How do I scan a QR code?

Open your phone camera and point it at the code until a notification with the link appears. If the camera doesn't recognize it, use the QR code scanner or pick an image of the code from your device.

Reviewed by Albarcode · Last updated: September 16, 2026

Scan a QR code with your camera

1. Clean the camera lens and open the camera app.
2. Fit the whole code inside the frame without zooming in too far.
3. Wait for the notification, then check the link before you open it.

Scan a QR code from an image

Open the QR code scanner and choose the image from your device. It's read on your device and the image is never uploaded to our servers.

Why won't the code scan?

• The image is blurry or low resolution.
• Light is reflecting off the code.
• The white margin around the code is cut off.
• The code is a light color or the contrast is weak.
• A logo covers a large part of the pattern.

Open links with care

Check the domain name before you open an unknown link, and don't enter sensitive details on a page you don't trust. Our scanner never opens a link automatically.

Want to make a QR code instead of scanning one?

Read the guide How do I make a QR code?, or go straight to the link to QR code or image to QR code tool.