Active scanning of QR codes on Android phones began in Japan in 2000. At this time, literally all products, from ordinary packages to food products, began to be marked with a QR code and scanned to obtain information. You can find a recognizable code image on printed products; they are widely used in advertising promos and placed on boxes of discs, films, and software.
This general trend has led to the emergence of special programs for Android smartphones that can be installed on a mobile phone. The application can scan information from a QR code using the built-in camera of the Android gadget. After Japan, the QR code begins its penetration into Asia, Europe, and the USA. Most often, owners of mobile gadgets use such codes.
What is a QR code and how does it work?
It’s time to remember the artist Malevich, because it is the square, almost black, with short lines that represents the code. The dashes encrypt information that can be read by programs. A special algorithm of the installed software on Android scans and decrypts data that can carry a lot of payload. If you need to scan a QR code, you need to launch the program and point the camera lens of your Android phone at the black square of the code.
The process only works if there is a reliable connection to the Internet. On the screen, the owner of an Android smartphone will see a link; you need to click on it and go to the main information, which is encrypted in the square. We will tell you in detail what all this looks like, from which you will receive sufficient information about the use of QR codes.
Method 2: Checking the Camera
The second reason why problems arise with scanning QR codes is the phone camera itself.
- First, make sure that the optical lenses or their protection on the device cover are clean and free of damage in the form of scratches or marks from impacts. Contaminants such as stains or fingerprints can be removed with a degreaser (alcohols, gasoline, acetone), while it is quite difficult to eliminate damage at home and it is better to contact a specialist.
- At the time of writing (July 2022), manufacturers even install camera modules with autofocus in budget devices - this feature is the next thing you need to pay attention to. Make sure that auto focus works correctly - for example, by moving the lens from near to distant objects. In some cases, there may be problems with focusing on objects located nearby - in such a situation, you can try to set it manually.
- It also wouldn’t hurt to check the functionality of the module as a whole - if, when taking a photo, the camera application (built into the firmware, of course) crashes or the system reports various errors such as high temperature, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to scan the code correctly.
Unfortunately, most hardware problems with a smartphone camera cannot be fixed on your own, so if you experience the corresponding symptoms, contact a service center.
How to scan a QR code with an Android phone without third-party software
Many modern gadgets already integrate a mechanism to scan a QR code into the “Camera” program, which is found on every Android smartphone. If your device cannot scan the QR code with its camera, you can install the corresponding application from the Play Market at any time. We suggest using our detailed instructions on how to scan a QR code step by step.
What should be done:
- Launch your smartphone's Camera app
- Place the QR code in front of the camera so that the entire square fits
- The smartphone automatically recognizes the QR code
The software will be able to scan and “pull out” all the necessary information. The link may be followed automatically, or it may prompt you to click or show other encrypted data. As a rule, recognition occurs automatically; less often you will need to press a button (take a photo).
This feature may not work on all phone models.
What to do if it doesn’t scan on Android?
If everything is done, but the scanner does not work, try the following:
- Check on another object, the stroke may be damaged.
- If the previous point also does not work, change the application or update it (if there is an update package).
- Have all the above measures been taken and still not working? Check the camera for damage, dust, etc.
- Update Android.
Sometimes the reason lies in some little things, perhaps one of the installed applications crashes and causes a conflict. In the case of a large number of applications, it is difficult to find out which one is failing. In such a situation, it is easier to save all the data to an external drive and reset the device to factory settings. Many other questions about what a QR code is are described in detail in my other article, so welcome to read.
How to scan a QR code directly from a picture
If you have a saved photo - a QR code, then you can start the process by simply uploading the picture to a special Internet site. We recommend the proven portal qrrd.ru, which does not slow down, loads graphic materials quickly, adequately scans and displays information from the QR code. The resource interface is intuitive and clear. If you decide to choose this option, you need to visit the portal using the above link.
Find the menu area on the site that lists all the site's features. From the list of possible options, you will need the “Scan QR code” section, feel free to click on it.
On the second screen you will see a large “Select files” button. Clicking selects the file to be downloaded. Find the desired graphic file and click on download. The resource makes it possible not only to upload an existing file, but also to take a photo.
After the file is fully downloaded, the recognition process occurs quite quickly. After this, the user will be shown the final result. Everything happens quickly, without causing difficulties. Just a few clicks without any complications.
Method 4: Code Review
It may also happen that the problem is not in the phone, but in the code itself.
- the image should be of sufficient contrast, with boundaries easily visible to the naked eye and the camera;
- printing defects (if the code is on a banner or poster) degrade the reading quality to the point of making it impossible;
- blurring the image or its excessive pixelation also does not contribute to successful scanning;
- The size also matters - if the image with the code is less than one centimeter diagonally, it is unlikely to be scanned correctly;
- rarely, but it still happens that encrypted information is not perceived by the device as it should (for example, a link or text contains special characters) - in such a situation, unfortunately, nothing can be done.
To summarize, we note that in most cases code creators still care about image quality (after all, this is in their own interests), so in practice you can rarely encounter a problematic image.
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How to scan a QR code on Xiaomi, Samsung and Huawei gadgets
The vast majority of branded Android gadgets can boast of having a high-quality QR code scanner built into the system. It’s convenient and almost completely eliminates the need for third-party applications, except as an experiment. Let's talk about the TOP manufacturers in more detail.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi, as usual, is at the forefront of the functionality of Android smartphones. They have a scanner.
To use the scanning application, you need to go to “Tools”. You don’t have to go far, it’s located on the main desktop.
All you need to do is launch the Scanner software. All actions are intuitive, you won’t get confused. Point your camera at the QR code and extract the desired encrypted data to scan. A couple of manipulations and a link to follow will appear in front of you.
Huawei
Android gadgets from this manufacturer, similar to the previous ones, have built-in software for extracting information from a QR code.
Each version of the shell has its own methods:
- for EMUI 9,via Google Assistant
- for EMUI 8, through the additional toolbar at the bottom of the screen
- via smartphone camera
Swipe across the phone screen, next to the search you will find a scanner icon. Click to scan the QR code and it will recognize adequately and quickly.
Samsung
Flagship models on Android have advanced functionality.
On these models there are also several ways to scan the QR code:
- Standard way to decipher the code using the built-in camera
- Using the built-in Google Lens app
- To scan, you can use the Yandex service in the Yandex Browser program.
How to scan a QR code for covid19
During the pandemic associated with the Covid19 virus, for the convenience of identifying antibodies in a person (who has suffered the disease, been vaccinated or has a sufficient level of antibodies), a QR code system was introduced. They are issued and registered on the State Services portal.
To check the validity period of a QR code, just open the State Services application, find the “Services” section and open the “Information on research and immunization results” service.
There is a QR code that you can provide for scanning.
Method 1: Check scanning conditions
The most commonly reported problem occurs due to the inappropriate environment in which the QR code is captured.
- Make sure that the lighting is sufficient - in the twilight, and even more so in the dark, even the cameras of current flagships will not be able to cope with the task. A flash in conditions of insufficient light most often only does harm, especially if the surface with the code is glossy.
- The distance at which the scan is carried out is also important: if it is too large or too small, the system will most likely not be able to recognize the encrypted data. Follow the special square in the shooting application - the QR code must fit completely into it.
- The position of the phone relative to the object also matters: if the latter is at a large angle, you can’t count on a high-quality result, so always try to hold the camera level.
By following the recommendations above, you will be able to scan the code without any problems.
Login using QR code in Yandex
Many services offer so-called alternative login mechanisms, among which QR code login is becoming increasingly popular.
Yandex has such a feature. This will further protect you from possible hacking or phishing. The main thing is to remember to set up two-factor authentication in advance. After all these manipulations, you won’t even need to store passwords, everything is read from the code. It seems fantastic, but these are the capabilities of modern IT technologies.
Why scan a QR code
Everything new and useful in IT goes well with young people who actively use the capabilities of the QR code. Technology is penetrating even in familiar places. Some museums no longer put signs on exhibits in small, unreadable fonts. It is enough to scan the QR code from the exhibit plate and get acquainted with the necessary information on the screen of your Android mobile gadget.
QR codes are actively used by marketers who encrypt extended information about promotions, discounts, and new products into these now familiar squares. The use of codes opens up scope for the implementation of the most daring ideas. The technology of drawn codes has firmly entered the everyday life and work life of a wide range of users.
There are risks when scanning QR codes
Let us remind you that there is such a thing as “attagging”. The point is outrageously simple.
A fake, fake one is applied to the main QR code, which redirects users completely to the wrong place.
This is now a favorite trick of scammers. Transitions usually go to virus-infected applications or sites. Unscrupulous people can even send paid SMS messages from your gadget without your knowledge, and the owner loses hundreds of rubles.
Malicious programs, fortunately, are still more exotic than widespread practice, but you need to be on your guard.
