Yes, You Can Scan a QR Code on Screens—Here’s Exactly How

Don’t have another device to scan QR code on screens? Don’t fret. You can actually do it using the same device and it only requires you a few steps to do it. 

Read on to learn how to do it in different ways across various electronics and discover the best QR code generator and scanner apps to use.

How to scan a QR code on your screen

There are many ways to scan a QR code that appears on your laptop or smartphone screen, PC monitor, and TV. 

The most common method is to use another device, like a smartphone, to read it. 

In case it’s not available, you can scan QR code on screen using the same device it appears on (excluding the TV, as this will require you to have another device to read the code).

How to scan a QR code on a screen using a smartphone

These simple steps will guide you on how to scan a QR code on the screen through your smartphone’s native camera.

1. Open the camera app.

2. Point it toward the QR code on the screen.

3. Wait for the scanner to detect and extract the contents of the code. 

How to scan a QR code on a Windows laptop or PC

Follow these steps to directly scan a QR code from your Windows laptop or PC screen. 

1. Download the QR code image or take a screenshot.

2. Open the camera.

3. Drag and drop the image or search for it in your folders to upload. 

Wait for the app to detect and decode the contents of the QR code.

How to scan a QR code on a Mac device

MacOS doesn’t have a native QR code reader. Aside from relying on your smartphone, you can use a free or online third-party platform to scan a QR code on your device’s screen. 

The most accessible one is the Google Lens or Google’s Search by Image feature available on the browser. 

Here are the steps to scan a QR code online for Mac device users: 

1. Take a screenshot of the QR code or download its image.

2. Open Google Chrome and click the camera icon on the search bar.

3. Drag and drop the QR code image or upload the file. 

Wait for the search engine to decode and extract the contents of the QR code. 

There are also dynamic QR code generator platforms online that are capable of decoding QR codes. Simply upload the images to the web app, and it will extract their contents in seconds.

How to scan a QR code on an iPhone screen

If you’re using an iPhone, you’ve got three tricks up your sleeve to scan the QR code on your iPhone screen.

Method 1: Use the built-in Live Text scanner (iOS 15 and up)

1. Open the Photos app and press the image with the QR code.

2. Wait a second till your iPhone detects the code automatically.

3. You’ll see a small yellow QR code icon pop up on the image.

4. Tap it, and the link or action will appear.

Method 2: Use Control Center's QR code reader

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone (iPhone X and up).

2. Tap the QR code icon (if you've added it to the Control Center).

3. You can now scan a QR code on another device or screen. 

Note: This works for physical screens; use Method 1 for images already on your phone. 

How to scan a QR code on an Android phone screen

Technically, you can't display and scan a QR code at the same time on an Android device, but there are clever workarounds that typically work on other types of devices as well. 

●     Option 1: Use another smartphone or a tablet to read the code.

●     Option 2: Utilize browser-based tools like the Google Lens.

●     Option 3: If it’s available on your device, use its Scan to Circle feature. It literally lets you circle and search without switching out apps.

●     Option 4: Share the QR code with another device, such as your laptop or a monitor, to display the code and scan it using your smartphone.

Best QR code scanner mobile apps to use

If your phone’s built-in camera doesn’t recognize QR codes or want extra features, these dedicated scanner apps can do the job more reliably. They’re available on Android and iOS, and most of them are free.

QR TIGER QR Code Generator and Scanner

This mobile app is a reliable option available on both mobile and web. It supports scanning QR codes, lets you upload images containing QR codes, and works well with custom QR codes on their platform. 

QR TIGER is an advanced QR code generator with logo integration that is practical for users who create and scan codes regularly, especially for business, marketing, or presentations.

Kaspersky QR Scanner

Best for security-conscious users. It scans QR codes and also checks links for threats or phishing before opening—ideal for codes in public or unfamiliar places.

QR Code Scanner by Gamma Play

This is a solid all-around choice for Android users. It handles both QR codes and product barcodes with ease, and its straightforward interface makes it great for quick tasks like checking a price or scanning a code on the fly. 

Scan QR code on screen anytime

Being able to scan a QR code displayed on any screen is simple and just as effective as scanning one in print. 

The key is knowing your options, whether you’re using your default camera, a third-party app, or even sharing between devices. 

Now, whether a QR code pops up during a presentation or flashes across a livestream, you can scan QR codes without overthinking how. 

And if you’re planning to create your own QR codes for digital use, it pays to choose the best QR code generator that prioritizes customization, flexibility, and trackability.