How to scan QR codes on your Android phone or iPhone without using any external app? Today, the use of QR codes is widespread. These are defined as an optical tag that contains information and can be read by a system. Thus, it has become a convenient way to store and distribute specific data.
Thanks to your speed, accessibility, reliability and ease of use, many companies choose to provide their information via QR codes. Hence, the interest of Internet users in learning how to scan this type of code from your smartphone.
Fortunately, on both Android and iOS, there is a way to scan and read QR codes directly, i.e. natively. If you want to learn how to do it, then we present you how. In addition, you will also be able to know some external apps to perform this procedure.
Learn how to scan QR codes on your Android natively
If you’re user of an Android mobile or tablet and you still don’t know what the default method is for scan QR codes Through this operating system, you have reached the right place.
Here, we explain step by step everything you have to do to scan this information with your Android’s camera and natively:
- To get started, go to the home screen of your Android device.
- From there, slide the notification bar towards the bottom.
- Next, you will observe a panel with different options available.
- Among all these options, it is time to locate the one that says “Scan QR code”. If you don’t locate it on the first page, you can swipe from right to left to access the others and search for the option.
- Once the above is done, the Camera app of the terminal or tablet will open and it will show the message “Look for a QR code”.
- Now, you have to focus the camera on the QR code that you want to scan.
- Finally, once the system analyzes the information stored in said code, you will be presented with a link at the bottom and you must click on it to access.
Notably, this procedure may vary depending on the make and model of your Android device. For example, in other cases, users must directly open the Camera app on their device, click on the gear icon to access Settings, look for the option “Scan QR codes” and activate itaccept the permissions and finally, focus on the desired QR to scan it and read it from there.
Learn how to scan QR codes on iOS without using external apps
In the case of iPhone and iPad, it is also very easy and fast to read QR codes nativelywithout having to use any third-party applications.
Indeed, if you are an iOS user and you want to learn how to do this, here we present the procedure to follow in detail:
- Using your device’s home screen, lock screen, or control center, you need to start with find and open the Camera app. Which is easily distinguished by its camera icon.
- Next, you must choose rear camera. So, if the app opens on the selfie or front camera by default, you have to change it.
- next, place the QR code in front of the camera lens and hold your iPhone or iPad there to focus said code.
- At this time, the device will recognize the QR code and automatically, a notification will appear on the screen (Depending on the model of the equipment, it is located at the top or bottom).
- In conclusion, you must press the notification or link that appears thereor failing that, click on “Access”; to see the data associated with the QR code. Whether it is to open a website, download an app, get an image, download a file, etc.
As you will see, compared to Android, this procedure is much more automatic. In view of the fact that the same Camera app is the one that is in charge of detecting, scanning and translating QR codes, without the need to look for a specific option to make use of this OS function.
Are there any benefits of scanning QR with an external app?
In general, the benefits of scanning and reading QR codes through an external application are few. The main reason for this, it is because of the dangers they pose, both for users and for computers. So, really, there are no benefits of using external QR reader apps.
By default, the fact of downloading and installing a third-party app can be synonymous with contaminate your device with a huge stream of malware, as well as, suffer virus attacks on the computer. In many cases, under the guise of a useful application, spy apps can be found that steal information, such as passwords, emails, account or credit card numbers, etc.
In that sense, when it comes to a QR code scanning app specifically, they suffer from vulnerability with dangerous matrices that, in one way or another, manage to seize the equipment. Said attacks usually have guaranteed success with just detecting and scanning the QR. Thus, one of the main risks of using external apps to read such codes, is he and it takes care of redirecting the user to a web page that boldly requests and usurps the confidential information.
Another of the most common threats of this type of mobile applications, refers to qrljacking, which is a risk that consists of the impersonation of an original QR to perpetrate different kinds of attacks. Of course, malware and malicious code are also found in these appswhich allows cyber attackers to transfer the victim to a botnet to filter their data and subscribe to payment services, without their prior consent.
Best external apps to scan QR codes
Even though it is recommended to go for the default method to scan QR i.e. natively on Android or iOS; there are many users who do not have the possibility to do so. This is because they have a mobile device that does not have the function of reading said codes and as a consequence, they must resort to the use of external apps to scan them and take advantage of their assets. Therefore, if you are one of those users, it is essential that you choose to download and install a third-party app that is really reliable and safe.
That is why, here we present 5 alternatives that you can resort to without fear of minimizing your security:
Google Lens
It is a Google app that works as a visual search tool. Beyond this, it has become one of the main alternatives for scan QR codes from an Android mobile or tablet. Given that, in addition to being free and easy to use, it is also fast and reliableBecause it is a utility from the tech giant.
To read QR through Google Lens, you simply have to install its application and run it. When you access it, make sure it is in general search mode, so he proceeds to point the QR code with the camera and automatically, the system will recognize the information contained in it.
FastQR – QR Code Scanner
Through its interface intuitive and easy to use, this app for iOS is one of the best alternatives in the App Store to scan QR codes or barcodes. Since, stores a history that keeps all the information at your fingertips, encrypted and thus it is easy to reuse the data at another time. For added security, it also allows you to delete said history without any problem.
When scanning the QR, simply run the app and then the camera opens automatically to scan. Once the same tool obtains the inserted information, will provide you with a link that allows you to enter the website, phone number, file, social network, images, SMS text messages and more.
Kaspersky QR Scanner
To use a mobile app that protects you when scanning QR codes on your Android or iPhone, we suggest using this tool. It is a utility designed to detect dangerous links, since it is capable of instantly verifying the security of texts, images and linked sites. In this way, it guarantees high protection for its users so that they avoid entering malicious sites or exposing themselves to malware and phishing.
Among other of its main characteristics, we find that it keeps all the information at your fingertips, because the scanned data are saved to the device automatically, in order to easily access links, websites or old images. Additionally, it offers the possibility of scanning QR codes of WiFi networks to define credentials and connect in seconds. It is totally free.
QR Droid Private
To turn your Android smartphone or tablet into a powerful QR code, barcode and data matrix scanning utility without jeopardizing your safety, we also recommend this free app that is available in the Play Store. It is one of the most intuitive alternatives, since its interface is easy to use and is compatible with the vast majority of formats.
Among other features, it is worth noting that, QR Droid Private is able to prevent auto-delete attacks on your terminal, thanks to the fact that USSD codes are never automatically opened. It is also an ideal tool for create and share QR codes in a few seconds, from contacts and installed apps, to maps and bookmarks, for example. Best of all, it does not require an Internet connection.
Kun Wang QR Code Scanner
It is a free, fast and secure QR and bar code reader, which is classified as one of the most suitable solutions for iOS devices. Through the camera of your iPhone or iPad, the application is responsible for detecting and translating the information contained in a QR to start decoding automatically.
Among its best pros, we highlight that It has the function of reading batches, thus, it has the ability to read several QR codes simultaneously to obtain the data from the scans at the same time. It also allows viewing and retrieval of scan history (results are organized by category). Best of all, is that provides 2FA authenticator to guarantee the highest security to its users.
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