Hello. This is my QR code reader. I built it because I got tired of needing to download a separate app every time I came across a QR code. This one runs right in your web browser, on your computer or phone.

It's an online QR code scanner. You can either use your camera to scan a code live, or you can upload a picture of a QR code. It decodes the information inside and shows it to you. Simple.

What This QR Code Reader Does

A QR code is like a barcode that can hold information like a website link, a Wi-Fi password, or just text. This tool reads that information.

There are two main ways to use it. First, you can click "START CAMERA" and point your device's camera at a QR code. It will scan it in real time and show you the content.

Second, if you have a screenshot or photo of a QR code, you can click "UPLOAD" and select that image file. The tool will read the QR code from the picture.

Once it reads the code, it displays the data in a box. If the data is a website link (like https://...), it will show an "OPEN LINK" button so you can visit it directly.

How to Use the QR Code Scanner

The interface is pretty straightforward. When you load the page, you'll see a black square—that's the scanning area.

To scan with your camera, click the big yellow "START CAMERA" button. Your browser will ask for permission to use your camera. You must click "Allow". Once granted, hold a QR code in front of your camera so it's inside the square. It should scan instantly. A little laser animation moves up and down to show it's active.

To stop the camera, click the same button (which will now say "STOP SCANNER").

To scan from a file, click the grey "UPLOAD" button. Select an image file (JPG, PNG, etc.) from your computer or phone that contains a QR code. It will process it and show the result.

After a successful scan, the result panel appears. You can copy the text, open the link if it's a URL, or clear the result to start over.

A Real Example

Yesterday, I received a business card with a QR code linking to a portfolio website. I didn't want to type the long URL. I opened this tool on my phone, tapped "START CAMERA", pointed at the code on the card, and it instantly showed the link. I tapped "OPEN LINK" and was on the site in two seconds.

Features of the Scanner

I tried to make it functional without being bloated.

  • Live Camera Scan: Uses your device's rear or front camera to scan codes in real time.
  • Image Upload: Decode QR codes from uploaded image files.
  • Smart Link Detection: Automatically detects if the scanned content is a web URL and gives you an "OPEN LINK" button.
  • One-Click Copy: Copy the decoded text to your clipboard with a single tap.
  • Clean Visual Feedback: A laser scanner animation and corner brackets in the viewfinder make it clear where to place the code.
  • Vibration Feedback (on phones): Your phone will vibrate briefly on a successful scan for tactile confirmation.
  • No Ads, No Tracking: The tool works entirely in your browser. No data is sent to my server.

Who Should Use a Web-Based QR Reader?

Anyone who occasionally needs to scan a QR code but doesn't want a dedicated app. It's great on a laptop with a webcam to scan codes on a screen. It's perfect on a phone when you're using a desktop browser and get sent a QR code—just open this page on your phone and scan it.

It's also useful for developers or testers who need to quickly check what's encoded in a QR they've generated.

Common Things You Can Scan

QR codes are everywhere now. This tool can read:

  • Website URLs: The most common use. Takes you to a webpage.
  • Wi-Fi Network Details: Codes that contain network name and password. The scanner will show the text details.
  • Plain Text: Some codes just have a message or contact info.
  • App Store Links: Codes that link to an app download page.
  • Event Tickets or Boarding Passes: Though these often require a specific app to be useful, the scanner will still show the encoded data.

Important Privacy and Technical Notes

Camera Access: The tool needs camera permission. This is only to feed the video to the scanning software. The video is processed locally on your device and is not recorded, saved, or transmitted over the internet. The moment you stop the scanner or close the tab, the access ends.

Browser Support: It works best in modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on both desktop and mobile. Safari on iPhone/iPad has stricter camera policies but usually works. Very old browsers might not support the required APIs.

Image Uploads: When you upload an image, it is also processed entirely in your browser. The image file is not uploaded to any server.

Link Safety: Be cautious when opening links from unknown QR codes. The tool will open any valid http/https link. Just like clicking a link in an email, make sure you trust the source.

To Sum It Up

So, that's my QR code reader. It's a handy, privacy-focused tool I made for myself that I'm sharing online. It solves a simple problem without any fuss.

Next time you see a QR code, give it a try. Use the camera or upload a picture. It's surprisingly quick and convenient for being just a webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my camera not starting?

First, make sure you clicked "Allow" when the browser asked for camera permission. If you blocked it, you'll need to change the permission in your browser's settings for this site. Also, ensure no other app (like Zoom or Teams) is using the camera exclusively. Close other tabs/apps that might be using it and try again.

Can I scan a QR code from my computer screen using my phone?

Yes, absolutely. Open this tool on your phone, start the camera, and point it at the QR code displayed on your computer monitor. This is a very common use case and works well as long as the code is clear and not too small.

The scanner isn't reading my code. What's wrong?

Make sure the QR code is fully inside the scanning square and is well-lit. If it's on a screen, avoid glare. If it's a physical code, make sure it's not crumpled or damaged. For image uploads, ensure the picture is clear and the QR code takes up a reasonable portion of the image.

Is it safe to scan random QR codes with this tool?

The scanning process itself is safe—it just reads data. The potential risk comes from the content of the QR code. If it's a malicious website link and you choose to open it, that's the same risk as clicking any unknown link. The tool shows you the data first, so you can see what it is before deciding to open it.

Does it work in the dark?

It needs enough light for your camera to see the QR code clearly. If you're in low light, the camera image will be grainy and the scanner might fail. Turn on a light or use your phone's flashlight.

What happens to the images I upload?

Nothing. They are processed directly in your browser's memory for the split second it takes to decode the QR code. They are not saved to your device's storage (unless you downloaded them there yourself) and are certainly not sent to any internet server. The page has no backend.