Quick Answer
There are a few common reasons why you may be unable to scan a QR code with your Android phone:
- Your phone’s camera is dirty or obstructed – Make sure the camera lens is clean and not blocked by your finger or a phone case.
- The QR code is damaged or low quality – QR codes need to be crisp and clear to scan properly. Damaged or low resolution codes may not work.
- You don’t have a QR code scanner app – Your phone needs a QR scanner app to read QR codes. Install a free scanner app from the Play Store.
- Your phone’s autofocus is disabled – QR codes require the camera to be able to focus properly. Make sure autofocus is enabled in your camera settings.
- You don’t have permission to access the camera – The QR scanner app needs permission to access your phone’s camera in order to scan. Grant the required permissions.
- There’s not enough contrast between the QR code and background – QR codes need high contrast with their background to scan properly. A black code on a white background works best.
If you’ve checked these common issues and your Android phone still can’t scan a QR code, there may be a problem with your device. Try scanning with a different phone to test if the code works.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code, short for Quick Response code, is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a digital device to access information or perform actions. QR codes were originally invented in 1994 by the Japanese auto manufacturer Denso Wave to track vehicle parts in manufacturing. However, QR codes have since gained widespread consumer adoption thanks to their fast readability and large storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes.
A QR code is a matrix barcode made up of black and white squares arranged in a square grid. Encoded within this grid is data such as website URLs, text, contact information, calendar events or SMS messages. When scanned by a smartphone, the black and white squares are converted into binary code which is then decoded into the data hidden inside the QR code.
QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters which enables them to contain sizable amounts of information despite their relatively small size. This makes them extremely versatile and able to contain everything from contact details to email messages to website URLs. QR codes are read using the camera on a smartphone rather than requiring a dedicated QR scanner device. Any smartphone can scan a QR code using its camera as long as it has a QR reader app installed.
Why Use QR Codes?
There are several key advantages that make QR codes a popular technology:
- Fast to scan: Modern smartphones can scan QR codes in just a fraction of a second, making them extremely fast to use.
- Convenience: QR codes can be scanned from up to 20 feet away without needing precise alignment. Users just point their smartphone camera at the code.
- High capacity: A significant amount of data such as website URLs, contact details and text can be encoded in a single code.
- Free to generate: There are many free QR code generator sites available online to create custom QR codes.
- Trackable: QR codes can contain analytics that show how many scans a code received and provide other usage data.
For consumers, QR codes provide a fast, convenient way to get more information about products and services. For businesses, they offer an easy method to share contact details, websites, coupons, menus and more with customers. Overall, the efficiency and versatility of QR codes make them a useful technology for both personal and commercial applications.
How Do You Scan a QR Code?
Scanning a QR code with your Android smartphone is a quick and simple process:
- Install a QR scanner app – Search the Google Play Store for free QR scanner apps. There are many high quality options available such as QR Code Reader, QR Scanner, Kaspersky QR Scanner and others. Install any reputable app.
- Open the QR scanner – Locate the app icon and open your chosen QR scanner. You may need to grant permissions for the app to access your phone’s camera.
- Point camera at code – With the QR scanner open, point your phone’s rear camera directly at the QR code at a distance of 5-20cm. The scanner will automatically detect and scan the code.
- Follow on-screen prompts – Once scanned, the data encoded in the QR code will appear on your phone screen. Follow any on-screen prompts to open a website URL, save a contact, add a calendar event etc.
Scanning QR codes with an Android phone is just as fast as on an iPhone. The entire process takes just a few seconds once you have a QR reader installed. Many Android phones even come with built-in QR scanners within their default camera apps. Overall the process is quick, convenient and intuitive using any modern Android smartphone.
Why Can’t I Scan a QR Code on My Android Phone?
If you are having issues scanning a QR code using your Android device, here are some of the most common reasons why it may not be working:
Dirty Camera Lens
For your phone’s camera to successfully read a QR code, it needs a clear view of the code. Dirt, fingerprints or other debris on the camera lens can obstruct the scanner’s view and prevent it from recognizing the code. Clean the lens thoroughly with a microfiber cloth before trying to scan again.
Damaged or Low Quality QR Code
QR codes need to be high resolution and printed clearly for phone cameras to read them. Low quality prints, damaged codes with missing pieces or improper sizes may not scan. Try rescanning the code with another device to determine if the code itself is the issue.
No QR Scanner App Installed
To read QR codes, your Android requires specific scanner software. If you don’t have an app like QR Code Reader installed, your phone won’t be able to recognize and decode the QR code. Search “QR scanner” on the Google Play Store to download a free app.
Autofocus Disabled
Your phone’s camera needs autofocus enabled to properly focus on QR codes. If your autofocus is disabled for some reason, the camera will be unable to properly recognize QR codes. Check your camera settings.
Lack of Camera Permission
In order for a QR scanning app to access your phone’s camera, it needs permission. If you haven’t granted the app camera access, it won’t be able to use the camera to scan codes. Enable camera permission in your app settings.
Poor Lighting Conditions
QR codes need adequate lighting to scan properly. Insufficient light, extreme shadows or a backlight source can prevent the camera from recognizing the code accurately. Move to better lighting conditions and avoid scanning codes in poor light.
Code Too Far Away
There is an optimal distance range your phone needs to be within relative to a QR code in order to scan it. If you are holding your phone too far away, the code will appear too small for the scanner to read. Move your phone to within 5-20cm of the code for best results.
Unstable Hand
Shakiness and instability when scanning a QR code can cause blurriness that interferes with recognition. Use two hands to stabilize your smartphone when lining up a QR code in the camera viewfinder. Resting your elbows on a steady surface can also help.
Low Storage Space
In some cases, a lack of storage space on your Android device can prevent proper installation and operation of QR scanner apps. Clear storage space by deleting unneeded files and try reinstalling your QR app if you are low on memory.
Software Bugs
Glitches, crashes and bugs within a faulty QR scanning app can sometimes prevent successful scans. Try uninstalling and reinstalling your scanner app or switch to another reputable QR app if you suspect software issues.
Incompatible QR Code
There are a few specialty QR code formats that may not be readable by all scanner apps. If you can’t seem to scan a code even in ideal conditions, the code itself may be an unusual format. Try scanning it with another device.
By checking for the issues above, you should be able to determine why your Android phone is having trouble scanning QR codes. In most cases the problem is easily fixable by cleaning the camera, installing an app, granting permissions or improving lighting conditions.
How to Overcome Issues Scanning QR Codes on Android
If your Android smartphone is struggling to scan QR codes, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:
Clean the Camera Lens
Carefully wipe the lens cover on your phone’s rear camera using a soft microfiber cloth. Eliminate any dirt, smudges, fingerprints and other debris that could be interfering with focus and clarity.
Install a Dedicated QR Scanner App
Search the Google Play Store for top-rated QR scanner apps and install one. Dedicated scanner apps optimize the scanning process better than built-in camera software. Popular options include QR Code Reader, Kaspersky QR Scanner, QR Bot and QR & Barcode Scanner.
Check Permission Settings
Open your phone’s app settings menu and make sure the QR scanner app has permission to access the camera. You may need to manually enable camera access in order for scanning to work.
Adjust Lighting Conditions
QR codes require adequate and consistent lighting without glare, shadows or extreme angles. Move to a better lit area and avoid scanning in dim conditions or under bright backlighting.
Hold Phone Steady
Shakiness can make it hard for the camera to focus properly. Support both hands under the phone when lining up a QR code in the viewfinder to improve stability. Lean against a wall or rest your elbows on a surface.
Get Closer to the Code
Your phone needs to be within an optimal 5-20cm distance range from a QR code in order to scan it. Move the camera closer if you are having trouble getting codes to scan from farther away.
Increase Contrast
QR codes should have high contrast from their background for best scanability. Black codes on a white background work best. Avoid similar colors blending together. Add white margins if needed.
Try Different Angles
Slowly rotate and tilt your phone from various angles until the QR code gets detected. The pattern needs to align properly within the viewfinder. Changing perspective can sometimes help.
Scan with Another Device
See if you’re able to scan the problematic QR code successfully using another smartphone. If the other device scans it fine, then you know the issue lies with your original phone rather than the code itself.
Check for Defective QR Codes
Inspect the QR code closely and look for damage, defects or low resolution that may be interfering with scanning. Regenerate the code if it appears damaged or try rescanning a higher quality version.
Following troubleshooting steps such as these will help identify and resolve the underlying issue preventing your Android phone from scanning QR codes properly. With some tweaks and adjustments, you should be able to get scanning working again.
Best QR Code Reader Apps for Android
Here are some of the top QR code scanner apps available from the Google Play Store for Android devices:
QR Code Reader
QR Code Reader is a popular scanner app with over 100 million downloads. It can scan all major QR code types with high accuracy. The app provides a history of recent scans and can automatically open URLs without prompting.
Kaspersky QR Scanner
This QR scanner app from security software company Kaspersky includes malware protection to keep unsafe sites from opening. It scans QR codes rapidly while filtering malicious URLs.
QR & Barcode Scanner
QR & Barcode Scanner has a simple interface and is able to read all common 1D and 2D barcode formats beyond just QR codes. It saves scanning history for easy lookup later.
QR Bot – QR Code Reader
QR Bot focuses on speed for fast QR code scanning. It can scan even blurred or distorted codes reliably. An embedded search engine checks URLs for safety.
QR Code Reader and Barcode Scanner
This app combines quick QR code scanning with a barcode scanner. It stores unlimited scan history and has password protection, theming and other advanced options.
These are just a handful of the many great QR scanner apps available for Android. Look for top-rated apps with recent updates, intuitive interfaces and useful features like URL safety checking for a good scanning experience.
Conclusion
Trouble scanning QR codes on your Android smartphone is usually fixable with a few simple steps. Start by cleaning the camera lens, installing an optimal scanner app, granting permissions, adjusting lighting and holding the phone steady. If issues persist, try scanning closer, increasing contrast, changing angles and checking for defective codes. For the best results, use one of the top-rated QR scanner apps. With proper setup and tweaking, you’ll be scanning QR codes successfully on your Android device in no time.