Can you scan a QR code from a picture on your phone?

Answered by Frank Schwing

You can definitely scan a QR code from a picture on your phone using the native Gallery app. Let me guide you through the process on an Android device.

1. Open the Gallery app on your phone. This is where all your saved photos and images are stored.

2. Browse through your albums or folders to find the photo that contains the QR code you want to scan. Once you locate it, tap on it to open the photo in full view.

3. At the bottom of the screen, you should see various icons or options, including one for Google Lens. The Google Lens icon usually looks like a small square with a dot inside. Tap on this icon to proceed with scanning the QR code.

4. Once you tap on the Google Lens icon, your phone’s camera will be activated, and it will start analyzing the photo to detect any QR codes present.

5. Hold your phone steady and ensure that the QR code is within the frame on your screen. Google Lens will automatically recognize the QR code and provide you with the relevant information or action associated with it.

6. Depending on the QR code’s content, you may be redirected to a website, prompted to download an app, or shown contact details, among other possibilities. The results should appear on your screen almost instantly.

7. If needed, you can interact with the scanned QR code by tapping on the provided options or following the suggested actions.

It’s worth mentioning that the accuracy and success of scanning a QR code from a picture may vary depending on factors like the quality of the photo, the size and clarity of the QR code, and the capabilities of your device’s camera and software. Therefore, it’s a good practice to ensure that the photo you want to scan is clear and well-lit for better results.

I personally find this feature quite useful, especially when I come across QR codes in printed materials, such as magazines, posters, or product packaging, which I want to scan without having to launch a separate QR code scanning app.

So, go ahead and give it a try! Open your Gallery app, find the photo with the QR code, tap on the Google Lens icon, and let your phone do the rest.