QR Code Scanner
Read QR codes and barcodes from your camera or a saved image — links shown as text first.
Scan a QR Code Safely
A QR code is an opaque link. You cannot see where it goes until something decodes it, which is exactly why they have become a favourite delivery method for phishing — a sticker over a real code on a parking meter or a restaurant table works remarkably well.
This scanner decodes using the browser’s built-in barcode detector and then does the one thing that matters: it shows you the content as text and never navigates anywhere on its own. If the code contains a web address, you see the address, and opening it remains your decision.
Key features
- Camera or image — scan live through the rear camera, or drop in a screenshot or photo of a code.
- Links are never auto-opened — the decoded address is shown as text with a warning, because a QR code is an excellent way to hide a hostile destination.
- More than QR — Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, Code 39 and Data Matrix are recognised too.
- Nothing transmitted — decoding uses a platform API, so no image or camera frame is sent anywhere.
- Camera stops on success — the moment a code is read, the camera is released.
This tool runs entirely inside your browser using native Web APIs. Your files and text are never uploaded to a server, never logged and never shared with third parties.
How to use: QR Code Scanner
- Choose how to scan
Use the camera for a code in front of you, or drop in an image for one you already have. - Frame the code
Fill the frame and hold steady. Scanning stops automatically as soon as a code is found. - Read the content
The decoded text appears in full. If it is a link, check the domain before doing anything with it. - Copy or open it
Copy the text, or open the link explicitly if you are satisfied it is genuine.
Technical specifications
| Processing location | Entirely in your browser — no server round trip |
|---|---|
| Data uploaded | None. Files and text never leave your device |
| Price | Free — no account, no trial, no usage cap |
| Category | Media |
| Works offline | Yes, once the page has loaded |
| Browser support | Chrome 90+, Edge 90+, Firefox 90+, Safari 15+ |
| Interface languages | English, 中文, हिन्दी, Español, العربية |
Frequently asked questions
Why does my browser say scanning is not supported?
Decoding uses the platform BarcodeDetector API, which is available in Chrome and Edge on Android, Windows and ChromeOS but not yet in Safari or Firefox. Where it is missing the tool says so plainly rather than failing silently.
Why does it not just open the link?
Because that is the mechanism attackers rely on. Malicious QR codes work precisely because people scan and tap without reading. Showing the address first is a small friction that defeats most of them.
Is the camera feed sent anywhere?
No. Frames are passed to the browser’s own detector inside the page. Nothing is uploaded, and the camera is released as soon as a code is read or you leave.
Can it read a damaged or partly covered code?
Often yes — QR codes carry error correction that can recover from up to 30% damage depending on the level used. A sharp, well-lit, straight-on image gives the best chance.