How does the online QR code scanner work?
Our scanner uses your browser camera together with the ZXing.js library to analyse video frames in real time. Just point the camera at a QR code or barcode and the system detects it automatically — no manual photo capture needed. Everything is processed locally in your browser, so no images are ever sent to our servers.
Do I need to install anything to scan QR codes?
No. The scanner runs entirely in your browser with no extensions, apps or plugins required. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge on both desktop and mobile. Simply grant camera permission when prompted and start scanning.
Is it safe to scan QR codes online?
Yes. The camera stream is processed locally in your browser using JavaScript — no frames or images are uploaded to our servers. We also check URLs found in QR codes against Google Safe Browsing to warn you before you visit potentially harmful sites.
What types of codes can I scan?
The scanner supports a wide range of formats: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF-417, Aztec, Code-128, Code-39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF and Codabar. When a QR code is detected, the app automatically identifies its content type — URL, WiFi credentials, contact card, email, phone, SMS, geolocation or plain text.
Why does the scanner need camera permission?
The browser requires your explicit permission before any website can access your camera. This is a standard browser security measure. Once granted, the camera feed stays local — it is never streamed or recorded by QR Scanner.
Does the QR scanner work on mobile?
Yes. The scanner is fully optimised for smartphones and tablets. On mobile, the rear camera is used by default for best results. Hold the device steady and ensure good lighting for faster and more reliable detection.
What barcode formats are supported?
1D barcodes: Code-128, Code-39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ITF, Codabar. 2D codes: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF-417, Aztec. If you need to scan a specific format not listed here, it may still be detected depending on the ZXing library version in use.
How does fraudulent link detection work?
When the scanner detects a URL inside a QR code, it sends only that URL text to our server for a security check. The server queries two independent services: Google Safe Browsing v4, which maintains a continuously updated database of phishing, malware and deceptive sites, and VirusTotal, which aggregates analysis from more than 70 antivirus engines and web reputation tools. If either service flags the URL as dangerous, a red warning banner appears below the result showing the detected threat type (phishing, malware, etc.) and the Visit Site button requires explicit confirmation before opening the link. The camera stream itself is never sent anywhere — only the plain text URL is looked up.
Is my scan history private?
Yes, completely. The history is stored exclusively in your browser's local storage (localStorage) and never leaves your device. We do not store or transmit the content of the QR codes you scan to our servers — nobody else can see your history. You can clear it at any time from the history panel.
How does the Google QR scanner work on Android?
Google provides a built-in QR scanner in the Google app and Google Lens, available on Android. You can also scan QR codes directly in your browser without installing anything: go to this page in Chrome on your Android, accept the camera permission and start scanning. Unlike the Google QR scanner, here you also get a full scan history and URL safety checks before opening any link.
How to scan a QR code on Android step by step?
1. Open Chrome or Firefox on your Android smartphone. 2. Go to this page. 3. Tap the "Start Scanning" button. 4. Accept the camera permission when prompted. 5. Point the camera at the QR code — it detects it automatically in under a second. 6. Tap the result to copy the content, open the link or save the contact. No app installation required.