How to scan a QR code
- Drop an image that contains a QR code on the box, click to choose a file, or paste an image with Ctrl+V.
- Or press Scan with camera, allow camera access and hold the code in view.
- Read the result. Use Copy to copy the text, or Open link to visit a web address.
- Scan more codes. Results stack up in the list until you clear them.
What the tool can recognise
| Type | Example content |
|---|---|
| Link | https://example.com |
| Wi-Fi | WIFI:T:WPA;S:name;P:password;; |
| Email, phone, SMS | mailto:, tel:, smsto: |
| Location | geo:28.61,77.20 |
| Contact card | BEGIN:VCARD ... END:VCARD |
| Text | Anything else |
Tips
- Use a sharp, well lit picture. Crop out extra background if the code is small.
- Check the address before you open a link from a code you do not know.
- On a phone, the camera option uses the rear camera when it is available.
- A dark code on a light background reads best. Inverted codes also work.
Limits to know about
- Only QR codes are read. Barcodes such as EAN or Code 128 are not supported.
- Heavily blurred, torn or very small codes may fail.
- Camera scanning needs your permission and a secure (https) page. If you deny it, upload an image instead.
- The tool never opens links on its own. Open link is a button you press.
Privacy
Images are decoded in your browser and are not uploaded. Camera video stays on your device and stops when you press Stop camera or leave the page. The page loads a small open-source decoder library from a public CDN (jsDelivr).
Frequently asked questions
Can it scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes. Save or paste the screenshot and the tool reads the code from it.
Why does the camera not start?
The browser may have blocked camera access, or another app may be using the camera. Allow access in the site settings and try again, or upload an image.
Is it safe to open a link from a QR code?
Treat it like any link from a stranger. Read the address first. The tool shows the full text before you choose to open it.
Does it read several codes in one image?
It returns the first code it finds in each image. You can add many images at once.
About this tool
Built by the ToolsRiver team. Tested in Chrome on a desktop computer in November 2026 with generated codes (link, Wi-Fi, text, contact card), an inverted code, a code inside a large photo, a blank image and a non-image file. Live camera scanning on a phone has not been tested yet.