How to Scan a QR Code on Android
Most Android phones scan QR codes right from the camera app, and Google Lens adds extra tricks. Open the camera, frame the code, tap the prompt that appears, and the link, contact or network sign-in opens straight away.
How to use it
Open Camera or Google Lens
Use the built-in camera app, or open Google Lens for more options like translating or searching the code.
Frame the QR code
Hold the phone a hand-span away and centre the code. Most phones detect it automatically.
Tap the pop-up
When the code is recognised, a notification or button appears. Tap it to continue.
Choose the action
Open the link, save the contact or join the Wi-Fi network, depending on what the code holds.
Tips for best results
Google Lens adds options
Lens can open a code and also search, translate or copy its content, which is handy for text codes.
Use good light
Bright, even light helps the camera lock on faster, especially on dark or glossy codes.
Clean the camera
Fingerprints blur the image and stop detection, so wipe the lens before scanning.
Hold steady and wait
Give the phone a moment to focus instead of moving it away too quickly.
Best practices
Check the preview
Your phone usually shows the destination before you open it, so take a second to confirm the link looks right.
Avoid cracked screens
A cracked or dirty screen behind a code can confuse the camera, so scan the original source where you can.
Enable auto-rotate off
If a code will not settle, turning off auto-rotate can stop the view jumping around while you frame it.
Use the flashlight in the dark
On dim menus or labels, the phone flashlight gives the camera the contrast it needs.
Design examples
Restaurant menu
Scan the table code and the digital menu opens in your browser.
Bus stop
Scan the timetable code to see live arrival times.
Event ticket
Scan the ticket code for fast entry at the door.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Most modern Android cameras detect QR codes automatically, and Google Lens is built in for extra options. Only very old devices need a separate scanner app.
Open the Lens app or the Lens button in the camera, point it at the code, and tap the result that appears. Lens can also search, translate or copy what the code contains.
Common reasons are a dirty lens, bad lighting, holding the phone too close, or a small or low-contrast code. Clean the lens, move back slightly and brighten the area.
Links open in your default browser, contacts open in your contacts app, and Wi-Fi codes prompt you to connect to the network.
The scanner shows you the destination before opening it, so you can check the link looks trustworthy. Only tap through if the address matches what you expect.