How to Scan QR Codes from Screenshots

How to Scan QR Codes from Screenshots

QR codes are everywhere, but sometimes you need to scan one from a screenshot rather than pointing your camera at it directly. Whether you've received a QR code in a message, found one online, or saved one for later use, this guide will show you how to scan QR codes from screenshots on any device. First, learn how to take screenshots on iPhone, Android, or desktop.

Method 1: iPhone and iPad Built-in Scanner

iOS devices have built-in QR code scanning from photos since iOS 11. For taking screenshots on iOS devices, see our guides for iPhone and iPad.

Steps:

1. Take a screenshot of the QR code or save the image to your Photos app
2. Open the Photos app and find your screenshot
3. Tap on the screenshot to view it full screen
4. Look for the QR code icon that appears in the bottom right corner
5. Tap the QR code icon to scan and follow the link or action
6. Alternatively, use the Camera app and point it at the screenshot on another device

?? Pro Tip: If the QR code icon doesn't appear, make sure the QR code is clearly visible and not too small in the screenshot.

Method 2: Android Google Lens

Google Lens can scan QR codes from existing photos and screenshots. For taking screenshots on Android devices, see our Android screenshot guide and Samsung-specific guides.

Steps:

1. Open Google Photos or Google Assistant
2. Tap the Google Lens icon (camera with a dot)
3. Select the screenshot containing the QR code
4. Google Lens will automatically detect and scan the QR code
5. Tap on the detected QR code to open the link or perform the action
6. You can also use Google Lens directly from the Camera app

?? Pro Tip: Google Lens works best with clear, high-contrast QR codes. Ensure good lighting when taking the original screenshot.

Method 3: Desktop Browser Extensions

Use browser extensions to scan QR codes from screenshots on your computer.

Steps:

1. Install a QR code scanner extension like "QR Code Reader" or "QR Scanner"
2. Take a screenshot of the QR code or save the image to your computer
3. Click the extension icon in your browser toolbar
4. Upload or drag the screenshot into the extension
5. The extension will decode the QR code and show the result
6. Click the result to open the link or copy the text

?? Pro Tip: Popular extensions include "QR Code Reader" for Chrome and "Offline QR Code Generator" which also reads codes.

Method 4: Online QR Code Scanners

Web-based tools that can scan QR codes from uploaded images.

Steps:

1. Go to an online QR scanner like qr-scanner.org or webqr.com
2. Click "Upload" or "Choose File" button
3. Select your screenshot containing the QR code
4. Wait for the website to process and decode the QR code
5. View the decoded result (URL, text, or other data)
6. Click or copy the result to use it

?? Pro Tip: Be cautious with sensitive QR codes when using online scanners, as your data is uploaded to third-party servers.

Method 5: Dedicated QR Scanner Apps

Specialized apps designed specifically for QR code scanning from images.

Steps:

1. Download a QR scanner app like "QR & Barcode Scanner" or "QR Code Reader"
2. Open the app and look for "Scan from Gallery" or "Import Image" option
3. Select your screenshot from the photo gallery
4. The app will automatically detect and decode the QR code
5. Tap the result to open links or copy text
6. Some apps also offer batch scanning for multiple QR codes

?? Pro Tip: Many QR scanner apps work offline, making them ideal for scanning codes without internet connectivity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

QR code not being detected in screenshot

Solution: Ensure the QR code is clearly visible, not blurry, and has sufficient contrast. Try cropping the image to focus only on the QR code, or increase the image brightness if it's too dark.

Scanner says QR code is damaged or unreadable

Solution: The QR code might be partially obscured or corrupted. Try taking a new screenshot with higher resolution, or use a different scanning method. Some QR codes have error correction that can handle minor damage.

Scanned QR code leads to broken or suspicious links

Solution: Always verify QR code sources before scanning. Malicious QR codes can lead to phishing sites or malware. Use a scanner that shows the URL before opening it, and avoid scanning codes from untrusted sources.

QR code scanner app crashes or won't work

Solution: Try updating the app or using an alternative scanner. Clear the app cache, restart your device, or use the built-in camera app if available. Browser-based scanners are good alternatives.

Conclusion

Scanning QR codes from screenshots is a valuable skill that extends the functionality of QR codes beyond real-time camera scanning. Whether you're using built-in iOS features, Google Lens, browser extensions, or dedicated apps, you can easily decode QR codes from saved images. For more advanced screenshot techniques, explore hidden screenshot features, scrolling screenshots, and capturing streaming services. You can also use our online tools for extracting text from screenshots, editing, and organizing screenshots automatically.