Entering into this tech-savvy world, everything is just at a single click. Look around you, everything is so modernized. Gone are the days when you had to turn all stones upside down to just buy a single thing online. Adding to this tech revolution is the rise of QR codes and their accessibility in your daily life. But what is this term QR code? What does it imply?
This little black box has revolutionized the whole marketing industry. In this day and age, QR codes are becoming more and more popular. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as marketing or even accessing information. If you have an Android phone, you may be wondering about How To Scan QR Codes on Android Without an App. In this blog post, we will discuss five easy ways that you can do this!
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What is a QR code?
A data-encoded scannable barcode is known as a QR code. It is encoded because the information is changed into a specific format. The best part? Any form of data can be changed: numeric, alphanumeric, byte, and kanji characters translate into a distinctive two-dimensional arrangement of squares.
The arrangement of those squares is translated back into the original form of the data when an optical scanner passes over them. Obviously, we have not addressed all the intricacies of QR code encoding, this is the gist of it.
Uses of QR codes in modern daily life
The rise of these scannable little boxes comes from their wide variety of applications. QR codes allow you to scan for job opportunities, and avail multiple food and shopping discount vouchers, additions to gaming collections, and music playlists.
The best part? Every company might benefit from QR codes, particularly ones that formerly relied heavily on foot traffic. Particularly in our post-pandemic since they are clean and touchless.
Moreover, because of their wide range of applications, they have now also become a ubiquitous mode of marketing. They have taken over entire campaigns just focusing on scanning the codes.
How To Scan QR Codes on Android Without an App
When most people think about QR codes, they believe that only iOS has a built-in feature of scanning QR codes with the help of a single click on the camera button. This is just not true, android phones also have the same accessibility when it comes to scanning QR codes. Here is how you can scan QR codes on android without any Application.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what model of Android phone you have—whether it’s a more contemporary Samsung or an older OnePlus—scanning QR codes are quick and simple. You can use any of the four ways on your android device without installing an application for the purpose:
- Scanning through the camera
- Scanning through google lens
- Scanning through Bixby vision (certain Samsung phones)
- Scanning through screens
1. Scanning Through Your Camera
QR codes can be scanned directly using the camera app on many androids. If your phone is running Android 9 or later, this will typically be the case. The bulk of smartphones launched recently will run that software version or a subsequent one because it was released in 2018. It is not necessary to take a photo in order to scan a QR code in this manner;
- Simply “Open the mobile phone camera” and “Point the camera at the QR code” for a few seconds which may be 2 to 3 sec.
- A link shows up on the screen if your phone can read QR codes from the camera app.
- If it does not pick the code you have to enable the QR code scanning option from your mobile setting
- You can access the code’s contents by tapping that (such as a website or Google Play Store page).
2. Scan QR codes through Bixby Vision
If you are initially unsuccessful, try positioning the QR code in the center of the frame, making sure it is visible and the phone is firmly in place. Additionally, you’ll need internet connectivity. If this still does not work, your Samsung phone might need an additional feature known as Bixby Vision that needs to be enabled within the camera before scanning.
- Open your “Camera” app.
- Tap on “Bixby Vision“.
- Tap “Allow” if it’s not allowed.
- To access the QR Code scanner, “swipe left“.
- To scan the QR code, point your camera at it.
3. Scan QR Codes through Google Lens
If you don’t want to install an application, Google has a handy little tool you can use. Google Lens is an object identification program that looks for information in an image or camera view. It works with bar codes, QR codes, and any other thing you direct the camera at. The feature, which is a part of your camera app, can perform everything from translating language to identifying a dog breed. Google Lens began as a feature exclusive to Pixel phones but quickly spread to many other Android devices. If you want to use it, you just need to follow the next two steps:
- Tap More > Google Lens after opening your camera. Now, every time you open your camera, you can use the Lens icon.
- Google Assistant can also be used to turn on Google Lens. Tap Google Lens in the bottom right after saying “Ok Google.”
4. Scan QR Code on an Online Platform Browser
Imagine a very interesting discount coupon pops up on your screen and you need to scan a QR code to avail it instantly. What to do then? You can still scan the code. Here is how.
This is as simple as anything. Just follow the following steps in order to scan
- If you are using Google Chrome, open up the full image.
- “Press Long” the QR code and a Menu will pop up regarding google lens.
- Then it will display the link to the product/ service that you are trying to access.
5. Smartphones that actually support Google Lens
As long as your phone is running Android 8 or higher, Google Assistant can also scan QR codes using a program called Google Lens. Simply access Google Assistant (often by saying “Hey, Google” or pressing and holding the home button) to turn this on, then tap the Google Lens symbol. This has a camera lens-like appearance.
When you briefly point Google Lens at the QR code, it will highlight the code and present a link to its contents. Clicking on that will take you to the website or other secret place in the code.
However, it usually requires an internet connection to work, just like any other way of scanning a Q/R code.
Troubleshooting for specific Android or Specific Model
With the popularity of QR codes, multiple solutions are available, including the free QR & Barcode Scanner and the QR Code Reader and Scanner. Simply perform a “QR code scanner” search on the Play Store, and you’ll be provided with practically limitless results.
5 different android versions and scanning techniques
Following is a comprehensive list of android versions and techniques to access QR code scanning on them.
Android 7
QR Code scanning is not supported on Android smartphones running Android 7.0 or earlier.
- To scan the Q/R codes, you can either download an app
- Or utilize Snapchat, Amazon, and Paytm.
Android 9/10
- Android 9 and android 10 have a native feature embedded in the camera.
- Just point to the camera towards the QR code and voila! It is done!
Android 8 (Android OREO)
- Scan the Q/R Codes without an app by using Google Screen Search.
- Simply aim the camera at the QR Code, hold down the Home button for a long time
- Then select “What’s on my screen?” You will be able to access the QR Code URL.
Samsung S10 Series
Users of the Samsung Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+ will soon be able to start scanning QR Codes with their cameras thanks to an OTA update. No longer necessary is a third-party app. How to begin scanning QR Codes as shown below
- Select Camera Settings.
- witch on the “Scan QR Codes” option.
Vivo Mobile
You can utilize Google Lens on your camera if your Vivo smartphone has Android 8 or higher.
- On the Smart Launcher Screen and Notification Panel of some Vivo smartphones, there is an integrated scanner.
Conclusion
Thus, these were some of the methods through which How To Scan QR Codes on Android Without an App can be done without any hassle. Choose the method which you think is more convenient for you and enjoy the experience of scanning QR codes like never before! If you found this blog post helpful, please feel free to share it with your friends and family. Thanks for reading.
Questions Popping Frequently in your mind!
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions that might pop up in your mind while scanning a QR code.
1: Can I scan a QR code with an app?
Yes, you can scan a QR code without an app. However, if you want to generate or create a QR code, you will need an app. There are many different apps available that can generate QR codes. To find one, simply search for “QR code generator” in your favorite app store.
2: What appears on your screen after you scan QR codes?
Whenever you scan a QR code on your screen, a linked pop-up in the front. That link contains the website URL and by clicking, you will get redirected to the website.
3: Do you have to pay for QR codes?
You don’t have to pay for QR codes, but there are some benefits to doing so. Paid QR codes can be trackable, which means you can see how many people are scanning them and where they’re coming from. This can be helpful if you’re using QR codes to promote your business or product. Additionally, paid services often provide customization options, like the ability to change the color or design of your QR code.
4: What is the appropriate distance to scan a QR code?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the appropriate distance to scan a QR code can vary depending on the particular code and scanner being used. However, as a general guideline, it is usually best to hold the scanner close to the code (within a few inches) when scanning. By doing so, you will be more likely to get a successful scan. some times stand within 10 inches of the QR code to scan it and a clear view of the camera is required.
5: How to store a QR code on your phone?
If you want to store a QR code on your phone, there are a few different ways you can do it. One way is to simply take a screenshot of the QR code and save it as an image file.
Another way is to use a QR code reading app which will allow you to save the QR code as text or an image file. Yet another way is to use a dedicated QR code storage app that will let you manage and organize your stored QR codes. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you test the stored QR code to ensure that it can be read correctly.
6; How does a device decode the QR code?
A QR code is decoded by a device that has an imaging sensor, such as a camera, and software that can interpret the images. The software looks for patterns in the image that correspond to the adjoining squares of a QR code. When it finds these patterns, it decodes the information that is encoded in them.
7: Is scanning QR codes risky?
No, there is no inherent risk associated with scanning QR codes. However, if you are not sure of the source of the QR code, it is always best to exercise caution before scanning.
8: Can you scan QR codes available online?
Yes, you can scan QR codes available online with a QR code scanning app on your smartphone or tablet. There are many free QR code scanning apps available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Once you have installed a QR code scanning app on your device, open the app and hold your device’s camera up to the QR code you want to scan. The QR code scanner will automatically detect the code and launch the web page or application associated with that QR code.
9: Is it possible to scan a QR code with a Samsung mobile Camera?
Yes, it is possible to scan a QR code using the camera on a Samsung mobile phone. To do so, simply open the camera app and point it at the QR code. The phone should then be able to recognize the code and provide you with the information that it contains.
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10: If you don’t have a smartphone to read QR codes?
If you don’t have a smartphone to read QR codes, there are a few things you can do. One option is to download a QR code reader app onto your regular cell phone. Another option is to use a QR code reading website. Finally, if you have a smart TV or gaming console, you may be able to download a QR code reader app onto that device.
