How to scan a QR code from an image

Can you scan a QR code from a picture or image?

Yes, you can scan a QR Code from a picture or image. This can be a photo displayed on another device or one that’s printed physically on a flyer, poster, card or the like.

Modern smartphones, iPads, and tablets are all designed with innovative built-in cameras equipped with impressive scanning functions.

QR Codes have encoded data stored within them in a two-dimensional black-and-white grid. When you focus your camera on a QR Code, it recognises the distinct pattern of squares and lines and decodes the embedded information.

How to scan a QR code from a photo on iPhone

Scanning QR Codes from images is easy, you just need to know how to do it on your specific device.

Using an iOS device? Just follow these straightforward steps to scan a QR code from a photo on your iPhone:

1. Save the picture or screenshot of the QR code. Save a picture of the QR code to your camera roll or take a screenshot and save to your iPhone’s Photos app.
2. Go to the Photos app and click on the picture of the QR Code. Find the picture of the QR code in your camera roll, then tap on the image to open it in full screen.
3. Long press on the QR Code. A pop-up menu should launch, with options such as Open in Safari or Chrome, Copy Link, Add to Reading List and Share. Just tap Open in Safari  or Open in Chrome to be directed to the linked content.

Read our detailed guide for further tips on how to scan with an iPhone.

How to open a QR code from an image on Android

Android devices like a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy often come with built-in tools you can use for scanning QR codes from an image.

Here are some of the options to try when scanning a QR code in a photo or picture on Android:

1. Using Google Lens

1. Launch Google Lens
2. Choose the QR code picture from the gallery
3. You should see a pop-up once the app recognises the QR Code
4. Hit the link and you’ll be taken to the destination website or content.

2. Through your phone gallery

1. Go directly to your phone gallery and open the picture
2. Click the Google Lens icon located on the top right corner
3. A link should appear once your phone recognises the QR Code.

3. With Samsung’s Bixby vision

1. Take a picture of your QR Code then launch the Gallery app
2. Open the picture of the QR code
3. Click and hold the Bixby Vision icon
4. Select Lens before allowing Bixby Vision to scan the QR Code.
5. Once it’s been scanned, a pop-up link will lead you to the relevant content.

Get more tips on how to scan a QR code on any Android.

How to read a QR code from an image using Adobe Scan

If you’re struggling with your built-in QR code reader, you can also use Adobe Scan to read and scan several types of documents in a flash. This includes QR codes.

Here’s how:

1. Open the app and tap the camera icon
2. Choose Document as the capture mode. It’ll display a QR code icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select any the optional settings you want.
4. Focus the camera on the QR code then look out for the badge that contains the QR code value
5. You can then either tap the badge to open the page associated with the link or you could hit the badge to copy the text and paste it directly into your browser.