QR codes are everywhere these days, making it super easy to get info quickly. But sometimes, you might come across a QR code on your computer or your own phone, and you can’t just snap it with a camera like you usually would. This happens more often than you’d think, like when you’re on a PC that doesn’t have a camera, or you’re trying to scan a QR code that’s showing on your phone – obviously, you can’t take a picture of it with the same phone.
In this article, we’ll look at a neat trick to solve this: using online tools like webqr and Google Lens. These tools let you scan QR codes right from your screen, no need for a camera or another device. It’s easy and handy, especially when a camera isn’t an option.
Related resource: Windows 11 Phone Link Stuck on Pair Devices (QR Code)
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Scanning a QR code without a camera using online tools
When the QR code is on your computer screen or your smartphone, the usual camera scan won’t work. Luckily, online tools like WebQR.com are here to help. Here’s how to use WebQR.com to scan a QR code without a camera:
- Head over to the WebQR website. If you’re on a desktop and see a pop-up asking to use your camera, just close it.
- Click the camera icon on the WebQR site, and it’ll ask you to pick a file.
- You can either drag the QR code image to the site or click “Select file” and find the QR code image you’ve saved.
- Once you pick the file, WebQR will read the QR code and show you what it says.
This is great when the QR code is already a digital file, like an image on your computer or displayed on your smartphone screen.
Also see: How to Test Camera on Windows 11
Using Google Lens to scan QR codes on PC
If WebQR.com isn’t what you’re looking for, Google Lens is another way to scan QR codes without a camera. It uses AI to read and understand info from images, QR codes included. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the QR code image: Go to where you’ve stored the QR code image on your device.
- Open it in Chrome Browser: Right-click the QR code image, choose “Open with,” then select Google Chrome.
- Use Google Lens: In Chrome, right-click the image again and select “Search image with Google.” This will have Google Lens analyze the QR code.
- Check out what it says: Google Lens will show you the QR code’s info on the side. It could be a web link, some text, or other stuff the QR code holds.
This method works well if you’re already using Google stuff a lot and want a quick way to scan QR codes without extra apps or websites.
Using Google Lens to scan QR codes on phones or tablets
For mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and tablets, Google Lens makes it easy to scan QR codes even if you can’t use the camera. Here’s how:
Using Chrome browser:
- Open Chrome and go to the QR code image.
- Press and hold the QR code image.
- Choose “Search image with Google Lens” from the menu that pops up.
- Google Lens will take a look at the QR code and show you its content.
Using Google Photos:
- Open Google Photos and find the photo with the QR code.
- Tap the Google Lens icon when you’re viewing the image. You’ll usually find it at the bottom or in the options menu.
- Google Lens will process the QR code and show you what’s inside.
This method is super handy if you’re looking at a QR code on a web page or have it as an image on your device, offering an easy way to scan without needing other tools.
Pro tip: Stop Google Photos From Backing Up Screenshots (Android)
Summing up
Scanning QR codes without a camera is totally doable and pretty simple with the right tools. Whether it’s online tools like webqr, Google Lens, or other apps, there’s always a way to get the job done without needing a camera. This is super useful for many situations, like when the QR code is on the device you’re using or when there’s no camera available on your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scan a QR code that’s on my computer screen without using a camera?
Yes, you can! Web-based tools like WebQR.com or Google Lens let you upload an image of the QR code and then show you what it says.
Is it possible to scan a QR code from a phone or tablet without using its camera?
Yep, Google Lens on your phone or tablet does the trick. Just open the QR code in Chrome, press and hold the image, and select “Search image with Google Lens”, or use Google Photos and tap the Google Lens icon.
Does scanning a QR code without a camera work for all types of QR content?
Indeed, it does. Whether it’s web links, text, or other info, scanning without a camera can read any standard QR code. What happens next, like connecting to Wi-Fi, depends on what you’re using to scan.
Are these methods of scanning QR codes without a camera secure?
Mostly, yes, as long as you stick to well-known websites and apps. Always check reviews and privacy policies to be sure.
Is it possible to scan QR codes without a camera on all operating systems?
As long as you’ve got internet and a web browser, you can use tools like WebQR.com on any operating system. Google Lens works too if you have Chrome.
Are there any limitations to scanning QR codes without a camera?
While these methods are handy, they might not directly perform actions like Wi-Fi connections from the QR code. They mainly show you the info inside.
