Scan a QR code without an app
Phone cameras read QR codes easily, but what about a code in a screenshot, on a web page, in a PDF or in an email on your computer? This scanner decodes QR codes from any image: upload a file, paste a screenshot directly with Ctrl + V (Cmd + V on a Mac), or use your webcam or phone camera for a live scan. Decoding is done in your browser with the open-source jsQR library, served from this site and loaded only when you scan, so the image is never uploaded.
What the result tells you
A QR code is only text, but that text is often in a special format, and the scanner explains common ones:
- Links: shown with an Open button. The full address is displayed first so you can check it.
- Wi-Fi codes: the network name, security type and password are listed, so you can type them on a device that cannot scan.
- Contact cards (vCard): name, phone and email are extracted.
- Email, phone, SMS and map locations: the address, number or coordinates are shown.
Anything else appears as plain text, which you can copy.
Stay safe with QR codes
Criminals sometimes stick fake QR codes over real ones on parking meters, posters and restaurant tables, or send them in emails, a scam known as “quishing”. Before opening a link, read the address: check the domain is the one you expect, watch for misspellings and be wary of shortened links. Never enter passwords or payment details on a page you reached through an unexpected QR code. This scanner never opens links automatically.
Tips when a code will not scan
Make sure the whole code, including its quiet margin, is visible and in focus. Very small codes in large photos are found more easily if you crop the image first. Glare, strong shadows and curved surfaces reduce contrast. Both normal and inverted (light-on-dark) codes are attempted automatically. Damaged codes can often still be read thanks to their built-in error correction, but there are limits.