Can You Scan a QR Code from a Screenshot?

Yes! If you have saved a QR code as a screenshot on your phone, you can still scan it and access the encoded information.

While most QR code scanners rely on physical scanning through a camera, several built-in tools and apps allow you to scan QR codes from saved images on your device.

This guide will walk you through the best methods to scan a QR code from a screenshot on both iOS and Android devices.

How to Scan a QR Code from a Screenshot on iPhone (iOS)

Apple provides built-in tools that make it easy to scan QR codes from screenshots. Here are the best methods:

1. Using Live Text in the Photos App (iOS 15 and later)

Apple's Live Text feature allows you to recognize and interact with text and QR codes in photos.

Steps:

● Open the Photos app and select the screenshot with the QR code.

● Tap the Live Text icon (a small square with three lines) at the bottom right.

● The QR code will be detected automatically.

● Tap the QR code notification to open the link or action.

2. Using the iPhone Camera App

Even if the QR code is in a screenshot, you can still scan it using your iPhone's camera.

Steps:

● Open the screenshot and display it on your screen.

● Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code.

● A notification will pop up with the QR code's content. Tap to open.

3. Using Third-Party QR Code Scanner Apps

If Live Text doesn't work, you can use a QR code scanner app from the App Store. Popular options include:

● QR Code Reader by TapMedia

● QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play

How to Scan a QR Code from a Screenshot on Android

Android users have multiple ways to scan a QR code from a saved image, with Google Lens being the most effective.

1. Using Google Lens (Recommended)

Google Lens is integrated into many Android devices and Google apps.

Steps:

● Open the Google Photos app and select the screenshot with the QR code.

● Tap the Google Lens icon (a small camera icon).

● Google Lens will scan the QR code and display the link or content.

Alternatively, you can also:

● Open the Google App → Tap the Camera icon → Select the screenshot → Scan.

2. Using the Gallery App (Samsung & Other Android Devices)

Some Android devices, like Samsung, allow QR code scanning directly from the Gallery app.

Steps:

● Open the Gallery app and select the screenshot.

● Tap the Scan QR Code option (available on some Samsung models).

● Follow the prompt to access the content.

3. Using a Third-Party QR Code Scanner App

If Google Lens isn't available, try a free QR scanner app like:

● QR Code Reader by InShot

● QR & Barcode Scanner by QR Scanner & Barcode Reader

Common Issues & Troubleshooting about Scan QR Code

If the QR code is not being detected from a screenshot:

✅ Ensure the image is clear and not distorted.

✅ Increase the brightness of your screen.

✅ Try a different method, like Google Lens or a third-party app.

Scanning a QR code from a screenshot is easy using built-in features like Live Text on iOS or Google Lens on Android. If these methods don't work, third-party QR scanner apps can help.

Need to generate your own QR code? Try our free online QR code generator to create custom QR codes instantly!