How to Scan a QR Code from a Photo

Jacob Wilson
How to Scan a QR Code from a Photo

Scanning a QR code from a photo is useful, especially if you have received a QR code via email, social media, or a screenshot. While all tasks involving QR codes are shockingly simple, scanning a photo for a QR code is one of the easiest things to do. 

There are many reasons a person would want to be able to scan a photo for a QR code. Maybe for one reason or another a QR code wasn’t scanning at the time you were near it, but you wanted to get it open later. Perhaps the website the code links to was down at the time, or there was an internet connection problem, or perhaps you just didn’t have the time to look.

In this situation, you already have a photo taken from another time, and there is a QR code inside it that you want to open that you can’t just scan directly with your phone’s camera again. You might think it would be a difficult task to get it to work when you’re not focusing your camera on it at that moment, but there are many quick methods to open it right up.

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Method with Apple OS

If you’re using a modern Apple smartphone that is up to date, then this task couldn’t be any easier. You just need to have the photo on your device and then follow these instructions:

  • Open the Photos app and select the photo containing the QR code.
  • Tap and hold on to the QR code in the photo. A notification should appear with the QR code content or a prompt to open the associated link.
  • Follow the prompt.
  • Tap the notification to access the content linked to the QR code.


If for any reason this doesn’t work on your Apple phone then you may need to update your device. If there are still problems with this method then you can still attempt one of the more universal solutions further down.

Method with Apple OS

Method with Android Phones

Opening a QR code within a photo is only slightly more complicated on Android devices compared to Apple. When you have the photo uploaded to your phone you just need to follow these steps:

  • Open Google Photos and select the photo containing the QR code.
  • Tap the Google Lens icon (usually located at the bottom of the screen). This will activate Google Lens and scan the QR code.
  • Follow the prompt.
  • Google Lens will display the QR code content or provide a link. Tap the link to access the content.


Android phones are not universally the same as Apple products, so there may be differences in how yours functions that could make this method non-functional. If that is the case, there are still other methods you can try.

Method with Android Phones

Google Lens Method

Google Lens is integrated into many Google apps and can be used to scan QR codes from photos. If your phone itself is having trouble and you already have a functioning Google app you can get the QR code open with these instructions:

  • Open Google Photos and select the photo containing the QR code.
  • Tap the Google Lens icon to initiate the scanning process.
  • Google Lens will analyze the photo and provide the content linked to the QR code.

Downloadable App Method

While most people will be able to get a QR code photo to work with built-in functions on their Apple or Android device you may still run into problems. If for any reason the previous two methods are not working then you’re not out of luck, as there are still other methods to try. There are many QR code scanner apps available for both iOS and Android that can scan QR codes from photos. Here’s how to use one:

  • Download a QR code scanner app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Some popular options include:
    • iOS: QR Code Reader by Scan, QR Reader for iPhone
    • Android: QR & Barcode Scanner, QR Code Reader
  • Open the QR code scanner app on your device.
  • Look for an option to scan from photos or gallery. This is usually represented by an image icon or a gallery icon.
  • Select the photo containing the QR code from your photo gallery.
  • The app will automatically scan the QR code and display the content or provide a link.

External QR Code Scanner Method

If your finding problems using apps with your Apple or Android device, or if you don’t wish to download any extra apps onto you device then you may wish to try some external websites. An online QR code scanner can help you scan a photo without downloading anything extra. While there may be slight differences in each website here are some general instructions that should work well for most:

  • Open a web browser on your smartphone or computer.
  • Go to a website that offers QR code scanning services.
  • Use the upload feature to select and upload the photo containing the QR code.
  • The online tool will scan the QR code and display the content or provide a link.

Conclusion

Scanning a QR code from a photo is straightforward with the right tools. Whether you use built-in features on your smartphone, a dedicated QR code scanner app, online tools, or Google Lens, you can easily access the information encoded in a QR code from any image.

If you run into any issues with a single method, then you don’t have to worry about being lost with the numerous other methods available to try. Whatever method ends up working for you they are all fast, easy, and will get you what you need without much thought required.

Thanks to these methods you don’t need to worry about opening a QR code the second you find it. You can take your time getting back around to it, and even if issues arise with the QR code itself you can open it later as long as there is still a link that leads somewhere.

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