QR Code Scanner

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the QR code scanner work?

The scanner uses your device's camera to capture video frames or analyzes uploaded images. It then uses the jsQR JavaScript library to detect and decode QR codes. When a QR code is found in the image, it extracts the encoded data and displays it to you. All processing happens locally in your browser - no data is sent to any server.

Why is my camera not working?

Camera access requires the page to be served over HTTPS (or localhost for development). Make sure you're visiting a secure URL. Also check that your browser has permission to access the camera. If prompted, allow camera access. Some older browsers may not support camera access - try using a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

What types of QR codes can be scanned?

Our scanner supports all standard QR code formats including URLs (websites), plain text, email addresses (mailto:), phone numbers (tel:), SMS links, Wi-Fi credentials (WIFI:), vCard contacts (BEGIN:VCARD), and geographic locations (geo:). Any valid QR code conforming to the ISO/IEC 18004 standard can be decoded.

Can I scan QR codes from images or screenshots?

Yes! Click on "Upload Image" mode and either drag and drop an image file or click "Select File" to browse. The scanner will analyze the image and decode any QR code found. This works with screenshots, photos, and any image containing a QR code. Supports JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP formats.

Is my scan history private?

Absolutely. Your scan history is stored locally in your browser's localStorage and is never sent to any server. It remains on your device and persists between browser sessions. You can clear the history at any time using the "Clear History" button. No one but you has access to your scan history.

How do I switch between front and back cameras?

When the camera is active, click the "Switch Camera" button. This toggles between the front-facing (selfie) camera and the back camera on devices that have multiple cameras. The button only appears after starting the camera and is particularly useful on mobile devices.

What does auto-open URL do?

When enabled, the "Auto-open URL" option automatically opens detected URLs in a new browser tab. This is convenient when scanning multiple website QR codes. If you prefer to review the URL before opening, disable this option. You can always manually open URLs using the "Open URL" button after scanning.

Why is my QR code not being detected?

Ensure good lighting when scanning, hold the camera steady, and make sure the entire QR code is visible in the frame. The QR code should be flat and facing the camera directly. For damaged or partially obscured QR codes, try adjusting the angle or distance. When uploading images, ensure the QR code is clearly visible and not distorted.

Can I use this scanner on mobile devices?

Yes! The scanner is fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices. On phones and tablets, you can use the camera for real-time scanning, and the interface adapts to touch interaction. The scan history and all features work seamlessly on mobile browsers.

Is the QR code scanner free to use?

Yes, the QR Code Scanner is completely free to use with no limitations. There are no ads, no usage limits, and no hidden fees. It's an open-source style tool that works entirely in your browser. You can scan as many QR codes as you need, whenever you need.

About QR Code Scanner

QR Code Scanner is a powerful client-side tool that instantly decodes QR codes using your device camera or uploaded images. It supports all standard QR code formats including URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, Wi-Fi credentials, vCard contacts, and geographic locations. QR codes store information in a grid of black and white modules. When scanned, the scanner detects position patterns in three corners, or upload an image file—the scanner analyzes it and decodes any QR code found. For maximum compatibility, the scanner tries multiple detection strategies: direct scan, inversion attempt, contrast enhancement, and image scaling. The tool automatically detects the QR code type and displays the content appropriately—URLs can be opened directly, phone numbers can be called, Wi-Fi credentials can be used to connect, and contacts can be added to your address book. A scan history is maintained locally in your browser, showing the last 50 scans with timestamps and type detection for easy reference. All QR code scanning happens entirely in your browser—no images or decoded data are sent to servers, ensuring complete privacy. Camera access requires HTTPS or localhost, and works in modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Perfect for quickly accessing information from QR codes on products, business cards, flyers, documents, event tickets, and marketing materials. Scan Wi-Fi QR codes to connect to networks without typing passwords, scan contact QR codes to add people to your address book, open website links from printed materials, decode text from QR codes in documents, and access payment links or cryptocurrency addresses. Use this tool to instantly decode any QR code you encounter—whether via camera scan or image upload—with support for all standard QR code formats.

Unlike many online tools that require account creation or have hidden costs, QR Code Scanner is completely free and requires no signup. Simply open the tool and start using it immediately. Your privacy is our priority - all processing happens locally in your browser, and your data is never stored on our servers.

Whether you're a professional, student, or casual user, QR Code Scanner is designed to be intuitive and efficient. Our tool works seamlessly on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring you can get your tasks done wherever you are.