How Do I Scan a QR Code Inside My Phone Without Using Another Phone? (2024 Guide)

QR codes have become a ubiquitous part of our digital lives, used for everything from accessing websites to joining Wi-Fi networks. But what if the QR code you need to scan is already on your phone’s screen? Scanning a QR code inside your phone without using another phone might seem like a challenge, but it’s actually quite simple. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, there are several methods available to you. This guide will walk you through the methods on “how do i scan a qr code inside my phone without using another phone?” step by step, making the process easy and straightforward.

How to Scan QR Code Inside Phone Without Using Another Phone?

Previously, you read that both Android and iOS users can scan QR Codes on their phones without using another phone. When you are here, it means you like to know more about these methods, so don’t waste time and follow the below tips based on your phone system.

On Android

Here are four different methods on how to scan a QR code inside your phone without using another phone on an Android device. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your device and the version of Android you’re using.

Method 1: Using a QR Code Reader App

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it. You can usually do this by pressing the power button and volume down button at the same time.
2. Download a QR Code Reader: There are many QR code reader apps available on the Google Play Store. Some popular ones include “QR Code Reader” and “QR & Barcode Scanner”. Download and install one that suits your needs.
3. Open the QR Code Reader App: Once the app is installed, open it. Most of these apps will have a simple interface with a scan option.
4. Select the Screenshot: In the app, look for an option that allows you to select a QR code from your gallery or photos. This option might be in the settings or in the main interface. Select this option and then choose the screenshot you took earlier.
5. Scan the QR Code: The app should then scan the QR code from the screenshot and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 2: Using Google Lens

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Open Google Photos: Google Lens is integrated into Google Photos on most Android phones. Open the Google Photos app and find the screenshot you took.
3. Open Google Lens: Tap on the screenshot to open it, then tap on the Google Lens icon. It usually looks like a square with two dots inside.
4. Scan the QR Code: Google Lens should automatically recognize the QR code and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 3: Using Google Assistant

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Open Google Assistant: Long press the home button or say “Ok Google” to open Google Assistant.
3. Open Google Lens: In the lower right corner of Google Assistant, tap on the Google Lens icon.
4. Select the Screenshot: In Google Lens, tap on the gallery icon and select the screenshot you took.
5. Scan the QR Code: Google Lens should automatically recognize the QR code and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 4: Using a File Manager App

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Download a File Manager App: There are many file manager apps available on the Google Play Store that have a built-in QR code reader. Some popular ones include “FX File Explorer” and “Solid Explorer”. Download and install one that suits your needs.
3. Open the File Manager App: Once the app is installed, open it. Navigate to the location where your screenshot is saved.
4. Open the Screenshot: Tap on the screenshot to open it. Look for an option in the app to scan the QR code. This option might be in the settings, in the main interface, or it might appear when you open the image.
5. Scan the QR Code: The app should then scan the QR code from the screenshot and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

On iPhone

And now, it is the turn of iPhone users who are looking for a way to scan the QR code from an image on their phone. So, let’s not waste time and find the best tricks, such as:

Method 1: Using the Camera App

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it. You can usually do this by pressing the power button and volume up button at the same time.
2. Open the Photos App: Find the screenshot you took in the Photos app.
3. Use the Share Button: Tap on the screenshot to open it, then tap on the Share button. It usually looks like a box with an arrow pointing up.
4. Select ‘Scan QR Code’: In the list of actions, select ‘Scan QR Code’. The iPhone should automatically recognize the QR code and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 2: Using the Control Center

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Open the Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
3. Long Press the QR Code Reader: Find the QR Code Reader in the Control Center and long press it.
4. Select the Screenshot: In the QR Code Reader, tap on the gallery icon and select the screenshot you took.
5. Scan the QR Code: The QR Code Reader should automatically recognize the QR code and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 3: Using Siri Shortcuts

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Download a QR Code Reader Shortcut: There are many QR code reader shortcuts available in the Shortcuts app. Download and install one that suits your needs.
3. Open the Shortcuts App: Once the shortcut is installed, open the Shortcuts app and find the QR code reader shortcut.
4. Run the Shortcut: Tap on the shortcut to run it. It should ask you to select a photo.
5. Select the Screenshot: Choose the screenshot you took earlier.
6. Scan the QR Code: The shortcut should then scan the QR code from the screenshot and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party App

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Download a QR Code Reader App: There are many QR code reader apps available on the App Store. Some popular ones include “QR Code Reader” and “QR & Barcode Scanner”. Download and install one that suits your needs.
3. Open the QR Code Reader App: Once the app is installed, open it. Most of these apps will have a simple interface with a scan option.
4. Select the Screenshot: In the app, look for an option that allows you to select a QR code from your gallery or photos. This option might be in the settings or in the main interface. Select this option and then choose the screenshot you took earlier.
5. Scan the QR Code: The app should then scan the QR code from the screenshot and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Method 5: Using the Notes App

1. Screenshot the QR Code: If the QR code is displayed on your phone, take a screenshot of it.
2. Open the Notes App: Open the Notes app and create a new note.
3. Insert the Screenshot: Tap on the camera icon and select the ‘Photo Library’ option. Choose the screenshot you took earlier.
4. Use the Share Button: Tap on the screenshot inside the note, then tap on the Share button.
5. Select ‘Scan QR Code’: In the list of actions, select ‘Scan QR Code’. The iPhone should automatically recognize the QR code and provide you with the information or link embedded in the QR code.

Also Read: “How to Create a QR Code for a Google Form?”

Conclusion

Scanning a QR code inside your phone without using another phone is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, there are multiple methods available, including using the built-in camera app, control center, Siri Shortcuts, third-party apps, or even the Notes app on an iPhone. These methods involve taking a screenshot of the QR code and using various tools to scan it. By following these steps, you can easily access the information or link embedded in the QR code, enhancing your digital experience.

FAQ

• What does the QR code stand for?

QR is an abbreviation for “Quick Response” because these simple codes are very helpful in storing lots of data and enabling you to access them instantly.

• Can scanning a QR code transfer virus to my smartphone

While it is not so common, some attackers embed malicious URLs and custom malware into a QR code to exfiltrate your mobile data when you scan it.