There are a number of apps that can scan QR codes with your smartphone's camera . Even the standard camera app on iPhone and Samsung smartphones supports the QR code scan function. But what if the QR code is on the screen of the phone that you are currently holding? Here's how to scan the QR code from an image that's on the same device.
How to scan QR codes from an image
There are numerous apps with which you can easily read QR codes from images:
Google Photos
Google Photos is often preinstalled on Android smartphones. If not, you can simply download the app:
If you're using Google Photos and want to scan a QR code on any picture, just open the photo in the app and tap the Google Lens option at the bottom . This function integrated in Google Photos now does the rest and then provides you with the code data in a matter of seconds. In addition to the ability to share and copy the code content, you often get other functions, such as opening links directly.
QR & barcode scanner
The QR & barcode scanner app is probably one of the most widely used apps with which you can scan various types of codes. In addition to scanning codes, this app also enables you to create QR codes yourself with the QR code generator. When you open the app, you can simply select the "Scan Image " option from the burger menu in the top left . After you have selected an image, the app also scans. You will then not only receive the content of the code, but you can also share it or copy it to the clipboard. It is particularly useful that, for links to websites, you can open the link in your standard browser with just one tap on the appropriate button.
Qrafter for the iPhone
Qrafter is an iOS app that can scan a QR code from a photo. It's easy to do by tapping "Scan from a photo " in the app . The app also allows you to move and scale an image if you activate the option beforehand. This makes for a faster response time for the app as it doesn't have to search the entire image for the code.
Then select the image you want from your gallery and the app will spit out the information hidden in the QR code. You can then copy the information to the clipboard, send it via text message, email, etc. The app is smart enough to give you additional options if the QR code contains more information than just plain text. For example, if you scan a QR code with a YouTube URL, you can open the video in the YouTube app and watch it..