To scan a QR code that is displayed on your phone screen (such as in an email, app, or website), you cannot simply point your camera at it. Instead, here are effective methods to scan a QR code on screen:
Methods to Scan a QR Code on Your Phone Screen
1. Use Circle to Search (Android only, select devices):
- Press and hold the home button or navigation button to activate Circle to Search.
- Circle the QR code on your screen with your finger.
- The feature will scan the code and show the associated information or link
2. Use Google Lens:
- Take a screenshot of the QR code on your screen.
- Open the Google Lens app (or Google Photos with Lens integration).
- Tap the gallery/photo icon in Lens and select the screenshot.
- Google Lens will scan the QR code and display the decoded data or link
3. Use built-in gallery press-and-hold (Android):
- Open the screenshot or image containing the QR code in your gallery.
- Press and hold on the QR code area; some phones will recognize and scan the code automatically, showing a popup with the link or info
4. Use an online QR code scanner:
- Save a screenshot of the QR code.
- Visit a trusted online QR code reader website (e.g., ScanQR.org).
- Upload the screenshot image to the site.
- The site will decode the QR code and show the information or link
5. Use a second device (if available):
- Open the QR code on your phone screen.
- Use another phone’s camera or QR scanner app to scan the code directly from your screen
Summary
Method| How it works| Device Support| Notes
---|---|---|---
Circle to Search| Circle QR code on screen| Select Android devices| Built-in
feature, no extra app needed
Google Lens| Scan screenshot from gallery| Android & iOS| Reliable and widely
available
Gallery press-and-hold| Long-press QR code in gallery| Some Android phones|
Depends on phone manufacturer support
Online QR code scanner| Upload screenshot image to website| Any device with
browser| No app installation needed
Second device scanning| Use another phone to scan screen QR code| Any phone|
Requires access to second device
These methods allow you to scan QR codes displayed on your phone screen without needing to physically point your camera at another device
