Method 1. Online scanner (phone and PC)
- Open the QR code scanner.
- Choose an image file, drag it in or paste a screenshot from the clipboard (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V).
- The content appears immediately: a link, text, Wi-Fi details or a contact. A link opens only when you tap it.
Decoding happens in the browser and the image is not uploaded anywhere. The scanner also works inside Telegram.
Method 2. Built-in phone features
- iPhone: open the screenshot in Photos and tap the Live Text icon, or long-press the QR code.
- Android: in the gallery or Google Photos tap “Lens” (Google Lens) and the code is recognised automatically.
Method 3. On a computer
Take a screenshot of the area with the code: Win + Shift + S on Windows, Cmd + Shift + 4 on Mac. Then paste it into the online scanner. If the code is in a PDF, a screenshot of the page works just as well.
If the code is not recognised
- Crop away clutter around the code but leave a white margin (the “quiet zone”) on every side.
- Use a larger image: very small codes (under about 100 pixels across) are hard to read.
- Make sure the code is not covered by glare, text or a logo.
How to avoid “quishing”
Scammers replace QR codes on payment terminals, parking meters and in emails to send people to phishing sites. Before entering a password or card details, check the domain in the address bar. If the link uses a URL shortener or an unfamiliar domain, it is better to stop.
Need to make your own code? Try the QR code and Wi-Fi generator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan a QR code that is on my own phone screen?
Take a screenshot and open it in a QR scanner that reads images — no camera needed. On iPhone you can also long-press the code in the Photos app; on Android, use Google Lens from the gallery.
How can I read a QR code on a computer without a phone?
Copy the image or take a screenshot (Win+Shift+S on Windows, Cmd+Shift+4 on Mac), open an online scanner and paste the picture with Ctrl+V / Cmd+V.
Is it safe to open a link from a QR code?
Not always: scammers stick fake codes on parking meters and restaurant tables. Before opening, check the address — the domain should match what you expect, with no extra letters or unusual endings.