Free Online QR Code Scanner - Use Your Camera
Scan a QR code using your device camera directly in the browser. No app download needed.
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How to scan a QR code with your camera
Click Start Camera and allow browser access to your camera when prompted. Hold any QR code steady within the viewfinder brackets on screen. The tool scans continuously and decodes the first valid QR code it detects - no button press required. Once decoded, the result is displayed and you can copy it or open it directly if it is a URL.
On mobile, the rear camera is selected by default since it offers higher resolution and better focusing for close-up scanning. Switch to the front camera using the toggle button if you need to scan a code shown on a separate screen.
Is this QR scanner private?
Completely. Your camera feed is processed entirely within your browser using JavaScript. No video frames are transmitted to any server, no images are stored, and no scan results are logged. You can verify this by checking your browser developer tools and confirming that no network requests are made during scanning.
Tips for faster, more reliable scanning
Good lighting is the single biggest factor in scan speed. Natural light or overhead room lighting works well. Avoid scanning in dim conditions or under a direct light source that creates glare on the code. Hold the QR code at a consistent distance - roughly 15 to 30 centimetres works for most phone cameras. For large QR codes, step back so the entire code and its quiet zone are visible within the frame.
What can a QR code contain?
QR codes can encode any text string up to a few thousand characters, but most are used to carry specific types of data. The most common are URLs, WiFi network credentials, contact cards in vCard format, plain text messages, phone numbers, email addresses with pre-filled subjects and bodies, SMS messages, WhatsApp chat links, calendar events in iCalendar format, and geographic coordinates. This scanner identifies all of these formats and displays the decoded data exactly as it was encoded.
What to do if camera permission is blocked
If you previously denied camera access, your browser will not ask again automatically. To reset this, look for a camera or lock icon in the browser address bar and click it to change the permission to Allow. In Chrome, you can also go to Settings, Privacy and Security, Site Settings, Camera, and remove the blocked entry for this site. On iOS, open Settings, scroll to your browser, and enable Camera access.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install an app to scan a QR code on desktop?
No. This tool uses your browser's built-in camera API to access your webcam and decode QR codes entirely in the browser. There is nothing to download or install. It works on any device with a camera and a modern browser.
Does this tool work on mobile?
Yes. On mobile devices the tool defaults to your rear camera, which is the best camera for scanning. You can switch to the front camera using the toggle button if needed. The tool works on iOS Safari, Chrome for Android, and other modern mobile browsers.
Is my camera feed sent to a server?
No. Your camera feed never leaves your device. All QR decoding is performed locally in your browser using JavaScript. No video frames, images, or decoded results are sent to any server or stored anywhere.
Why is the camera not working?
The most common reason is that camera permission was denied. Check your browser's address bar for a camera icon and click it to allow access. On mobile, you may need to go to your device Settings and grant camera permission to your browser. Also ensure no other application is currently using the camera.
What types of QR code does this scanner support?
The scanner decodes standard QR codes in all common formats, including URLs, plain text, WiFi credentials, vCard contacts, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS, WhatsApp links, geo-coordinates, and calendar events. It does not decode barcodes such as EAN-13 or Code 128.
What happens when a URL is decoded?
When the decoded content is a URL starting with http:// or https://, it is displayed as a clickable link. You can open it directly from the results panel or copy it to use elsewhere. Always verify that a decoded URL is a site you trust before opening it.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot instead of a live camera feed?
If you have a QR code saved as an image file, use the QR Decoder From Image tool on this site instead. It accepts uploaded images and decodes them without needing a camera.
What if the scanner cannot find my QR code?
Ensure there is adequate lighting and hold the QR code steady within the viewfinder bracket. Avoid glare or shadows on the code. If scanning a screen, increase the display brightness. If the code is printed, make sure it is not crumpled or obscured.
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