QR codes ("Quick Response Codes") are square codes. They can be used to pass information on quickly. Often, after scanning the code, you are redirected to a file or website. However, a smartphone with a QR code reader is required to scan a QR code. We have put together some recommended apps for you.
What is a QR Code?
The QR code, invented in 1994, was initially used to track vehicles and vehicle parts in the manufacturing process. The "QR" stands for "Quick Response" and the codes are a type of barcode that is easy to read with digital devices such as smartphones. They store information in the form of a series of pixels in a square grid that can be read in two directions - top to bottom and right to left - unlike traditional barcodes, which can only be read from left to right.
QR codes can store around 7,000 digits or around 4,000 characters, including punctuation marks and special characters. You can also encode information such as phone numbers or Internet addresses. The arrangement of the individual QR codes varies depending on the information they contain, which changes the arrangement of the black modules. When creating a code, you can add data, which enlarges the structure of the code and makes it more complex, or even personalize it. In addition, the data structure of a QR code contains duplicates, which ensure that the code can still be read by a scanner even if the code is damaged by 30%..
Scan QR codes with the Android camera
Many newer smartphone models can also scan QR codes without an external app. This is very easy with the camera. You can easily test whether your smartphone can do this by opening the camera app on your Android smartphone and pointing it at the QR code. If you see a notification below and tap on it, the content of the QR code will open.
Most smartphones with Android 9.0 or higher can also scan QR codes with the native camera. If your camera can't scan QR codes or you need additional options like creating your own codes, here are some app recommendations:
Find the right QR code scanner app for Android
QR & Barcode Scanner (German)
Recommended, for example, is the app " QR & Barcode Scanner (German) " from TeaCapps. This can be used to create QR codes. In addition to scanning with a camera, codes can also be read from stored images. A history of the most recently visited websites via codes is also listed. The basic version of the app is free of charge. If you would like to enjoy the freedom of advertising and other functions such as additional app designs, you can buy the Pro version for € 3.49. The free version is sufficient for the occasional scanning of a QR code..
Open the "QR & Barcode Scanner" app and hold your mobile phone so that the QR code lies optimally in the marked square. The app reads the code automatically. QR Droid Private
The company DroidLa provides you with the free app " QR Droid Private ". With this you can easily read out QR codes. It doesn't matter whether it's a QR code for a website, a network or an image. Other functions include a history and creating your own QR codes. You can also create a profile so that you can view important information as quickly as possible. The app advertises with absolute freedom of advertising.
"QR Droid Private" will help you with on-screen instructions when scanning the code. QR code scanner
The " QR code scanner " from BACHA Soft is free of charge. You can scan QR codes and also create your own codes. However, you will see advertising in the app. But the scanner still does its job.
With the help of the "QR code scanner" from BACHA Soft you can read out QR codes. Point the smartphone at the code to read it. You can also create your own QR codes via "Create". Kaspersky QR scanner Kaspersky
also offers its own " QR scanner ". This also works perfectly. When you scan a QR code, you can see where it will take you. In this way you can confirm yourself whether you want to go to the relevant website. The scanner is free. In addition, advertising is free of advertising. However, you must agree to the transfer of data for advertising purposes during the installation. All in all, a good QR code scanner.
With "QR Scanner" from Kasperksy you can easily scan QR codes. Simply hold your smartphone so that the code can be seen in the square that appears. Then the app will read it out automatically. Blitz QR scanner & free QR code scanner
The provider "Application4u" offers two different scanners. Both the " Blitz QR Scanner " app and the " Free QR code scanner " app can read and process QR codes for you. Both apps are free and work perfectly. Unfortunately, however, they are not ad-free, so one or the other annoying pop-up can appear.
The two apps "Blitz QR Scanner" and "Free QR Code Scanner" from Application4u are almost identical. Hold your smartphone so that the QR code appears in the highlighted area. Then it is read out directly. As you can see, there are numerous apps with which you can not only simply scan QR codes, but often also create them yourself. For such a simple task, you usually don't need a paid app at all if you don't mind a little advertising in the free applications. However, when creating your own QR codes with such apps, be careful not to give out any sensitive information such as passwords.
