The 2017’s iOS 11 update added the native capability to all iPhones allowing them to scan QR codes and just in time because 2019 is the year of QR codes. From delivering discounts to allowing consumers to listen to their favorite Spotify playlist while they shop, QR codes are ubiquitous and businesses and marketers alike have begun to run entire campaigns based on this cost-effective QR code technology.

What are QR codes? – Quick Recap

QR codes are 2-dimensional barcodes that when scanned open up a link, add contacts, send SMSes, make calls among other things.

Does Android have an in-built QR code reader?

Yes. Just like iPhones, Android 9 has an in-built QR code reader. Even the Android 8 or Oreo does not need an app to scan QR codes.

How do I scan QR codes without an app on Android?

Point your device for a couple of seconds at the QR code. If a notification pops up, then your Android smartphone can natively scan QR codes. If this doesn’t happen, you need a third-party QR code reader app to scan QR codes. Keep reading to find out how to scan QR codes on Android phones.

SCAN QR CODES WITH ANDROID 8 (OREO)

1. Google Screen Search: Google Screen Search allows consumers to scan QR codes without an app instantly. All one has to do is point their camera at the QR code, long press the Home button and click on ‘What’s on my screen?’ The QR code link will be available for consumers to open.

Activating Screen Search

If the smartphone’s screen search is not on, open the Google app and tap Navigation. From the settings, enable Screen Search.

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2. Google Lens: An AI interface by Google, Google Lens recognizes everything in the camera including QR codes. It is available on both the camera app as well as the Google Assistant.

Simply download Google Lens and start scanning QR codes or use Google Lens from Google Assistant.

SCAN QR CODES WITH ANDROID 9 (PIE)

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Android 9 has an in-built QR code scanner courtesy of Google Lens. Consumers have to open their camera app and point it at the QR code and see a URL pop-up.

Activating Google Lens

To activate Google Lens suggestions, open the camera app and click on more. Open Settings and activate Google Lens suggestions.

Can I scan QR codes with my Android phone?

Android versions 8 and 9 can automatically scan QR codes without an app. Some older Android versions will also receive the latest update.

Here is an entire list of Android 8 and Android 9 smartphones that you can use to scan QR codes without an app

Scan QR codes with ANDROID 7 and below

Android smartphones with Android 7.0 and below require an app to scan QR codes. After downloading the app, all QR codes can be scanned instantaneously. Since a lot of apps use QR codes within the app to perform a function like payments or scanning a product to get more information, consumers are already aware of how to operate a QR code scanner app.

What are the best QR code scanner apps for Android in 2019?

According to our research, these 5 free QR code scanner apps for Android are perfect for older Android versions.  

1. Bar-Code
2. I-nigma
3. Kaspersky’s QR scanner
4. NeoReader
5. QR Droid

What happens when you scan QR codes?

When consumers scan QR codes, a number of things can occur. Businesses can use QR codes to deliver coupons, product information, and deals or use it to ask shoppers to leave reviews, feedback and follow them on social media.

Explore what you can use QR codes for here

Are QR codes free?

Yes, QR codes can be generated for free online. Although these QR codes are static codes and once downloaded cannot be changed. To change the content that a QR codes, you need dynamic QR codes

What is the difference between a static code and a dynamic code?

How far away can you scan a QR code?

Typically, QR codes found in magazines can be scanned from at least 10 inches away and the QR codes found on billboards can be scanned from 2 meters away. The relationship between the scan distance and the minimum QR code size should be 10:1. A 2.5 cm QR code can be scanned from 250 mm or 10 inches away.

How do I keep a QR code on my phone?

Once you create a free QR code on the QR code generator, you can save the QR code on your phone. If you are using QR codes on Facebook, Snapchat or LinkedIn, you can save it as an image on your phone or share it so that other people can add you on that particular network.

How do you use QR codes?

Apart from useful information about a certain product, QR codes are also used on GMO labeling in the US as well as for proximity marketing. Businesses can leverage QR codes to attract new visitors by allowing them to scan and get navigation details or paste them on flyers and deliver rewards and discounts.

Discover more use cases for QR codes in 2019

Are there any risks to scanning QR codes?

Phishing or malicious software being downloaded through QR codes is rare but it is a slim possibility. Only scan QR codes that specify the action or what you can expect once you scan them or see that the URL slug is from a credible source like Beaconstac (tapnscan.me/).  

GOOD READS:

1. Do QR codes and RFID measure up to powerful Bluetooth beacons for retail?
2. How SMBs can use NFC, QR codes and BLE beacons to design a comprehensive solution
3. QR code use cases for proximity marketing in 2019

Interested in QR codes? Talk to our expert or explore QR code marketing examples and leverage the advanced analytics of the Beaconstac dashboard to improve your business’s ROI.