Scanning QR codes can be a quick and convenient way to open web links, download apps, add contacts, and more using your Android device.
But what if you only have a screenshot of a QR code saved on your phone and want to scan it?
Luckily, scanning a QR code from a screenshot is easy to do on Android without needing to download any additional apps.
In this complete beginner’s guide, you’ll learn multiple methods to successfully scan a QR code from a screenshot photo on your Android device.
We’ll cover using Google Lens, QR scanner apps, online scanner tools, and more. By the end, you’ll know all the steps needed to easily scan a QR code from your camera roll. Let’s get started!
Prerequisites
Before scanning a QR code from a screenshot, make sure:
• You have an internet connection on your Android device to access online scanner tools or Google Lens.
• You have a screenshot containing the entire QR code saved in your photo gallery. The QR code must be visible and not blurry.
• Your Android device has a rear or front-facing camera to use scanner apps that require direct image capture of codes.
Method 1: Use Google Lens to Scan QR Code Screenshots
One of the fastest ways to scan a QR code from a screenshot is by using Google Lens, Google’s integrated image recognition and machine learning tool.
Here are the easy steps:
- Open the screenshot containing the QR code in your phone’s image gallery.
- Tap on the Google Lens icon visible at the bottom. This automatically analyzes the image using Google Lens.
- If a QR code is detected successfully, you’ll see the text content overlayed. Tap on it to open the link or perform the action embedded in the code.
That’s it! Google Lens does all the heavy work of detecting and scanning the QR code with just a tap.
This method doesn’t require any third-party apps or even an active internet connection.
However, there are some limitations currently:
- Google Lens doesn’t show the actual contents of the QR code directly. You have to tap the detected overlay to take the action.
- It won’t always reliably detect QR codes, especially very small or blurry ones.
If Google Lens fails to recognize your screenshotted QR code, don’t worry.
There are several other reliable methods discussed in this guide. Keep reading!
Method 2: Use Free Online QR Code Scanner Tools
Online QR code scanners provide a quick way to scan codes from screenshots without installing any apps.
They work across all mobile and desktop devices.
Follow these simple instructions:
- Go to any free online QR code scanning site like scanova.io or qrscanner.in
- Tap the option to upload a file or image for scanning.
- Select the screenshot photo containing your QR code from the photo gallery.
- Once uploaded, the online tool will automatically scan the QR code if detected successfully.
- You’ll now see the contents, text, website link, or other information embedded in the QR code.
The major advantage of using online scanner tools is convenience and speed across all devices.
However, your mobile device does need an active internet connection.
Some popular free options include Scanova, QrScanner.in, Zxing.org, and Kaspersky’s QR Scanner.
Keep a few bookmarked so you always have a scanner at hand!
Method 3: Use Free QR Scanner Apps Installed on Your Device
There are hundreds of free QR code reader apps available for Android in the Play Store. Many include the ability to directly scan codes from imported image gallery photos or screenshots.
While Google Lens and online web scanners are very convenient, camera-based scanning on dedicated apps is often more reliable and accurate.
Here are some of the best free QR scanner apps for Android to try out:
QR Code Scanner by Kaspersky
This top-rated, simple app makes it effortlessly easy to scan QR codes from imported screenshots or live camera captures.
Key Features:
- The reliably fast scanning algorithm
- Secure and virus-free
- No app ads
QR Code Reader by Scandit
Scandit’s barcode and QR code scanner app uses advanced machine learning for maximum scan accuracy.
Key Features:
- Imports screenshots from the gallery to scan
- Creates and downloads QR codes
- Syncs scan history across devices
QR Code Reader by Gria
Along with fast QR code scanning capabilities, Gria’s app can also scan barcodes for product information.
Key Features:
- Supports 100+ types of 1D and 2D barcodes
- History of recently scanned codes
- No paid subscriptions or app ads
When selecting a QR scanner app for Android, check the Google Play Store reviews and ratings carefully. Avoid any shady apps that ask for too many unnecessary permissions.
Also, turn off automatic app renewal subscriptions unless expressly needed.
Method 4: Use Bixby Vision QR Code Scanning on Samsung Devices
All current Samsung phones and tablets come preloaded with the company’s own AI assistant, called Bixby.
Along with many other features, Bixby provides integrated image recognition similar to Google Lens via a tool called Bixby Vision.
If you have a Samsung mobile device, follow these quick steps to scan a QR code from screenshots using Bixby Vision:
- Launch the Gallery app and open your QR code screenshot photo
- Now tap the Bixby Vision option shown on top. This analyzes the image.
- Tap on the identified QR code overlay to open the embedded link or content automatically with Bixby Vision.
Compared to Google Lens, test findings show Bixby Vision is often more accurate at identifying QR codes in screenshots.
However, the actual process of scanning and opening the codes is quite similar.
Bixby Vision provides a nice default option for Samsung device owners so you can completely avoid installing any extra scanner apps if desired.
Bonus Tips When Scanning QR Code Screenshots
To maximize your chances of successfully scanning a QR code from a screenshot, remember these handy troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure the entire QR code square is visible inside the image frame without any cropping.
- Try cleaning or enhancing blurred/pixelated screenshots using your Gallery app’s editing tools before scanning.
- When taking your screenshot captures in the future, make sure there is sufficient lighting and the code appears sharp in the preview.
- Hold your device steady for a minimum of 2 seconds when first capturing the screenshot to allow for focus.
- Zoom in on smaller-sized QR codes in screenshots before scanning if your first attempts fail and try again.
- If a web link or contact fails to properly scan from a screenshot, try rescanning the original live code instead for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scanning QR Code Screenshots
Let’s address some common questions people have when trying to scan QR code images on their Androids:
Do I need internet/data connectivity to scan QR codes from screenshots?
Most scan methods like Google Lens, QR reader apps, and Bixby Vision do NOT require an internet connection or mobile data to recognize QR codes once they are installed on your device.
However, online web-based scanners can only work if your device is connected to the internet to upload and process the screenshot images.
Why won’t my QR code screenshot scan properly?
Blurred images, cropped QR codes missing sections, extremely small sizes, and insufficient lighting during capture can prevent reliable identification and scanning even for robust algorithms.
Make sure the screenshot has the entire code visible and try scanning from different angles/distances or enhancing first before determining it cannot be read at all.
Can I edit or increase the contrast of a QR code screenshot to improve scanning results?
Yes, you can edit and adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and even apply sharpening filters to poorly captured QR code screenshots using the built-in Gallery apps of Android before attempting a scan. This can help improve detection rates tremendously.
Conclusion
Learning how to scan QR codes from screenshots on your Android opens up a lot of possibilities. You can easily access codes people send in messaging apps, social media posts, emails, and documents without having to store the sources.
As you saw in this complete step-by-step beginner’s guide, Android offers numerous dependable options to recognize and process QR codes from your existing image gallery using Google Lens, feature-rich scanner apps tailored for mobile, online web tools with convenience, and manufacturer tools like Bixby Vision for Samsung devices.
The ability to reliably scan QR code screenshots continues advancing thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence. With some basic troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to maximize success rates.
We highly recommend bookmarking this guide and sharing it with friends and family who also want to know the various methods to scan QR code screenshots on their Androids with no extra hassle!
