Decode a QR code from an image file — or scan one with your camera — right in the browser. Nothing is uploaded: the image, and the camera feed, never leave your device.

Upload a QR code image, or use the camera.

Use camera Reset

How the reader works

• Decoding happens on your device. The reader uses the browser’s built-in barcode decoder — there is no upload and no server round-trip.
• Two ways in. Drop in a photo or screenshot of a QR code, or switch on the camera and point it at the code. Camera frames are read in memory and discarded.
• What comes out is exactly what the QR code encodes — a link, Wi-Fi details, a vCard, plain text. The reader shows the raw text; it does not follow links for you.
• If nothing is found the image is probably too blurry, too small, cropped, or not a QR code. Fill more of the frame, keep the code flat and well lit, and try again.

QR reader vs QR generator

This page reads existing codes; to make one, use the QR code generator — a same-site pair that keeps both the making and the reading local. Static QR codes (the kind the generator produces) never expire and carry no tracking, so the text you read here is the text that was encoded.

Related tools

Make a code with the QR code generator; read the metadata inside a photo with the EXIF viewer; and browse every free tool on the tools page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the QR reader upload my image?
No. Decoding runs entirely in your browser using the device's own barcode decoder; the image and the camera feed stay on your device.

Which browsers can read QR codes here?
The reader relies on the browser's built-in decoder, which is available in current Chrome, Edge and Android browsers. Where it is not available the page says so instead of guessing.

Can I scan a QR code with my webcam or phone camera?
Yes — switch on the camera and point it at the code. On phones this normally opens the rear camera. You will be asked to allow camera access first.

What kinds of QR codes can it read?
It reads the QR code format specified on the page. The decoded text is shown as-is: a URL stays a URL, and the reader does not open it automatically.

Why did it not find the QR code?
Common causes are a blurry or low-resolution image, the code being cut off, low contrast, or glare. Fill more of the frame with the code and keep it flat and evenly lit.

Is there a size or format limit?
Any JPG or PNG will open; large photos are scaled down in memory before decoding to keep it fast. Nothing is resized on disk because nothing is stored.

Honest limits: this reader shows what a QR code contains; it cannot tell whether the content is safe. QR codes can hide malicious links or payment details — check where a link points before you open it. Decoding needs a browser with a built-in barcode decoder; where that is missing, the page says so.

Make a QR code →  All tools →

Related: QR code generator · EXIF viewer · all tools