QR Code Scanner

A QR code scanner is a device or application for reading and decoding QR codes. In the past, a dedicated barcode reader was needed, but today even a smartphone's standard camera app can read them.

iOS automatically recognizes QR codes with its standard camera app, and Android can also read them with Google Lens or a compatible standard camera. For business use, dedicated handheld scanners are also used.

Can a Smartphone's Standard Camera Read It?

In some cases, codes can be read without installing a dedicated app. On iPhone, the standard camera app in iOS 11 and later automatically recognizes QR codes, and on Android, too, some models support reading through the standard camera or Google Lens. When you hold the camera over the code and tap the link that appears, the link destination opens. On the other hand, for business uses that require continuous scanning or management of the reading history, dedicated apps and dedicated handheld scanners are useful.