QR code scanner
Point your camera at any QR code and see what's inside — a link, WiFi, a contact or plain text — then open it or copy it. It all runs on your device; nothing is uploaded.
Camera
Start the camera and hold a QR code inside the frame to scan it.
Result
The decoded content will appear here as soon as a code is scanned.
Scan a QR code in three steps
No app to download and nothing to sign up for — the scanner runs entirely in your browser.
Start the camera
Tap Start camera and allow camera access. On a phone the rear camera is used automatically; use Flip to switch.
Frame the code
Hold the QR code inside the square. Keep it steady and well lit — the frame turns green the moment it's read.
Open or copy
See exactly what the code contains, then open the link in a new tab or copy the text to use anywhere.
Useful when a QR code is already in the real world
Use the scanner as a quick hand-off check for printed materials, products and customer-facing signs.
Restaurants & cafés
Check a table menu, WiFi sign or review code on the same phone your guests will use.
Products & packaging
Scan the code from the finished box, label or insert before a production run goes out.
Marketing materials
Verify posters, flyers and business cards at their actual size instead of trusting the design file.
How to use the QR code scanner
Open the page, allow camera access and hold the code inside the frame. The scanner reads it in your browser and shows what it contains: a link, text, WiFi details or a contact. Nothing is uploaded, and no result is stored.
A scanner on a computer is useful when you want to check a code before opening it, test your own printed codes, or read a code displayed on another screen.
When to use it
- Hold the code flat and keep it steady for a second.
- Add light and avoid glare on glossy paper.
- If the camera won't start, check the site's camera permission in your browser.
- To read a code from a saved picture instead, use the QR code decoder.
QR scanning, explained
Is the scanner really private?
Yes. The camera feed is processed on your own device and decoded in the browser — no images or frames are ever uploaded to a server.
Do I need to install an app?
No. It works in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. Just allow camera access when prompted.
Why won't my camera start?
Camera access needs a secure connection (https) and your permission. If you blocked it, re-enable the camera for this site in your browser settings, or use the Decoder to read a saved image instead.
Can it read WiFi, contact and other codes?
Yes — it recognises links, WiFi, email, phone, SMS, contact cards, locations and plain text, and labels each one so you know what you're opening.
It's not scanning — what can I do?
Improve the lighting, hold steadier, and move so the whole code sits inside the frame. Very small or low-contrast codes are harder; try moving closer.
More from BestQR
Related tools
- QR code decoder — Read a code from an image
- QR code validator — Check a code is scannable
- QR code health report — Score a code before printing
Make a code
- Website QR code — Send people to any web page.
- WiFi QR code — Let guests join your network in one scan.
- vCard QR code — Share your contact details in one scan.
Need to make a code too?
Create a branded QR code for any link in seconds, then scan it here to check it works.
Make a QR code