Although QR codes have been around for a long time, their popularity seems to be increasing. More and more restaurants are using QR codes instead of printed menus, so customers can view the menus on their smartphones. This is usually great. However, if your Android phone can't read the QR code, what do you do? There are a few options you can try to swiftly troubleshoot and solve this issue.
- If your Android smartphone isn't scanning the QR code, make sure it is properly framed on your screen.
- Another option is to clean the lens of your camera or improve the illumination in the area where you're taking the picture.
- Alternatively, you can use Google Lens or a QR code scanning programme.
What are QR Codes?
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that are readable by smartphones and other devices. QR codes can be used to store information such as website URLs, contact information, or simple text messages.
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular as a means of encoding information. They are commonly used to encode website addresses, but can also be used to encode other types of information such as contact information, calendar events, and more.
Place the QR code in the center of the screen.
QR codes can be difficult to scan because of how you're positioning your phone. Once you've opened up the camera app on your Android phone, you'll want to take a few photos and save them to your SD card. Make sure the QR code is in the exact centre of the camera's viewfinder before placing it in the frame. The link to the page connected with the code should appear after a few moments of waiting.
If the QR code is not appearing, check that the code is in focus and in the centre of your screen. If it is not, try moving closer or farther away, and make sure the QR code is brightly lit so that the camera can read it. Use your phone's flashlight or move it to a better location if necessary.
Make sure the camera’s lens is clean.
If your phone is having trouble scanning QR codes, it might be because the camera lens is smudged or dirty. To clean the lens and help the camera view the code better, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off. The Whoosh! Screen Cleaning Kit is a great option because it includes everything you need to keep your phone clean, and it only costs $10.
Hold down the Screen for a few seconds.
If you're having trouble scanning a QR code with your Android device, try tapping and holding the screen. This should open the camera app and allow you to scan the QR code. If that doesn't work, try using Google Lens to scan the QR code.
Try out Google Lens!
If your camera app isn't set up to automatically launch Google Lens when you tap and hold the screen, you can try downloading and running Google Lens on your phone (if you haven't already). QR codes can be easily scanned with Google Lens.
Check to see if Google Lens suggestions are active
If you're using the Google Camera app to read QR codes, take a moment to ensure that Google Lens suggestions are enabled. To do this,
- Open the Camera app
- Select More Settings from the Options menu at the top of the screen.
- Then, in the General section, swipe the button to the right to enable Google Lens suggestions.
If your phone's camera doesn't allow you to enable Google Lens suggestions, try a QR code reader from a third-party developer.
Use Third Party QR Code reader
If you're having trouble scanning barcodes with your phone's built-in camera, you can try a third-party QR code scanner app. QR & Barcode Scanner is one of the top apps available on the Google Play store. Simply point your phone at a QR code, and the app will scan it for you.
Conclusion
If you're having trouble scanning a QR code with your Android phone, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, make sure that your phone's camera is clean and free of any smudges or dirt. Next, try moving the phone closer to or further away from the QR code until it can be properly scanned. Finally, if all else fails, you can try using a different QR code reader app.
Hi, I’m vijay dhanda, a tech enthusiast and blogger with a passion for computer and electronics. With years of experience in the field, I love sharing my knowledge and expertise with others through my technical blogs. Along with my love for technology, I’m also interested in games and health. Whether I’m writing about the latest gaming trends, new electronics gadgets, or sharing my health tips and tricks, my goal is to provide readers with valuable insights and information they can rely on. Hope you like the content I am writing and share your feedback.