Try the camera app first
On most phones from around Android 9 or 10 onward, the built-in camera reads QR codes. Open it, point at the code, and hold steady. A link or a small pop-up appears on screen. Tap it to open.
Google Pixel phones do this through Google Lens suggestions inside the camera. Samsung Galaxy phones read codes in the camera's Photo mode. If yours doesn't, open the camera's settings and look for an option called something like Scan QR codes, then switch it on. Names and menus vary by manufacturer and software version, so if you can't find it, use one of the routes below.
Use Google Lens
Google Lens is the most reliable fallback because it runs on almost any Android phone with Google services, older ones included. Open it from the Google app, from the camera icon in the home-screen search bar, or as its own app. Point it at the code and tap the link it shows.
The Quick Settings tile
Android 13 and later include a Scan QR code tile. Swipe down from the top of the screen, twice if needed, and look for it. If it's missing, tap the pencil or edit button and drag the tile into your set. It opens a scanner directly, which is handy when your camera app is slow to start.
Samsung phones have their own version of this tile, and Samsung's Bixby Vision and the Samsung Internet browser include scanners as well. Where exactly they sit depends on your One UI version.
Scan a code from a screenshot or photo
When the code is already on your screen, in a text message, email or saved image, take a screenshot and open it in Google Photos. Tap the Lens button below the image and Lens reads the code and shows the link. Samsung's Gallery app can often do the same through Bixby Vision.
When a code won't scan
- Wipe the lens. Phones live in pockets, and a smudge blurs the small squares.
- Move back. Too close and the camera can't focus. Around 15 to 30 cm works for most printed codes.
- Add light. Lens and most camera apps have a flashlight toggle.
- Tilt away from glare on glossy menus, laminated signs and screens.
- Try Lens if the camera app ignores the code completely.
- Suspect the code. A tiny, faded or low-contrast code may fail on every phone.
For WiFi codes, there's one more route. On Android 10 and later, open WiFi settings and tap the QR icon next to Add network to scan a WiFi QR code directly.
Whichever method you use, glance at the link preview before you tap, the same habit our QR code safety guide recommends. And if you're making a code yourself, test it on Android and on an iPhone, using the iPhone scanning steps, before you print.
Frequently asked questions
Does Android have a built-in QR code scanner?
On most recent phones, yes. The camera app usually reads QR codes, and Android 13 and later add a Scan QR code tile in Quick Settings. Google Lens works on nearly every Android phone.
How do I scan a QR code on a Samsung phone?
Open the Camera app in Photo mode and point it at the code. If nothing appears, turn on the QR scanning option in the camera's settings, or use the Quick Settings tile or Bixby Vision.
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot on Android?
Open the screenshot in Google Photos and tap Lens. Lens reads the code and shows the link or action.
Why won't my Android phone scan a QR code?
The camera's QR option may be off, so check its settings or switch to Google Lens. Otherwise clean the lens, add light, move back a little and tilt away from glare.