How to Scan a QR Code From Picture on a Phone and Computer

Ever been to a restaurant that has just a QR code on the table? While you’d ask the waiter only to discover that you’ll need scan the QR code using your phone to view the menu. That’s what you’d normally do the next time you’d see a QR code – use your phone or a computer. We’ve prepared a guide to scan QR codes on devices that run iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.

Scan a QR Code on an iPhone

After you’vetaken a screenshotor a photo of the QR code, open it in your iPhone’s Photos app, then tap theLive Textbutton. From there, tap theQR codeto access available actions based on its content.

Scan a QR Code on a Samsung Galaxy Phone

Much like the iPhone’s Photos app, Samsung’s Gallery app can also scan QR codes from screenshots and photos. Open an image with QR code in theGalleryapp, and tap theyellow (T)icon that appears in the bottom-right corner. After the image is processed, tap theQR codeto view the associated information.

Also Read:Learn how tofix camera app not scanning QR code on Samsung Galaxy phone.

Tap on the QR code open the content

Scan a QR Code Using Google Photos App (Android and iPhone)

Manyuse Google Photoson phones since most Android phones have Google Photos app pre-loaded. That lets you easily open QR codes in photos. For that, launch a photo in Google Photos, tap theLensicon, and it’ll scan the image. If it finds aQR code, it’ll show you all the info it holds.

Download: Google Photos (Android|iOS)

Unlike smartphones, there is no native to scan QR codes from images on Windows computers. However, we found CodeTwo QR Reader works like a charm. With it, you can scan QR codes from images, besides from a screen, webcam, and clipboard.

Download:CodeTwo QRcode Desktop Reader

Install CodeTwo QR Reader on your computer. Then, open the app, click the‘From file’button, select theimage, and the result will be shown in the‘QR Code text’field. From there, you can copy any information that you want.

Scan a QR Code on Mac

To scan the QR code on macOS, you can download the QR Capture app from the Mac App Store. After that, open theQR imagethat you want to scan and then launch theapp. Next, position the phone frame on top of theQR codeand click on theShutter button(Camera icon).

Download:QR Capture

After that, a new pop-up window will appear displaying all the information related to your scanned QR code.

Bonus: Scan QR Code Online (All Devices)

If you prefer not to download any app for scanning a QR code, you’re able to use an online tool instead. But be careful, if your QR code has important info, it’s better not to use this method as your data might be saved on other servers. Now that we’ve addressed the main issue, here’s how you can read a QR code online:

Open theWeb QRwebsite on your mobile or desktop browser. Next, tap thecameraicon and select the file by clicking the‘Choose file’button. After that, all the information will be displayed in the bottom box.

Open the QR code on Samsung Galaxy

Easily Scan a QR Code From an Image

Not all QR Codes just contain web links. If the QR Code you can redirects to something else, it may not open on your phone. Also, some app-specific QR codes work seamlessly within those apps only. For example, WhatsApp Web’s QR code works fine with just WhatsApp and will struggle with other QR code reader apps.

Ravi Teja KNTS

Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.

How to Scan a QR Code From Picture on a Phone and Computer