How to Scan QR Codes on Android in 2 Steps

There are at least three ways to scan a QR Code on an Android device: using the phone’s native camera app, through your image gallery (yes!), or using a third-party QR Code scanning app.

Different devices (Samsung, OnePlus, Google) might have different pathways to scan a QR Code, because Android has heavily customized device features. The fix is usually one setting away. In this post, you will find straightforward ways to scan a QR Code that works uniformly across most Android devices.

How to scan a QR Code on Android (2 steps)

Modern Android phones (version 9 and above) scan QR Codes natively. No app download needed.

Method 1: Camera app

• Step 1: Open your device's default Camera app.
• Step 2: Point the camera at the QR Code and hold it steady at 6–10 inches. A link or notification appears at the top or bottom of the screen. Tap it to open the content in your default browser.

Method 2: Google Lens

Google Lens is the backup when the Camera app isn’t able to scan QR Codes. It comes pre-installed on most Android devices.

• Step 1: Open Google Lens. Find it as a standalone app by tapping the colored Lens icon on the right side of the Google Search widget on your home screen, or by opening the Google app and tapping the Lens icon inside the search bar.
• Step 2: Point the Lens viewfinder at the QR Code. Tap the link that appears at the bottom of the screen.

Method 3: Quick Settings tile

Many Android phones include a QR Code scanner tile in the Quick Settings panel, which is accessible without opening any app.

• Step 1: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings.
• Step 2: Look for a Scan QR Code or QR scanner tile. Tap it.
• Step 3: Point the scanner at the QR Code and tap the link.

If the tile isn't visible, tap the pencil or edit icon in the Quick Settings panel, scroll through the available tiles list, and add the scanner tile to the active area.

How to scan a QR Code from a saved image or screenshot on Android

If the QR Code is saved in your phone as an image, pointing your camera at the screen won't work. You need to read the code from the image directly. Google Lens handles this without any extra apps.

Method 1: Via Google Lens directly

• Step 1: Open the Google Lens app.
• Step 2: Tap the image icon (a small square in the viewfinder) to open your gallery.
• Step 3: Select the screenshot or saved image. Lens scans it and surfaces the result.

Method 3: Gallery long-press

• Step 1: Open your default Gallery app and find the image.
• Step 2: Long-press the image.
• Step 3: Tap "Share" or "Open with" from the menu that appears, then select Google Lens.

How to scan a QR Code on your screen with Circle to Search (Android 14+)

Circle to Search lets you scan a QR Code directly from your phone screen (for example, from a video or webpage) without switching apps or taking a screenshot first.

• Step 1: Activate Circle to Search: Long-press the home button if your phone has one. If you use gesture navigation, long-press the thin navigation bar at the very bottom of the screen. An animated border and Google bar will appear at the edges of your screen.
• Step 2: Scan the QR Code: Draw a circle around the QR Code by dragging your finger, keeping it close to the code while including the full pattern. Google reads the QR Code and displays the result, which could be a link, a Wi-Fi join prompt, a contact save prompt, or another action, depending on the code type.

Supported devices: Android 14 devices, with rollout confirmed on Google Pixel 6 and above, Samsung Galaxy S24 series, and select other flagships. Not every Android 14 device supports Circle to Search.

How to scan QR Codes on Android 8 and below

Android 8 or below does not support QR Code scanning from the native camera app. You must download an app to scan the QR Code.

However, if you use an older device, do not worry. We’ve got you covered!

Pick from our list of third-party QR Code scanner apps to scan and view QR Codes on your Android phone. Some of the popular third-party apps that help you scan a QR Code on Android are:

1. TrendMicro’s Safe QR Code Reader (best security)
2. QR and Barcode Reader by Gamma Play (best features)
3. QR Code Reader by TeaCapps
4. QR & Barcode Reader by QR SCAN
5. QR Scanner by Simple Design

QR Code scanner not working on Android? Try these fixes

If your QR Code scanner is not working on Android, the fix is usually straightforward. Most issues come down to a disabled setting, a camera focus issue, or a broken destination URL rather than a fault with the device itself.

• QR Code scanner toggle is off: Open your Camera app, go to Settings, and look for Scan QR codes or QR code suggestions and enable it. Common on Samsung and OnePlus devices.
• Camera is blurry, or code is damaged: Hold your phone 6 to 10 inches from the code and tap to focus. Adjust your angle if the surface is glossy or in direct sunlight.
• Scan works, but the link is broken: The issue is the destination, not your phone. Contact the business that created the code.
• Android 8 or older: Native QR Code scanning is not supported. Install Google Lens or a third-party scanner app instead.