QR codes have become very present in the daily lives of smartphone users. These codes appear in advertisements, packaging, restaurant menus and even messaging appsserving as a kind of quick shortcut. That’s why it’s so important to know how to scan QR codes.
Whether it’s making a payment via Pix, accessing a cafe’s digital menu or logging into WhatsApp Web, knowing how to read a QR code is increasingly useful. Normally, the cell phone camera is used for this, but It is also possible to read it on a computer.
What is a QR code?
O QR code is the abbreviation for Quick Response (“quick response” in Portuguese); Unlike traditional barcodes, the QR code is represented by a pattern of black and white square modules.
This code was created in 1994, in Japan, by the company Denso Wavewith the initial objective of tracking parts in vehicle production. The inventor was engineer Masahiro Hara, who was looking for a quick and efficient reading method.
When you point a smartphone camera or other reader at a QR code, the device recognizes the pattern and converts it into information such as text, website address, phone number, among others.
Today, QR codes are used in a variety of situations. In Brazil, the popularized the use of QR codes to pay bills and carry out financial transactions instantly. They have also become common in restaurants offering digital menus.
How to scan a QR code
To read a QR code, simply use a device’s camera and point at the code. On more modern smartphones, this functionality is already integrated into the app of the camera: This means that devices can automatically identify a QR code through the camera. However, some devices need specific apps.
In the case of computers, it is necessary to use specific toolswhether using the webcam or online services.
How to scan a QR code on PC
Although the most common way to read QR codes is on your cell phone, it is also possible to do this . But it’s worth mentioning that some newer devices also allow reading via the native camera app on Windows.
If your PC does not have this function, there are several simple alternatives using the webcam or even without using it.
Scan QR codes with your PC webcam:
- On computers with a webcam that have the Windows function integrated, open the camera app and look for the QR code icon or mode;
- Activate code reading mode and point the webcam at the QR code;
- Ready, the content will be recognized and displayed on the screen in seconds.
Online QR code reader in browser:
- ScanQR services allow you to send an image of the QR code or use your computer’s webcam to scan;
- When opening the Scan QR website, grant permission to use the camera or upload the code image;
- The platform will quickly show the QR code information.
Read QR code with browser extension:
Another alternative is to install a code reading extension in your internet browser. For example, the QR Code Reader extension available for Google Chrome adds a button in the browser that can read QR codes. After installing, click on the extension icon and choose the scanning option.
How to scan a QR code on your cell phone
On both Android devices and newer iPhones, most camera apps automatically identify QR codes. Still, there are specific apps for this function, if your cell phone doesn’t have the feature integrated.
Read QR code with smartphone camera:
- Use your cell phone’s default camera app and point it at the QR code;
- If your device offers the function, it will automatically recognize the code;
- Thus, a notification or link will appear on the screen;
- Just tap that link and the content will open.
Google Lens or other apps:
- If your phone’s camera doesn’t have this feature integrated, you can download Google Lens or another app that also scans QR codes;
- After installing the app, open Lens mode and point the camera at the QR code;
- Lens will identify and display the information linked to the code.
How to create a QR Code
In addition to reading QR codes, you can also create your own simply. In many cases, generating a personalized QR code can be useful for quickly sharing information with others.
For that, There are online tools and free applications that enable this creation in just a few steps. For example, there are online services such as QR Code Generator, QR Tiger, GoQR, among others.
The general process for generating a QR code is quite simple:
- First, choose the type of information you want to encode, such as a website URL, text, contact or location;
- Then use the chosen tool to enter the data;
- In a few seconds, it will generate the QR code image, which you can save or print for use.
