General
How to scan QR codes
QR codes seem to be everywhere now, from local clubs and product packaging to bus stops and billboards, they’re regularly used to provide us with instant access to information. It’s why the ‘QR’ in QR codes stands for ‘quick response’.
Despite being praised for their convenience, it can sometimes be a struggle to scan QR codes, especially if you have an older phone. So, in this guide we look at how to scan a QR code and what to do when it doesn’t work. We’ve also included a few tips to help you stay safe when being directed to websites via QR codes.
In this article:
- What is a QR code?
- How do QR codes work?
- What you need to scan a QR code
- How to scan a QR code
- What to do if you can’t scan a QR code
- Do QR codes collect your personal information?
- Tips for using QR codes safely
What is a QR code?
QR codes are those square barcodes, usually black and white, that we’ve all become familiar with since they were used to check-in at venues to help track the spread of COVID-19.
QR technology has been around since the 1990s. It was invented by a Japanese car company employee by the name of Masahiro Hara as a way to effectively track auto parts moving through an assembly line.
Today QR codes are used in a much broader sense. Some cafes, restaurants, and pubs use them instead of paper menus so that you can order and even pay without having to line up at the counter. QR codes are also used in eScripts , or electronic prescriptions, as a handy alternative to paper prescriptions to help minimise medication mistakes made by illegible handwriting and to support telehealth appointments.
How do QR codes work?
QR codes work much like the barcodes on products you find at the supermarket that when scanned provide details of the product you’re buying.
Barcodes can only store information along the vertical lines, while QR codes are made up of pixels that store information across horizontal and vertical grids that allow them to hold more information than barcodes.
When scanned, these pixels are translated into readable data such as a URL that directs you to a website, a phone number or other types of text. The main benefit of QR codes is their ability to store large amounts of data in such a small space.
What you need to scan a QR code
First and foremost, to scan a QR code, you need a smartphone with a working camera, and you may or may not need an internet connection depending on what the QR code contains. For example, if the QR code contains simple text such as a user guide or product information, you won’t need internet connection. However, if the QR code contains a web link then you’ll need your mobile data or Wi-Fi to open the web page.
How to scan a QR code
- Open your camera app.
- Point your camera at the QR code as if you’re about to take a picture of it, centre the QR code on your screen and hold for a few seconds.
- Tap on the link or banner that appears on the screen.
For shortcuts on how to access your smartphone’s built-in camera, see our free short courses on using your iPhone camera or Android camera.
What to do if you can’t scan a QR code
Sometimes it can take several attempts before a link appears on your screen – it could be due to something as simple as the way your camera is positioned or something a little more involved like an older operating system. Either way, here are a few things you can try to solve the problem.
Adjust distance and screen brightness
First, start by moving your phone closer to or further away from the QR code so your phone can frame the QR code in the centre of your screen to properly read it. It also works best when your phone is positioned parallel to the QR code (and not tilted). Also, if there’s poor lighting, try increasing the brightness level on your phone screen; find out how you can do this on your iPhone or Android phone.
Clean your camera lens
Keep your camera lens free of smudges, dirt or fingerprint marks by wiping it with a microfibre cloth or something soft that doesn’t scratch the lens. This will help the camera to ‘see’ the QR code clearly.
Enable QR code scanning
QR code scanning is automatically enabled in later smartphone models, but if you’re using an older phone that won’t scan QR codes you may need to enable it in your Settings menu. The instructions below should work for most iPhone and Android phones, if not, you can search for instructions relating to your phone.
Apple iPhones: Go to Settings > Camera > Toggle on Scan QR codes.
Android phones: Open your Camera app > go to the Settings option (look for the cog or pull down on the arrow in the middle of the screen) > Toggle on Scan QR codes (or Google Lens suggestions).
Download a QR Code Reader app
If your camera still isn’t recognising the QR code no matter what you do and you have an older phone, you may need to download a QR code reader app. There are many to choose from so make sure you download one from your phone’s official App Store for Apple phones or Google Play for Android phones and look for QR code reader apps that have a high rating from as many people as possible. For more tips on how to safely download and manage apps, see our course, What is an app?
Do QR codes collect your personal information?
QR codes simply store data, they don’t collect personally identifiable information. They share with the creators of the QR code things like the location of where the QR code was scanned, the number of times it was scanned and whether it was an iPhone or Android device that scanned the code.
Tips for using QR codes safely
While QR codes are a convenient way to access information, it’s important to exercise caution when using them, especially when they direct you to a website.
Scammers can use QR codes to send you to malicious websites that capture your personal information, so it’s best to apply the golden rules of protecting against phishing scams when visiting websites through QR codes. Here are a few tips to help you stay savvy:
- Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Some malicious QR codes can be placed over legitimate ones at places such as parking stations or restaurants, so if you’re ever in doubt, play it safe and skip the scan.
- Don’t provide personal or financial details unless it’s a trusted website. If the website is asking for your login details, play it safe and sign in by entering the organisation’s URL in a trusted browser or visit their official app.
- Read any associated permissions carefully. Is the website asking you to save your credit card details or sign up to receive marketing information? Be cautious of any unnecessary requests.
- Keep your smartphone’s operating system software up to date to ensure you have the latest security updates.