on the browser so you can access it.
Also see: How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung Devices Quickly and Effectively
Also see: Venmo QR Code: Transfer Money Very Easily on Your Smartphone
Anatomy of QR Codes
QR codes have a specific structure that allows a QR code reader to pick them up. These are the parts of a QR code.
Position markers
The position markers are the squares on three of the four corners of the code. They support the QR code scanning process by showing the scanner the code’s position. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to scan the QR code with your smartphone at an angle.
Also see: How to Make a QR Code for a Google Form
Alignment marker
The alignment marker is the smaller square on the righthand side of the data matrix —it contains a tiny dot. Its purpose is to tell the QR code scanner how the code is oriented.
Also see: QR Code Color: How Important Is It When Creating a QR Code?
Timing pattern
The timing partner is the two lines —one vertical, one horizontal— that connect the three position markers. It shows the scanner how large the data matrix in the code is.
Quiet zone
It might be called “quiet zone” but it is actually the most important part of the QR code, as it helps the scanner single out the code from the surrounding elements. Without it, the code would not be scannable.
Data and error correction module
In simple terms, this part is the actual central dot pattern —black and white modules— of the code that makes it so distinguishable. However, this is where the actual data is stored. This part is also designed to allow the code to take up to 30% damage.
Also see: This Is How You Run a Proper QR Code Test
FAQs
How to scan a QR code from a screenshot —iPhone
To scan a QR code from a screenshot on iPhone you can:
- Use the Google app as instructed above
- Use Google Photos as instructed above
- Use Google Lens as instructed above
- Use Android’s Gallery app as instructed above
- Download a third-party scanner
How to scan a QR code from a screenshot —Android
- Use the Google app as instructed above
- Use Google Photos as instructed above
- Use Google Lens as instructed above
- Download a third-party scanner
What are the best third-party QR code scanners for Android and iOS:
- QR Code Reader
- Kaspersky QR Scanner
- QR Code & Barcode Scanner
- NeoReader
- QR Reader for iPhone
- QR Code Reader & QR Scanner
- Qrafter – QR Code Reader
- Scanner QR & Barcode Reader
Wrap-Up
Scanning a QR code from a screenshot might sound a bit mind-bending but happily, this is not the case. There are several default and third-party solutions on iOS and Android systems, so don’t let screenshots get in your way!
