To scan a QR code on Android, open the Camera app and point it at the code, then tap the link that pops up. That works on most Android phones from the last several years — Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi and others. If your camera doesn't react, two built-in backups always work: the Scan QR code tile in Quick Settings and Google Lens. Here's each method, brand by brand, plus fixes for when nothing happens.
Android menus differ a little between brands and versions, so if a button looks slightly different on your phone, look for the same idea.
Method 1: the camera app
- Open the Camera app in normal photo mode.
- Point it at the QR code so the whole square is on screen and hold steady.
- Tap the link, pop-up or chip that appears. Check the address before you open it.
Nothing happens? Your camera may not support QR codes, or the option may be switched off — look in the camera's settings for a QR or “scan” option, or use one of the methods below.
Method 2: the Scan QR code tile in Quick Settings
- Swipe down from the top of the screen (twice, or with two fingers) to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Scan QR code. A scanner opens — point it at the code.
If the tile isn't there, tap the pencil or edit button in Quick Settings and drag the QR scanner tile into your panel.
Method 3: Google Lens
- Open the Google app and tap the Lens (camera) icon in the search bar — many phones also have Lens in the home-screen search bar.
- Point it at the QR code, or pick an image of a code from your gallery.
- Tap the link that Lens finds.
Lens is also the easiest way to read a code from a picture you already have — more on that in how to scan a QR code from a screenshot or picture.
Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com
Brand by brand
Samsung Galaxy
- Camera: open it and point at the code. If it ignores codes, open the camera settings and turn on the QR scanning option.
- Quick Settings: swipe down with two fingers and tap Scan QR code. The scanner also has a gallery button for codes in screenshots or photos.
Google Pixel
- Camera: point the Pixel Camera at the code and tap the suggestion that appears.
- Google Lens: from the home-screen search bar or the Google app.
- Circle to Search: for a code that's already on your screen, long-press the navigation bar or home button and circle it.
Other Android phones
Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo and others mostly read QR codes in the camera app; some put a scanner in the camera's “more” or Lens mode, or in Quick Settings. Google Lens works on all of them.
Android phone won't scan a QR code?
- Whole code in view: all three corner squares and the blank margin around the code must be on screen.
- Distance and light: closer for small codes, farther for posters; add light in dim rooms.
- Clean the lens — fingerprints are the most common cause of “nothing happens”.
- QR scanning switched off: check the camera settings, or use Quick Settings or Lens instead.
- Update Google apps: an outdated Google app or Lens can fail to read codes.
If no phone reads it, the code itself is the issue — see why a QR code won't scan.
Scan safely
Scanning just reads the code; nothing opens until you tap. Check the address in the preview, and be careful with codes on parking meters, payment terminals or unexpected messages. See QR code scams.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I scan a QR code on Android?
- Open the Camera app and point it at the code; tap the link that appears. If your camera doesn't react, use the Scan QR code tile in Quick Settings (swipe down from the top of the screen) or Google Lens in the Google app.
- Does Android have a built-in QR scanner?
- On most phones from the last several years, yes — in the camera app, in Quick Settings, or through Google Lens, which comes with the Google app. Exact menus vary by brand and Android version.
- How do I scan a QR code on a Samsung phone?
- Open the Camera app and point it at the code, or swipe down with two fingers to open Quick Settings and tap Scan QR code. If the camera ignores codes, open the Camera settings and turn on the QR scanning option.
- How do I scan a QR code from a picture on Android?
- Open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens, or open the Google app's Lens and pick the image from your gallery. On Samsung phones the Quick Settings scanner also has a gallery button.
- Why won't my Android phone scan a QR code?
- Make sure the whole code is in view, the lens is clean and there's enough light, and that QR scanning isn't switched off in the camera settings. If the camera still won't read it, Google Lens usually will.
- Do I need to download a QR scanner app on Android?
- Usually not — the camera, Quick Settings tile or Google Lens covers it. If you install one anyway, choose a well-known app from Google Play and check the permissions it asks for.
Bottom line: camera first, then the Quick Settings tile, then Google Lens — one of them works on every Android phone. On another device? See the QR code scanning guide.