How To Scan a QR Code and Stay Safe Online

In most cases, QR codes can be scanned with your phone’s camera, but make sure you trust the source of the code to avoid opening malicious links.

Waverly Colville, Author

Kalleigh Lane, Editor

Last updated Apr 5, 2024

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A QR code, or a quick response code, is a square-shaped barcode that can transfer data, such as a web page or contact information, directly to your smartphone or computer. It’s very easy to learn how to scan a QR code, and the best part is that you can scan them directly with your phone camera. No additional app is needed!

But if the QR code is from an unknown source, you’ll want to be cautious. While most are generally safe, scammers can use QR codes to steal sensitive information by downloading malware onto your phone or leading you to a phishing website.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to scan a QR code, what to look out for to stay safe online, and more.

In this article

How to scan a QR code with an iPhone
How to scan a QR code with an Android
How to scan a QR code that’s on your screen
Are QR codes safe?
QR code FAQs
Bottom line

How to scan a QR code with an iPhone

Open the camera app on your iPhone.
Point the camera at the QR code. Your phone should recognize it automatically, but if not, you can also tap the screen of your phone where the QR code is. You can also try moving your phone closer or farther away from the QR code, and make sure you’re in good light.
A yellow notification will appear on your phone screen above or below the QR code.

Tap the yellow notification to visit the linked content.
If your phone still is not scanning it, go to Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes. Make sure that option is enabled.

How to scan a QR code with an Android

Open the camera app on your Android.
Point the camera at the QR code. Your phone should recognize it automatically, but if it doesn’t, you can also tap the screen of your phone where the QR code is. You can also try moving your phone closer or farther away from the QR code.
A notification will appear on your phone screen with the link that the QR code leads to.

Tap the notification to visit the linked content.
If your phone still isn’t scanning it, go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Camera settings > Scan QR codes. Make sure that option is enabled.

How to scan a QR code that’s on your screen

If your QR code is already on your phone, like in your website browser, and therefore you cannot use your camera app to scan it, don’t worry. You can still easily scan the code using the following methods.

Use Google Lens. Screenshot the QR code you want to scan. Download the Google Lens app from Google Play or the App Store, open it, then click the camera icon on the top right side of the screen, and your photo album should appear. Then, select the photo of the QR code and the app should recognize it and give you a link to click where the QR code leads.

Take a screenshot of the QR code. Some smartphones allow you to scan the QR code using an image without the use of an additional app. Simply screenshot the QR code, open it in your camera roll, then click and hold the QR code. A link should pop up.

Download a QR scanning app. There are several free QR code scanners in the App Store or Google Play store you can use. These include NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner, QuickMark Barcode Scanner, QR Code Scanner by Scan, and many others.

Are QR codes safe?

Most of the time, yes, QR codes are safe, especially if you’re scanning one from a reputable source (like a trusted business, restaurant, or friend). But while QR codes themselves can’t directly harm your device, the content they link to may.

There are some instances where QR codes are created by hackers to lead you to unsafe sites. For example:

Bad actors can encode a harmful URL into a QR code, so when you scan it, it can lead you to download malware that puts your personal data at risk.
They can also make QR codes that lead to websites that look legitimate but are actually phishing websites. This means that this website tricks you into entering sensitive information that is then stored and used by them for malicious purposes.

Luckily, there are many ways to avoid these bad QR codes:

Verify the source of the QR code before scanning. Make sure you know the business or person that’s telling you to scan the code. If you see a QR code out in public or don’t know the source, be wary of scanning it.
Use a secure QR code scanning app. Apps like the Kaspersky QR Scanner offer additional features aside from just scanning the code, like checking the QR code source before opening it.
Inspect the QR code. If you see signs of tampering, unusual colors, or anything else that feels off, avoid scanning the code.
Be wary of urgent requests using QR codes. If someone reaches out to you and says you need to scan the QR code urgently, then be wary. They may be trying to use fear to trick you into scanning a bad code that will steal your information.
Stay informed on the latest QR code scams. Follow trusted sources like government websites, news outlets, and cybersecurity sites for any new information on the latest QR tricks that scammers are using.

Stay safe online with the best antivirus software

If you’re concerned about coming across malicious QR codes and other unsafe content online, having an antivirus app installed on your cell phone can provide an extra layer of security even on the go. Here are some of our favorite apps for your phone:

AVG: AVG is a free antivirus app available for both iPhone and Android devices. With it installed on your phone, you’ll get protection against malware, spyware, ransomware, adware, and more.

Get AVG | Read AVG Review
Norton 360: If you’re willing to pay a bit of a premium to make sure your devices are protected, Norton 360 offers a suite of valuable security features, including antivirus and hacking protection.

Get Norton 360 | Read Norton 360 Review
McAfee: McAfee is available for both iPhone and Android devices and comes brimming with online security perks. These include not only antivirus protection, but also a VPN, identity monitoring, and a secure password manager.

Get McAfee | ReadMcAfee Review

QR code FAQs

What’s a QR code?

A QR code, or a quick-response code, is a square-shaped code that leads you directly to a website, contact information, or another site. It allows users to use their camera app to gain direct access to the information, without having to type in a link. QR codes are often used for accessing restaurant menus, business cards for contact information, and sharing links to important websites.

Can I scan a QR code without an app?

Yes, most smartphones have a built-in QR code scanner in the camera app. You won’t need a separate app in most cases, unless you want to be extra careful and scan with a QR reading app with additional safety features. Or, if the QR code is on your phone, you can take a screenshot of the code, view the picture in your gallery, then access the link that way.

Can I scan a QR code on my computer?

Most computers don’t have a built-in webcam to scan a QR code. However, you can use an app or browser extension to read a QR code on your computer. You can also scan the QR code that’s on your computer with your phone, and then transfer the link to your computer.

Bottom line

QR codes are a very convenient way to share information and website links quickly. You can conveniently scan them with your smartphone camera without having to manually type out the link.

However, some scammers try to use QR codes to steal your information. Staying safe online with QR codes means not scanning a code from a source you don’t know or trust. Consider downloading an antivirus app to protect your mobile device.

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Author Details

Waverly Colville

About the Author

Waverly Colville is a journalist and producer based in Brooklyn with over five years of professional experience in cybersecurity writing. She earned her B.J. in Investigative Journalism and a B.A. in International Peace Studies from the University of Missouri.