Scan a QR Code

QR Codes were invented by Denso Wave in 1994. At first, they were used to track vehicle parts during the manufacturing process. Now, QR Codes are a popular marketing tool, allowing users to quickly access websites and other media. A QR Code can contain such things as text, a URL, an SMS or a phone number. This guide will show you how to read them.

Steps

Using a Smartphone

  1. Install a QR Code reader app. Download the app on Download Apps on Android, Install an App on a Blackberry from Blackberry App World, App Store (iOS/iPhone) or Windows Phone Marketplace.
    • Most QR scanning apps are free. Any app that can read barcodes should be able to process QR codes.
  2. Run the app. Your screen will switch to a camera display. Point your camera to a QR Code. Hold your camera steady so that the QR code comes into focus. Try to fill the frame as much as possible with the code to speed up the reading process.
    • You can use a smartphone with a QR reader to scan QR codes off of a computer monitor or other display.
  3. Access the content. Depending on the QR code, you may be directed to a webpage, receive an SMS, or taken to your phone’s marketplace to download an app.
    • Be wary of scanning unknown QR codes. They could send you to malicious websites.
    • Your barcode reader may prompt you before opening the application required for the link in the QR code. Always make sure to check that the application you are launching is related to the QR code you are scanning.
    • You can also scan QR barcodes using a Nintendo 3DS.

Using a PC

  1. Download a QR reader program. There are several programs that are available both for free and for purchase that support reading QR images.
  2. Input the QR code. Some programs will allow you to drag QR image files into the program, or to drag an overlay over your open web browser to highlight a QR code on a website. You may be able to scan QR codes with a webcam as well.
  3. Use a QR barcode scanner. If you will be doing a significant amount of QR scanning, you can purchase a physical barcode scanner gun that plugs into your computer’s USB port. These scanners are much more responsive than using a smartphone or webcam to scan codes.
    • When purchasing a barcode scanner, be sure that it can read 2D barcodes, such as QR codes. 1D barcodes are the traditional barcodes composed of lines. A 1D barcode scanner cannot read QR codes.

Things You'll Need

  • Camera phone or barcode scanner
  • QR Code

Related Articles

  • Create QR Codes with an Android Phone
  • Make a QR Code Stamp through Shapeways.com
  • Scan QR Codes on a 3DS
  • Make a QR Code Stamp Through PrintyStamp.Com
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