How to scan a QR code on a Samsung Galaxy phone

While it used to be a bit of a novelty feature, QR codes became more of a standard after the last pandemic. Now we’re using them everywhere we go, so it’s important to know how to scan a QR code on a Samsung Galaxy phone. If you have a Samsung device, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to show you exactly how it’s done.

By the way, we also have a guide on making QR codes, if you want to play a bit with that. Additionally, we can help you learn how to scan QR codes on any Android device, as well as iPhones. Check them out if you need more help with other devices.

Editor’s note: We used a Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus running Android 12. Keep in mind some steps may differ depending on your hardware and software.

What is a QR code?

QR stands for “Quick Response.” Quick Response codes are square images made of smaller squares and other shapes. These are meant to store information that can be easily and quickly read by smartphones and other devices.

While simple-looking, these little QR codes can do a lot. You can use them to open websites, download files, access an application in the Google Play Store, authenticate login credentials, exchange phone numbers, access a Wi-Fi network, and more. These can actually store up to 4,000 text characters, as well.

How to scan a QR code with a Samsung Galaxy phone

Scanning a QR code has become relatively simple. You can do it straight from the camera app!

Using the stock Samsung Camera app:

1. Launch the Camera app.
2. Point your camera at the QR code.
3. A square will highlight the QR code, and a link will show up right under it. Tap on it.
4. The action the QR code is linked to will execute.

Using the Quick Toggles:

Samsung has also built a QR code scanner into its Quick Toggles, in the notification area.

1. Swipe down to pull out your notification area.
2. Swipe down again to expand the extra options.
3. Find and tap on the Scan QR code action. You can add it by tapping on the + button, if you don’t see it.
4. Point your camera at the QR code.
5. The feature will scan and show the results. Tap on the results to execute the action.

Using Google Lens:

If you’re not a fan of the stock Camera app and want a bit more AR functionality, you can also try other apps. Google’s official Lens app will scan QR codes just fine!

1. Download and install Google Lens from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch Google Lens.
3. Allow all the necessary permissions.
4. Tap on the Search with your camera section.
5. Point your camera at the QR code.
6. The QR code will be highlighted. You can either tap on it or hit the shutter button to execute the QR code action.

How to scan a QR code locally stored on your Samsung phone

Did you save a QR code on your device? Maybe you just want to scan a QR code you found on a website, without actually using the camera. You can also scan a locally-stored QR code.

Using the Quick Toggles:

The stock QR code scanner found in the Quick Toggles also works for scanning locally stored QR codes.

1. Swipe down to pull out your notification area.
2. Swipe down again to expand the extra options.
3. Find and tap on the Scan QR code action. You can add it by tapping on the + button, if you don’t see it.
4. Tap on the Gallery button.
5. Select the QR code you want to scan.
6. Crop the code and hit Done.
7. The feature will scan and show the results. Tap on the results to execute the action.

Using Google Lens:

1. Download and install Google Lens from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch Google Lens.
3. Allow all the necessary permissions.
4. Find the QR code you want to scan and tap on it.
5. Google will do its magic and find results.
6. Tap on the result to execute the QR code action.

Google Photos can help, too:

If you use Google Photos, it has Lens built right into the app.

1. Launch Google Photos.
2. Find and open the photo of the QR code you want to use.
3. Tap on Lens.
4. The app will scan the image and show you the results.

FAQs