What is a QR code and how to scan it

Small images with black squares on a white background are found literally everywhere today. The ubiquitous distribution of QR codes no longer surprises anyone, while many do not understand how to use the technology, what is its convenience, and what opportunities open up to the user. The range of use of tags is expanding every day, various information is encrypted by means of a QR code, from information about a product or service to personal data and payment details. Some services, for example, such as Viber or E-NUM, perform user authorization in this way, so if you are still not informed on this issue and do not use the technology, then now is the time to acquire new knowledge and start putting it into practice.

How to scan a QR code

Contents

What is a QR code and how does it work

The emergence of technology is due to the need to encode large amounts of information for compact storage, ease of transmission of encrypted data and fast reading by devices.

A QR code is a type of matrix (or two-dimensional) barcode. The abbreviation QR in the name stands for “Quick Response”, which means “quick response”. The image contains information about the object to which the link is made. By scanning and recognizing the graphic mark by an image processing device, for example, a camera, in a matter of seconds, you can get the necessary information (up to 7089 digits, 4296 characters, 1817 hieroglyphs or 2953 bytes of a binary code – depending on the encoding, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of a barcode). That is why QR codes are often used on product packaging.

QR Code and Barcode Scanning Process

Scanning a QR code using a smartphone camera, as well as a product barcode with a special scanner.

The technology was developed and first applied in Japan back in the nineties, and initially these tags were intended for use in the automotive industry, since the amount of information often did not fit into one standard barcode, and the use of multiple bar codes instead is ineffective. So the QR code replaced the barcode and gradually went beyond the narrow scope of application. Now the graphic label can contain information of a different nature, which can be read by means of a camera and special software any modern smartphone. Knowing how to use a QR code on Android or iOS, you can use the function for various purposes, including for making payments.

Payment by QR code

You can pay for purchases using the QR code scanner on your smartphone.

Often the content of a QR code is:

  • Link to a web resource.
  • Details for payment transactions.
  • Geodata of the object.
  • A textual description of a product, service, or any other textual information.

After scanning and recognition by the camera, the obtained data can be saved on the device or used for the purpose according to the purpose of the information, for example, in the case of using a link, a website will open located at the address encrypted in the tag.

How to read a QR code

Modern smartphones include the function of automatic scanning and decryption by default, this feature can be implemented with a separate preinstalled application or an option built into the camera of the device. If you find that a feature is not intended to be a standard tool, you can easily download the desired tool from the app store. Let’s take a look at how to scan a QR code on an Android device in both cases.

Scanning QR by smartphone scanner

ATTENTION. Not every mobile device is initially endowed by the manufacturer with the ability to read tags, but the problem is easily solved by installing third-party programs.

How to scan a QR code with a smartphone:

  1. Open a special utility on your mobile device that allows you to read and decrypt the tag (in the case of a built-in function, you can go directly to the camera and use the option).
    Choosing QR Scanning Apps on Google Play
  2. We aim the smartphone camera at the QR code, positioning the device so that the image fits into the designated frames.
    Aiming the camera at a QR code
  3. If the code was not read automatically, we use the touch “shutter button” of the smartphone camera.
  4. We get the information hidden by the QR code, for example, we follow the suggested link, for which the browser will open.
    Connecting to a Wi-Fi network using a QR code
IMPORTANT. When using third-party software for reading at the time of pointing the camera, you need to make sure that the corners of the cipher coincide with the selected corners in the program.

What apps to use to read QR code

For devices based on Android, there is a large amount of software with which you can both read the QR code and generate using the encryption capabilities of the program. For the application to work, the user will need to provide access to the camera.

Variety of QR Code Scanner Apps

To read the code, you need to select the scan option in the program and point the camera at the image of the code. The reader will automatically recognize the encoding and provide the information it contains, offer to open in a browser, or open in a linked application.

QR Code & Barcode Scanner

Bachasoft QR Code & Barcode Scanner

A QR code reader for Android can not only scan a tag and provide information about an object, but also offers ample opportunities for encoding information of a different nature (text, link, contact information, location, etc.). In addition, the reader is able to read the code from the photo stored on the smartphone.

QRbot

QRBot - app for scanning QR codes

One of the best QR code scanners with an interface in Russian. Using the application, you can read various barcode formats on Android, process the received data (open links, add information to contacts, connect to Wi-Fi hotspots, etc.) generate and exchange codes, displaying them on the screen and scanning with another device. You can use a flashlight in low light conditions and zoom for reading from long distances.

Lightning QR Scanner

Lightning QR Scanner on Google Play

A simple and functional scanner and reader of QR codes and barcodes with a Russian interface, providing instant scanning of tags of any format. The app also supports a flashlight and saves the scan history, which allows you to use an already scanned link if the code is no longer at hand.

QR Code Reader

QR Code Reader on Google Play

Universal scanner with instant QR and barcode scanning for Android devices. The application is easy to use despite the fact that the program interface is in English, does not require an Internet connection, supports a flashlight and saves the scan history.

QR Scanner

QR Scanner app on Google Play

Simple and convenient scanner for Android devices, featuring high scanning speed and the ability to read various QR code formats. Using the application, you can scan a code from a photo from an album on a smartphone, the Internet is not required for the program to work, a flashlight is supported.

How to scan a QR code on iPhone

Scanning a tag on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch using a stock camera is as easy as in the case of Android. To read the QR code, do the following:

  1. We open the standard “Camera” application on the home screen, in the control center or on the lock screen.
  2. Select the main camera and hold the device in such a way that the image of the code is located in the viewfinder of the application.
  3. The tag will be recognized automatically and a notification will inform you.
    Automatic QR Code Detection by IPhone Camera
  4. Moving on to the notification to open the item information in the Safari browser (or related app).

By default, the option to scan the QR code with the camera is active, but if the iPhone has been updated to version 11 of iOS or higher, and the ability to read tags is not available, you must activate it in the smartphone settings:

  • Go to the settings, open the “Camera” section.
  • We find here the “Scanning QR codes” parameter and move the slider to the active position.

Through the “Control Center”

Since iOS 12, to scan a QR code, you can select an icon from the quick access menu, where you can pre-add:

  • Go to the device settings and open the “Control Center” section.
  • We select the option “Customize controls”.
  • Find “QR Code Scanner” and click the plus sign next to it to add a widget.

Setting up iPhone to scan QR codes

Now, to read the label, it is enough to do the following:

  • On the locked screen, pull the shutter and select the widget with the image of the QR code, which will open the Camera application.
    Scan QR Code from iPhone Lock Screen
  • When you point the camera at the code, it will be read automatically. A notification appears, through which you can open information about the object.

An alternative option for those users who cannot use the built-in options (iOS below version 11) involves downloading third-party software from the App Store, for example, QR Code Reader, QR Code Reader & QR Scanner, Kaspersky QR Scanner. The principle of operation for such applications is the same, however, in order for them to function, you will need to provide the program with access to use the camera.

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