How to Scan a QR Code on Android

QR codes are everywhere now — on restaurant menus, product boxes, WiFi boards, websites, and even on TV screens. And if you’re using an Android phone, the good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to scan them. Almost every Android device today comes with built-in QR code scanning features.

If you’ve ever wondered “How do I scan a QR code on my Android phone?”, don’t worry. This guide walks you through the easiest ways to do it — step by step — without confusing terms or extra complications.

1. Scan a QR Code Using Your Android Camera (The Easiest Way)

Most Android phones — Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Pixel, Infinix, Realme — support QR scanning directly through the camera app.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the Camera app on your phone.

  2. Point the camera at the QR code.

  3. Hold your phone steady for a second or two.

  4. A pop-up link or notification will appear on the screen.

  5. Tap the link to open the website, text, contact, or whatever is inside the QR code.

That’s it. No apps, no settings, no hassle.

2. Scan a QR Code Through Quick Settings (Android’s Hidden Shortcut)

Some Android phones include a built-in “Scan QR Code” button inside the pull-down Quick Settings.

To check if you have it:

  1. Swipe down twice from the top of your screen.

  2. Look for options like:

  3. Tap it and scan the code instantly.

If you don’t see it, tap the edit icon (a small pencil) and you might find it hidden in the extra tiles.

3. Scan QR Codes Using Google Lens (Available on Every Android)

Google Lens is installed on almost all Android phones by default, and it’s one of the fastest ways to scan a QR code.

Here’s how you use it:

Through the Camera:

  1. Open the Camera app.

  2. Tap the Lens icon on the screen (usually near the shutter button).

  3. Point to the QR code.

  4. Tap the result that appears.

Through the Google App:

  1. Open the Google app.

  2. Tap the camera icon beside the search bar.

  3. Point at the QR code to scan it.

4. Scan a QR Code Saved as an Image (Screenshot or Gallery)

Got a QR code in your gallery? Someone sent it on WhatsApp? You don’t need to print it — just scan it directly.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Google Photos or Gallery.

  2. Tap the QR code image.

  3. Tap the Lens icon at the bottom.

  4. Google Lens will automatically detect and decode it.

This trick is super helpful when QR codes are shared in chats or emails.

5. If Your Camera Doesn’t Support QR Scanning (Rare Case)

Some older Android phones may not automatically scan QR codes.

In that case, you can:

✔ Use Google Lens
✔ Or turn on QR scanning in Camera Settings

To enable it:

  1. Open the Camera app.

  2. Go to Settings.

  3. Toggle Scan QR Codes ON.

Once enabled, your camera will detect QR codes normally.

Final Thoughts

Scanning a QR code on Android is extremely easy — once you know where to tap. From the camera app to Google Lens to quick settings, Android gives you several ways to scan codes instantly without downloading extra apps.

Whether you’re trying to open a restaurant menu, join a WiFi network, check product details, or visit a website, you can do all of this by simply pointing your phone at the QR code.