Free Online QR Code Scanner
Scan a QR code from an image, a screenshot or your camera — right in the browser. This QR code scanner works on PC, Mac and phones, with no app and no upload.
Images and camera frames are processed on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Result
Scan a code to see what is inside.
Overview
How does this online QR code scanner work?
This online QR code scanner reads codes in three ways: upload an image file, paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V, or point your webcam or phone camera at a code. The decoding happens entirely in your browser, so photos and camera frames never leave your device. It reads standard QR codes of every kind, including the dense ones with logos, colors and custom shapes.
Once a code is found, the scanner shows what is inside in plain language. A website appears with its address so you can check it before opening. A WiFi code shows the network name and password, ready to copy. Contact cards, calendar events, phone numbers, emails, map locations and UPI payment requests are split into labeled fields, and anything else is shown as text you can copy.
It is especially handy on a computer, where there is no built-in camera app for QR codes: scan a code from an email, a PDF or a website by taking a screenshot and pasting it here. On a phone, it reads codes saved in your photos, which the camera app cannot do.
Use cases
When an online scanner helps
For the moments when your phone camera is not the easiest QR code scanner.
Codes on your computer screen
Read a code in an email, a PDF or a web page with a screenshot — no phone needed.
Saved images and screenshots
Decode codes from photos, downloads and chat images that a camera cannot point at.
Checking links before opening
See exactly where a code leads before you visit, a good habit with codes from strangers.
WiFi passwords
Reveal the network name and password inside a WiFi code to type into a laptop or TV.
Testing your own codes
Check that a code you designed decodes to the right content before printing.
Helping others
Read a code for someone over a video call or from a photo they sent you.
How it works
How to scan a QR code online
Three ways to scan, all free and private.
- 1
Upload or paste an image
Click “Choose image”, drag a file onto the box, or copy a screenshot and press Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac) anywhere on this page.
- 2
Or use your camera
Switch to Camera, allow access when the browser asks, and hold the code inside the frame. Scanning stops as soon as a code is found.
- 3
Read and act
Check the result, copy fields such as a WiFi password, or open the link after making sure the address looks right.
Best practices
Tips for a successful scan
If the QR code scanner cannot read a code, one of these usually fixes it.
Crop to the code
Large photos with lots of background are harder to read. Crop or zoom so the code fills most of the image.
Keep it sharp and bright
Blurry or dark photos fail. Hold the camera steady, add light and avoid glare on glossy paper.
Include the white border
The quiet zone around the code helps the scanner find it. Do not crop right to the edge of the squares.
Use the camera on the device with the code
On a computer, a screenshot is faster than holding the screen to the webcam.
Check links before opening
A QR code can hide any address. Read the host name and only open links you trust.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan a QR code?
- On a phone, open the camera app and point it at the code, then tap the link that appears. On a computer, or for a saved image, use the online QR code scanner above: upload or paste the image and the content appears instantly.
How do I scan a QR code on Android?
- Open the camera or Google Lens and point it at the code. Many Android phones also have a QR scanner tile in Quick Settings. For codes in photos or screenshots, open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens.
How do I scan a QR code on iPhone?
- Open the Camera app, point it at the code and tap the yellow link. You can also add the Code Scanner to Control Center. For a code in a photo, open it in Photos and long-press the code.
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
- Take the screenshot, then paste it on this page with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V, or upload the file. The scanner reads codes in screenshots from any device.
How do I scan a QR code on my computer or laptop?
- Use this online scanner: paste a screenshot of the code, upload an image, or switch to Camera to use your webcam. It works in Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Does Windows or Mac have a built-in QR code scanner?
- Windows 11’s Camera app can read codes with the webcam, and macOS can detect codes in some apps through Live Text. An online scanner works the same way on every computer, including for screenshots.
Is this QR code scanner safe and private?
- Yes. Images and camera frames are decoded in your browser and never uploaded to our servers. Links are shown, not opened automatically, so you decide what to visit.
Can it read QR codes with logos and colors?
- Yes. It reads any standard QR code, including branded codes with logos, gradients and custom shapes, as long as the code is still readable.
Can I scan a QR code from a photo in my gallery?
- Yes. Upload the photo here, or use Google Lens on Android and long-press in Photos on iPhone.
How do I see a WiFi password from a QR code?
- Scan the WiFi code here: the network name and password appear as separate fields you can copy into any device.
Does it scan barcodes too?
- This page reads QR codes only. For product barcodes such as EAN or UPC, use a barcode scanner app; to create barcodes, use our barcode generator.
Why can’t the scanner find my code?
- The image may be blurry, too dark, cropped too tightly or too small. Try a sharper photo, crop to the code, and keep the white border. Damaged or very low-contrast codes may not be readable at all.
Is a QR code scanner the same as a QR code reader?
- Yes. Both names describe the same thing: a tool that decodes the pattern and shows its content. This online QR code reader works in any browser, with images or a camera.
Do I need to install an app?
- No. The QR code scanner runs in your browser on any device, with no download, account or sign-up.
Why does the camera not start?
- The browser needs your permission and a secure connection. Allow camera access in the address bar, close other apps that use the camera, and try again.
Need to make a QR code too?
Create a free QR code with your logo and colors in seconds.
Open the generator