QR code scanner online
Upload or paste a picture of a QR code and see what it contains, and whether the link looks safe, before you open it. Free, with no sign-up. Your picture never leaves your device.
Drop a picture of a QR code here, or paste one with Ctrl+V.
A photo or a screenshot. Your picture stays on your device and is never uploaded.
How it works
- Choose a photo or screenshot of the QR code, or paste one.
- We read the code inside your browser and show you what it holds.
- For links, we show the website name in large letters and flag common warning signs.
- You decide whether to open it. Nothing opens by itself.
Why look before you open?
A QR code is just a picture of text, and you cannot tell what it says by looking. Scammers have placed fake codes over real ones on parking meters, posters and menus. Reading the code first lets you check the real website name before your phone takes you there. Our guide explains how to spot a fake or tampered code.
Making your own? Try the QR code tester to see if it will scan reliably, or the free QR code generator.
Questions
Is this QR code scanner safe?
It only reads the code and shows you what is inside. It never opens the link for you, and your picture stays on your device. You choose whether to open anything it finds.
Does it upload my picture?
No. The picture is read inside your browser. Nothing is sent to our servers.
Can it read a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes. Upload the screenshot or paste it with Ctrl+V. Screenshots are often easier to read than photos of a screen.
Why can't it read my QR code?
The usual causes are a blurry or tilted photo, a code that is cropped or missing its white border, glare, or a code that is too small or low in contrast. Try a straight, sharp, well-lit photo.
What can a QR code contain?
Most hold a web address. Others hold Wi-Fi details, a phone number, an email, a contact card or plain text. This page shows you which kind it found.
How do I know if a QR code link is safe?
Look at the website name shown above, not the page's look. Be careful with link shorteners, addresses that start with http, and anything asking you to sign in or pay. When in doubt, type the real address yourself.
Can I scan with my computer's webcam?
Use the camera button where it is offered. If your browser blocks the camera, upload a picture instead.