How To Scan QR Code From Picture On Phone

Jonathan Palley Sep 2, 2025

QR codes have become an essential part of our daily digital interactions from quick access to websites, making payments, to sharing contact details.

But what if you have a QR code saved as a picture on your phone and want to scan it without printing or showing it physically? No worries!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to easily scan QR codes directly from pictures stored on your phone, whether you use an Android or iPhone.

What Is a QR Code?

A Quick Response (QR) code is a type of barcode that stores data like website URLs, text, or contact information.

These codes can be scanned by a camera or QR code reader to quickly access the embedded information. With their versatility and speed, QR codes have become a popular tool for businesses and individuals alike.

Why Scan a QR Code From a Picture?

You might wonder, why scan a QR code from a picture rather than the physical code? Here are some common situations:

You received a QR code via social media or messaging apps.
You took a screenshot of a QR code for later use.
You have a photo of a printed QR code that you don’t want to print again.
You want to share or verify a QR code without physical access.

Being able to scan QR codes from images saves time and makes QR codes more accessible in a digital world.

How to Scan QR Code From Picture on Your Phone

For Android Users

Most modern Android phones come equipped with Google Lens, which can scan QR codes directly from your photos.

Steps:

Open your Google Photos app.
Select the picture containing the QR code.
Tap the Google Lens icon (usually at the bottom or top of the screen).
Lens will analyze the image and detect the QR code.
Tap on the pop-up link or information to open the associated content.

If your phone doesn’t have Google Lens built-in, you can download dedicated apps like QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner from the Play Store.

For iPhone Users

Apple’s iPhones also support scanning QR codes from pictures with the built-in camera and Photos app.

Method 1: Using Live Text (iOS 15 and later)

Open the Photos app and select the image with the QR code.
Tap and hold on the QR code within the image.
A pop-up will appear with the URL or info encoded in the QR code.
Tap the link to open it.

Method 2: Using the Camera app

While the Camera app is designed to scan QR codes in real time, it does not scan from photos directly. Therefore, the Photos app method is preferred.

If your device is running an older iOS version, or you want more features, apps like QR Code Reader & QR Scanner are great options.

Recommended Apps to Scan QR Codes From Pictures

If your phone’s native tools don’t support scanning from images, these apps are reliable alternatives:

QR & Barcode Scanner (Android): Allows scanning from both camera and gallery images.
QR Code Reader & QR Scanner (iOS): Scans QR codes from photos and live camera.
Google Lens (Android/iOS): Powerful scanning tool that works with photos and camera.

These apps are easy to use and can enhance your QR code scanning experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, scanning a QR code from a picture might not work smoothly. Here are some tips:

Ensure the QR code image is clear and not blurry.
Avoid glare or shadows that can obscure parts of the QR code.
Crop the image closely around the QR code to help the scanner focus.
Try using a different app if the first one fails.

Security Tips When Scanning QR Codes

QR codes can sometimes be used maliciously to lead to phishing websites or malware downloads. To stay safe:

Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
Use apps that check URLs for safety.
Avoid scanning codes sent by unknown contacts or suspicious messages.

Staying vigilant helps protect your data and device.

Conclusion

Scanning QR codes from pictures on your phone is easier than ever thanks to built-in tools like Google Lens and iPhone’s Live Text, plus a variety of apps designed for this purpose.

Whether you want to scan a QR code from a screenshot, photo, or image shared online, these methods will save you time and hassle.

Try out the steps and apps we’ve shared, and unlock the full convenience of QR codes wherever you store them!

Want to learn more? Explore more tips, tools, and innovations with QR codes at QR Codes Unlimited.

Written by

Jonathan Palley

Sep 2, 2025