How to Scan a QR Code from Photo Gallery

Did you know you can directly scan a QR code from a photo gallery?

Modern technologies today have made it possible to decode QR codes straight from a picture saved on your phone.

You no longer have to print a QR code to scan it. And you no longer need to use multiple devices; another phone or monitor to show the QR code’s image and the other to scan it.

After creating a QR code using the best QR code generator, you can simply save it as an image and then share it with others so they can save it on their devices, too.

Read on to learn how to scan a QR code from a picture or photo gallery on an iPhone or Android in the easiest way.

Scan QR codes from your iPhone photo gallery

You can use your iPhone’s built-in camera app to decode the data within a QR code image. iOS 11 and later versions surely have this built-in scanner feature.

If you have any saved in your iPhone device, here’s how you can open the QR code from the image gallery and scan them:

1. Find the Camera app on your home screen and tap to open it.
2. Swipe left on the Camera app to access the Photo Library.
3. Select the QR code image.
4. Press the QR code image, and a popup will appear.
5. Tap the popup to open the link.

Here's another cool and convenient method: 

1. Locate the QR code image on your gallery.
2. Long press the image.
3. Tap the popup to access the link.

Scan a QR code from your Android’s image gallery

There are actually three ways to scan a QR code stored in the image gallery on Android devices: through the device's built-in QR scanner on the camera app, Google Lens, and the native browser app's QR scanner. To be guided, follow the steps for each method below.

Built-in QR scanner

The latest models of Android devices now come with a built-in QR scanner accessible through the camera app. This allows users to quickly scan QR codes stored in their galleries. Here's how to find it and use it for scanning:

1. Open the camera app.
2. Locate the scanner icon, then tap it to launch.
3. Tap the gallery icon beside the shutter button and select the QR code image you want to scan.

The scanner automatically decodes the QR code and directs you to its content.

If you can't find the scanner on your camera, try this alternative technique:

1. Go to your Device Controls shortcut. You can find this by scrolling down from the top of your screen or by scrolling up from the bottom.
2. Find the QR scanner icon.
3. Press the photo gallery icon, then choose the image of the QR code.

Google Lens

Google’s image-recognition technology makes QR code scanning from your photo gallery app easy on Android devices. You can access this feature through Google Lens.

Here’s how you can scan QR codes from your Android phone’s gallery:

1. Launch the Google Lens app or open your camera and tap the Google Lens icon.
2. Tap the photo icon, and allow access to your photos.
3. Choose the QR code photo from your gallery.
4. A white popup containing the link will appear once the app detects the QR code.
5. Tap it to visit the link; you can also copy its URL or share it.

Browser QR scanner

Some Android device's native browser apps have a QR and barcode scanner on them. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the browser app.
2. Tap the scanner icon on the search bar. It is often placed beside a microphone icon.
3. Press the gallery option and select the QR code image you want to decode.

How to scan QR codes from photos using third-party scanner apps

Most Android and iOS devices today have built-in scanners that are accessible through their camera. But you have to check the camera setting and enable this feature first.

If your device doesn’t have one, don’t worry. There’s still a way for you to do this—a third-party QR code scanner app.

Plenty of code scanner apps exist on the Play Store and App Store, but finding the right one for your device can be challenging and confusing.

You must be keen on choosing the right QR code scanner, as some might harm your device or endanger the data that comes with each scan.

To help you out, here are the top three picks for scanner apps for both Androids and iOS devices:

QR TIGER QR Code Generator | QR Scanner

QR TIGER is a free app available for Android and iOS devices. You can install it on your device from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

It’s highly rated for its user-friendly interface and fast scanning capabilities.

QR TIGER also shows your scan history, including links to QR codes you’ve already scanned, allowing you to revisit the scanned data anytime.

It also has a flash control that helps scan QR codes from pictures in low light.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the app to scan QR codes:

1. Launch the QR TIGER app.
2. Tap the Scan button.
3. Select the Gallery icon. 
4. Choose the QR code image you want to scan.
5. A prompt will appear, usually a link, that shows where the code will take you. Tap the Open Link to go to the website.

The best part of using the QR TIGER app is that you can generate a custom QR code for free on your smartphone. The mobile app offers free QR solutions, including text, URL, and Wi-Fi.

You can save your QR codes directly on your device and share them with your friends hassle-free.

The web-based software application also lets you extract the embedded link on a QR code image. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the website on your mobile device's browser.
2. Choose to create your own QR code with a logo!
3. Under Step 1, tap or upload an image to extract the URL.
4. Locate the QR code image in your device storage.
5. Copy and paste the extracted link on another tab or highlight the link and then click Go on the popup.

QR code & Barcode scanner by TeaCapps

This user-friendly app is fast and easy to use, making it the perfect tool for scanning QR codes from pictures quickly and efficiently. 

To scan a QR code from a photo gallery, open the app and point your camera at the QR code. Make sure to keep it at a sufficient distance, not too close or too far.

The app will automatically scan and display the result without taking photos or pressing any buttons. 

Kaspersky

The Code Scanner by Kaspersky, on the other hand, is a safe and reliable app that lets users quickly and easily scan QR codes while keeping their data safe. 

What’s great about this is it checks the URL detected in the code for potential security threats.

You will receive a warning, but you can still proceed to the link. This feature protects you from malicious links encoded in a QR code.

Why you should use QR TIGER’s QR code scanner app

QR TIGER is a top-rated scanner app that offers a range of features to make the scanning process quick, easy, and secure. 

If you’re looking for a reliable way to scan a QR code Android or iPhone photo gallery, here’s why it’s the best scanner in the market: 

User-friendly

The QR TIGER app's interface is simple and straightforward, making it easy for users of all skill levels to scan QR codes.

Users can start scanning codes with just a few taps without navigating through complex menus or settings.

Advanced features

In addition to basic QR code scanning, QR TIGER offers a range of advanced features that help users get the most out of their scanning experience.

The scanner app also functions as a QR code maker with logo, allowing users to create basic QR code types like a URL QR code or a WiFi QR code.

Fast scanning capabilities

QR TIGER uses advanced scanning technology to quickly and accurately decode QR codes, allowing users to access information without waiting. 

Whether scanning a code from a photo you’ve saved on your device or capturing one in real time, QR TIGER can decode it quickly and efficiently.

Wide compatibility

QR TIGER is available for iOS and Android devices, making it a versatile option for users with different devices. 

Users can easily download and use the QR TIGER code scanner app on their iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or tablet to scan a QR code from a picture.

Safe and secure

When scanning a QR code from an image, it’s essential to make sure that your privacy and security are protected.

QR TIGER has ISO 27001 certification, which guarantees the protection of the user’s data.

Users can feel confident using the app to scan QR codes, knowing their information is secured.

How to create a QR code image

To create your QR code image, simply follow these steps:

1. Go to the QR TIGER homepage and choose a QR code solution.
2. Enter your data, then click Generate QR code.
3. Customize your QR code’s appearance, add a logo or image, and use a frame with a call to action.
4. Run a test scan using your smartphone to check for issues or errors.
5. Download your QR code in PNG format.

If you want to make a QR code that looks professional and high-quality that you can save in your phone’s gallery, you can do so using QR TIGER.

This software offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of QR code solutions for different data types. It also has customization tools for designing your QR code.

What’s great about this generator is its high-definition QR codes. With its PNG format, you can guarantee image quality when you save it on your device.

QR TIGER’s dynamic QR codes: Your best choice

When generating a QR code, choose the one that offers multiple features and can benefit you in many ways—QR TIGER.

It is a trusted QR code software by over 850,000 brands worldwide. It offers 20 QR code solutions and various customization features that you can play around with to produce appealing QR codes.

Other than that, it secures the safety of your data, proven by its IS0-27001 certification and GDPR compliance—following strict international rules on data protection.

For beginner users of QR codes, you have nothing to worry about because QR TIGER’s user-friendly interface will allow you to navigate the site swiftly.

The platform offers two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. The dynamic QR code is a more advanced two-dimensional barcode than the static one. It allows editing, tracking, password protection, expiry, and GPS tracking.

All these features can help you create effective campaigns.

Edit

The edit feature allows users to update and edit the current embedded data in a QR code. It is helpful because users no longer have to generate a QR code again whenever they want to replace the embedded information.

It’s time-saving and, at the same time, convenient.

Here's more: With QR TIGER, you can edit more than just the QR code content.

The platform has added a new feature: Edit QR code design.

Now, you can modify your existing QR code template or QR code design even after you generate it. You can do this on your account dashboard.

Select the dynamic QR and click Settings. Then click Edit QR design. Once changes are made, click the Save button.

Track

Tracking, on the other hand, helps monitor your QR code’s effectiveness. You can track the number of scans on your QR code, the time and date of scanning, the location of scanners, and the devices used to scan the code.

You will get to identify your target market and its demographics through the comprehensive scan data. 

Password protect

The password protection features add another layer of security to your QR code data, making it perfect for sharing confidential files. 

When users scan the code, they must be able to key in the correct password before opening the embedded information. A password-protected QR code will help you ensure that only intended individuals can access your data.

Expiry

The expiry feature allows you to limit the time it takes to access your QR code. You can set an expiry time or date so that your QR code becomes inaccessible after some time. You can also set a maximum number of scans to regulate its accessibility. 

GPS tracking

The GPS feature works in two ways: precise location tracking and geo-fencing.

You can access the exact location of your scanners and set up the parameters for the scannability of your QR code.

Those outside the parameter range of the area you set cannot scan the QR code, ensuring that only specified groups can access your data.

Scan QR codes from a photo gallery easily using QR TIGER

With the right tools, scanning a QR code from photo galleries is an easy process that users can do in just a few steps.

If you plan to implement this strategy in your marketing and promotions, you’ll need software that offers failproof and efficient QR codes.

With the best QR code maker, you can save your QR codes in PNG and SVG formats to guarantee the quality of your QR code when saved as images.

Subscribe to QR TIGER’s freemium plan and create dynamic QR codes without charges.

FAQs

Can I scan a QR code from a photo?

Yes, you can definitely scan any QR code from a picture. You can use QR scanner apps to scan any QR code image. Scanner apps are built to read or decode QR code screenshots or QR code photos.

How do I open a QR code from an image on my iPhone?

To scan a QR code from an image on your iPhone, open the image in the Photos app. Tap the "Live Text" icon (a small rectangle with a circle) and then tap the QR code to access the link.

Can you turn an image into a QR code?

Yes, you can create a QR code for an image using a QR code generator that links to an image URL. This allows users to view or download the image instantly when scanned.

How do I scan a QR code with a screenshot?

To scan a QR code from a screenshot, open the image in your gallery app. Then, tap the share icon and select a QR code scanner, or use Google Lens to detect and read the code.