QR code scanning
questions, answered.

Use your device camera for printed codes or upload an image file (JPG, PNG, WebP) directly in your browser. TheScanQR decodes the content client-side, runs immediate safety checks, and lets you inspect the destination before opening it. Scan a QR code →

Open your built-in Camera app, Quick Settings, or Google Lens, or open TheScanQR in Chrome and tap 'Use Camera'. For screenshots or saved gallery photos, tap 'Upload Image' to decode the code instantly without a second phone. Full Android guide →

Open the built-in iOS Camera app or Control Center Code Scanner, or visit TheScanQR in Safari and tap 'Use Camera'. For saved photos, use iOS Live Text in the Photos app or upload the screenshot to TheScanQR for link inspection. Full iPhone guide →

Drag and drop any QR image file into TheScanQR or click 'Upload Image' to decode it from your desktop. If your laptop or PC has an active webcam, you can also click 'Use Camera' to scan physical QR codes in real time.

Yes. Simply save or capture the screen containing the QR code, tap 'Upload Image' on TheScanQR, and select the file from your photo library. You never need to point a second phone at your own screen. Full screenshot guide →

Select 'Upload Image' and pick the photo directly from your device gallery or photo roll. TheScanQR decodes the barcode data locally in your browser without requiring a camera feed.

Scanning a QR code is generally safe, but opening unknown destination links carries phishing and malware risks. Protect yourself by inspecting the true hostname before tapping, avoiding unfamiliar URL shorteners, and never entering passwords on links from physical stickers.

Most scanning failures occur due to low lighting, blurred focus, excessive glare, or dirty camera lenses. Ensure the entire square QR matrix is centered, crop out busy background elements, and ensure high contrast between foreground and background.

No. All QR image processing and decoding takes place strictly in your local browser using client-side JavaScript. Your images, camera stream, and decoded data are never transmitted to or stored on our servers.

QR codes can store web URLs, Wi-Fi network credentials, vCard contact cards, plain text notes, geolocation coordinates, email drafts, and payment addresses. TheScanQR recognizes and displays all standardized payloads.

Yes. Because TheScanQR executes locally via client-side JavaScript, decoding an uploaded image works entirely offline. Only visiting an external web destination requires an active internet connection.

No. TheScanQR works directly inside any modern web browser on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux without downloading apps, creating accounts, or granting app store permissions.

No automated tool can provide an absolute security guarantee. TheScanQR inspects protocol security, IP hosts, credentials, and known warning indicators to help you make an informed decision before opening links.

No. The destination preview parses and reconstructs the decoded link components locally without making an HTTP request to the remote server, keeping your IP private until you choose to open it.

TheScanQR accepts JPG, PNG, and WebP image formats up to 10 MB in file size. High-resolution, uncompressed screenshots provide the fastest decoding results.

Scan the code with your phone camera or upload the QR image to TheScanQR to decode the network SSID, security encryption type (WPA/WPA2/WPA3), and network password directly on screen.