How to scan a QR code on Android

Start with the camera

Open the camera and frame the code. On most Android phones sold since about 2018, the camera recognises QR codes — either natively or through built-in Google Lens integration — and shows a tappable link chip or banner. Hold the phone within roughly 10× the code's width and let it focus.

Android is not one platform: Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola and the rest each skin the camera differently, so exact behaviour varies by device and software version. The routes below cover effectively every phone with Google apps.

Google Lens is the route that always works

If the camera shows nothing, use Google Lens, which decodes QR codes on any Android with Google services. You will find it in at least one of these places:

• a Lens icon inside the camera app,
• the Lens icon in the Google search bar or Google app,
• the standalone Google Lens app.

Point it at the code and tap the result. Lens has been Android's de-facto scanner since 2017–2018, which is why "Android 9 or later" is a safe shorthand for native scanning even though support actually rolled out device by device. More detail on what Lens does with codes — including history and translation quirks — is on the Google Lens scanning page.

The quick settings tile (Android 13 and later)

Android 13 (2022) added a dedicated QR code scanner tile: swipe down to open quick settings and look for "Scan QR code" — if it is not visible, add it with the tile editor (the pencil icon). It opens straight into a full-screen scanner with a torch toggle, which makes it the fastest route once you know it exists. Availability varies slightly by manufacturer, but Pixel and most recent devices ship it.

Samsung phones

Recent Samsung camera apps include a Scan QR codes switch inside the camera settings. If a Galaxy is ignoring a code, open the camera's settings gear and check that switch before assuming anything is broken. Recent One UI versions also carry a QR scanner shortcut in the quick panel.

A code already on the phone

The camera cannot scan its own screen. For a screenshot or saved image, open it in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon, or share the image to Lens from any gallery app. The step-by-step version is on the screenshot scanning page. If you would rather see the decoded text than open the link, upload the image to a browser-based scanner — it decodes locally and shows you the raw contents.

Read the domain before you tap

Android shows the destination before opening it — read it. Codes on parking meters, posters and stickers are the favourite targets for malicious QR overlays, and the whole scam depends on people tapping without looking.

FAQ

Does Android have a built-in QR code scanner?

Yes, effectively. Most phones scan from the camera app directly, every device with Google apps can scan through Google Lens, and Android 13 added a dedicated QR scanner tile in quick settings. No third-party app is needed.

Why is my Android camera not scanning QR codes?

The camera may not have scanning enabled — on Samsung, check the Scan QR codes switch in camera settings. Otherwise use Google Lens, move closer to the code, clean the lens, and avoid glare or a dim screen.

How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot on Android?

Open the screenshot in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon, or share the image to Google Lens from your gallery. Lens decodes the code from the image and offers the link.

Which Android version added the QR scanner tile?

Android 13, released in 2022. Swipe down into quick settings and look for Scan QR code; add the tile with the edit (pencil) button if it is not already there.