Free

Free QR Code Scanner Online

A free QR code scanner: decode QR codes from a photo or straight through your camera — instant, private, no app.

Free tool · No sign-up · Private

Screenshots, photos, and downloads all work. The image never leaves your device.

Private by design. Decoding runs 100% in your browser with jsQR. Your camera feed and images never leave your device.

About this tool

About the QR Code Scanner

A QR code scanner reads the data hidden in those pixel squares — no app install required. Upload a photo containing a QR code or point your device's camera at one, and this free online tool decodes it instantly in your browser, revealing the link, text, Wi-Fi credentials, or contact card inside. It is the fastest way to open a QR link on a desktop, where phone cameras cannot help, or to decode a code from a screenshot someone sent you.

Decoding happens entirely on your device: the image is analyzed locally and nothing is uploaded, so scanning codes with personal or sensitive content stays private. If a code will not scan, try a sharper photo, better lighting, or a tighter crop around the code — damaged or extremely tiny codes defeat every scanner. The decoded text appears ready to copy, and links are shown for you to open deliberately rather than auto-launched.

Formats & limits

What you can scan

Straightforward limits, stated plainly.

Image upload

JPG, PNG, WebP — photos, screenshots, downloads. Images are downscaled for decoding; QR codes don't need megapixels.

Live camera

Uses your device camera with your permission. Works best with the code filling a good part of the frame, steady and glare-free.

QR codes only

This decodes QR codes. Other barcode types (EAN, Code128, Data Matrix) are not supported — upload only QR images.

Privacy

No accounts, no uploads, no tracking of what you scan. The camera stops the moment you leave the camera tab.

How it works

Three steps to decoded

Pick your source

Upload an image containing a QR code, or open the Live camera tab and grant camera permission.

Scan

Uploads decode automatically. With the camera, point at the code and hit “Scan this frame” when it's in view.

Copy the result

The decoded text or link appears instantly. Copy it with one click, or paste a URL straight into your browser.

Use cases

When a scanner helps

Your phone camera app can't do all of these.

Codes in screenshots

A QR code inside a screenshot, PDF, or document your camera can't reach? Upload it and decode without printing.

Desktop scanning

No phone handy — or the code is on your phone's own screen? Scan it on your desktop with the camera tab.

Check before you scan

Suspicious code in an email? Decode it here first to see where the link actually points before opening it.

Copy long URLs

QR-encoded links can be long and typo-prone. Decode once, copy exactly, and paste it where it belongs.

FAQ

QR scanner questions

How do I scan a QR code online?

Two ways: upload a photo or screenshot that contains the code, or switch to the Live camera tab and scan a frame. The decoded text appears instantly with a copy button.

Do I need to install an app?

No. This scanner runs entirely in your web browser — on phones, tablets, and desktops. On mobile, the camera tab works like a built-in scanner app.

The code won't scan. What should I try?

Get closer so the code fills a good part of the frame, hold steady, and make sure it's evenly lit with no glare. Damaged or very tiny codes scan better from a screenshot than a shaky photo — zoom in and screenshot it first.

Is it free?

Yes — unlimited scans, no sign-up, no ads-in-your-face. Decoding runs on your device, so there's no server cost per scan.

Is my scanned data private?

Completely. The image is decoded inside your browser with the jsQR library. Your camera feed and photos are never uploaded, recorded, or stored anywhere.

What can I do with the decoded text?

The decoded text or URL is shown in full with a one-click copy button. If it's a link, paste it into your browser; if it's Wi-Fi credentials or contact info, copy it into the right app.

How do I scan a QR code without installing an app?

Upload a photo of the code or allow camera access on this page — the code decodes instantly in your browser, no app needed.

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