Free Online QR Code Scanner: Scan with Camera or Gallery
Have a QR code on a printed sign, a screenshot or a photo saved on your phone? AIDocToolHub's free online QR code scanner lets you read it in your browser. Choose the Camera tab for a live scan or Gallery / Screenshot to upload an image and view the decoded content.
Open the free QR code scanner ?
What can an online QR scanner read?
A QR code contains data, such as a web address, a payment link or Wi-Fi connection details. The scanner decodes that data and recognises supported formats so you can copy the result or choose a relevant action. It does not verify that a destination is trustworthy or that a payment recipient is genuine.
The tool can recognise website links, UPI payment links, Wi-Fi details, WhatsApp links, contact cards, phone numbers, email links and plain text. The available action depends on the content of the code and on your device's installed apps.
How to scan a QR code using your mobile camera
- Open QR Scanner in your phone's browser and select Camera.
- Tap Start Camera and allow camera access when the browser asks.
- Point the camera at the code. Keep the whole QR code, including its clear border, inside the preview.
- Hold the phone steady and adjust the distance until the code is sharp. Avoid glare from glossy paper or another screen.
- Read the decoded result before opening a link or choosing a payment action.
- Tap Stop Camera when you finish. Use Scan again for another code.
Live camera access needs a secure browser context, normally HTTPS. A local development address using a computer's network IP over HTTP may open the page but still lack live-camera access on a phone. Use Gallery scanning when live video is unavailable.
Scan a QR code from a gallery photo or screenshot
This is useful when the QR code is already on the same phone you are using. You do not need a second device to display it.
- Save a clear screenshot or photo containing the QR code.
- Open the scanner and select Gallery / Screenshot.
- Tap the upload area and choose the image from your device.
- Review the image preview and the decoded result. Copy the text or use an available action after checking it.
On a desktop, the upload area also supports drag and drop, and image paste is available through the clipboard where supported. If decoding fails, try the original image rather than a heavily compressed copy. The tool limits uploads to 25 MB and images to 24 megapixels; reduce an oversized image while keeping the code sharp.
Understand the decoded result before taking action
- Website QR: Inspect the full address. Check the domain before opening a login or payment page.
- UPI QR: Check the recipient in your payment app before confirming anything. Scanning a code does not mean a payment has been completed.
- Wi-Fi QR: The code may reveal a network name and password. Copy only what you need and avoid sharing those details unnecessarily.
- Contact card: Review the name, number and email before using the contact information.
- Plain text: Copy the decoded content directly when there is no special action to perform.
Why is my QR code not scanning?
The camera does not start
Check that the page uses HTTPS and that camera access is allowed in browser site settings. Close another app that may be using the camera, then retry. If your device has no camera or access remains unavailable, choose a gallery image instead.
The camera opens, but the QR is not recognised
Move the phone slightly closer or farther away to let it focus. Improve lighting and keep all corners visible. A large logo, faint colours, a damaged code or a missing clear border can make decoding difficult. Torch and camera zoom depend on hardware support, so disabled controls are not necessarily an error.
A screenshot will not decode
Try a sharper source image, avoid cropping the QR edges and remove excessive surrounding content if needed. Enlarging a blurry screenshot cannot restore missing QR detail. For a code on a website, download the original QR image when possible.
Privacy and scan history
The scanner processes camera frames and uploaded images in the browser. Recent scan history is kept in this browser, and Wi-Fi passwords are excluded from saved history. Use Clear on a shared device. Following a decoded link or opening another app is a separate action and can send information to that destination.
Frequently asked questions
Is this online QR scanner free?
Yes. You can use the camera and gallery decoding features without paying to scan a QR code.
Can I scan a QR code saved on the same phone?
Yes. Select Gallery / Screenshot and upload the saved image. You do not need to point the camera at your own screen.
Do I need to install a QR scanner app?
No separate scanner app is needed for this browser tool. Actions such as UPI payments or WhatsApp chats may require a suitable app on your device.
Does scanning a UPI QR automatically send money?
No. The scanner reads the payment link. Any payment is handled separately by your payment app; review the recipient and amount before confirming.
Why are Torch and Camera zoom disabled?
These controls depend on the active camera's capabilities. They become available only when supported by the device and browser.
Can it scan every damaged or decorative QR code?
No scanner can guarantee that. Clear, high-contrast codes with an intact border are easier to decode. Try a better image or request a fresh code if the original is damaged.
Scan your QR code now ? Need to make one? Try the QR code generator or read our UPI QR code guide.