How to Scan a QR Code on a Laptop Screen

Do you want to know how to scan a QR code displayed on your laptop or PC screen? All you need is a modern smartphone or a QR code scanning app. If you want to scan a QR code directly with your laptop, that is also possible.

Before starting to scan QR codes, it's important to understand how they work. Developed in 1994 by engineer Masahiro Hara from Denso Wave, QR codes are an improved version of barcodes, primarily used in Japanese stores. This two-dimensional barcode has a larger memory capacity, allowing the inclusion of kanji and kana characters alongside alphanumeric symbols. Thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, improved Internet access, and the emergence of QR code generation software, QR codes have become widely used in various industries worldwide.

Today, QR codes are actively used to disseminate digital information by various professionals: marketers, retailers, manufacturers, educators, healthcare providers, restaurateurs, business owners, and government agencies. One of the main advantages of QR code technology is its accessibility on both smartphones and laptops. Below, you will learn how to scan a QR code on a laptop.

How to Scan a QR Code on a Screen Using Android

Scanning QR Codes with Android:

Android 7 and Below

Smartphones with Android 7 and below do not have a built-in QR code scanner, so you will need to download and install a third-party QR code scanning app. Ensure the chosen app is compatible with your version of Android.

Android 8 and Above

Smartphones with Android Oreo, Pie, and newer versions have a built-in QR code scanning feature in the camera app, eliminating the need for third-party apps. To scan a QR code on a laptop or PC screen:

1. Open the camera app.
2. Point the camera at the QR code.
3. Once the QR code is recognized, a link will appear on the screen.
4. Tap the link to go to the target page or embedded website.

You can also activate the Google Lens feature for enhanced image recognition and QR code scanning.

How to Scan a QR Code on a Laptop Screen Using iOS

When scanning QR codes with iOS devices, you also need to consider the iOS version. Devices with iOS 11 and above have a built-in QR code scanning feature.

iOS 11 and Above

To scan a QR code using an iPhone running iOS 11 and above:

1. Open the camera app and ensure the rear camera is active.
2. Point the camera at the QR code and wait for a pop-up banner to appear.
3. Tap the banner to open the QR code content in Safari.

Older Versions of iOS

To scan a QR code on devices running iOS versions below 11:

1. Download a QR code scanning app from the App Store.
2. Grant the necessary permissions to the app.
3. Open the app and point the camera at the QR code.
4. Tap the pop-up link that appears to access the content in Safari.

As you can see, scanning a QR code is not a problem, so you can easily create an electronic business card with a QR code and place it on your website.