Guide · By DueTrack Studio · Updated 2026-11-02
How to scan a QR code from a picture or screenshot (phone and computer)
On a recent iPhone, open the picture in Photos and touch and hold the QR code; on Android, open it with Google Lens. On a computer, the Windows Camera app reads codes held up to the webcam, and in Chrome you can right-click an image and choose Search with Google Lens. The simplest trick on any device: show the code on one screen and scan it with a phone's camera. Whatever you use, read the full web address before you open it.
Also in: العربية · Deutsch · Español · Français · Italiano · 日本語 · 한국어 · Português · Русский · Svenska · Türkçe · 简体中文 · 繁體中文
How do you scan a QR code from a photo on iPhone?
- Open the photo or screenshot in the Photos app.
- Touch and hold the QR code, or tap the Live Text button in the corner if it appears.
- If a link appears, read the full address before you tap it. If nothing happens, use a scanner app that reads codes from your photo library.
How do you do it on Android?
Most Android phones include Google Lens, in the Google app, in Google Photos or in the camera. Open the screenshot with Lens and the code's content appears on screen. Menu names differ from one phone maker to another.
How do you scan a QR code on a computer?
- Windows: open the Camera app, choose the Barcode mode and hold the code in front of the webcam. The link appears at the bottom of the window.
- Chrome on Windows or Mac: right-click a picture of a code on a web page and choose Search with Google Lens.
- Any computer: open the code on screen and scan it with your phone's camera.
Are online QR code readers safe?
Websites that decode an uploaded picture do work, but you are handing that picture to a stranger. That matters when the code holds a Wi-Fi password, a login, a ticket or a payment.
Prefer the tools already on your phone or computer. If you do use a website, don't upload codes that contain private information, and treat the decoded link like any link from someone you don't know.
What should you check before opening the link?
- The domain is spelled exactly like the real company's.
- A shortened link may hide where it really goes.
- Be careful with any page that asks you to log in, pay or install something.
Questions
Can I scan a QR code that's on my own phone screen?
Yes. Take a screenshot, then open it in Photos on iPhone or with Google Lens on Android, or use a scanner app that reads images.
Do I need to download an app to scan a QR code from a picture?
Usually not: recent iPhones, most Android phones and the Windows Camera app can do it. A dedicated app helps when you scan often or want each link checked before it opens.
Why won't my screenshot scan?
Crop it to the code, make sure the whole code and its white border are in the picture, and avoid blurry or very small images.