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QR Code Scanner

Use your laptop webcam or phone camera to scan QR codes live. Video stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Camera preview

Start the camera and point at a QR code.

Status: Camera off

Decoded result

On phones, allow camera access and use the rear camera when possible. For images already saved, use .

How to use

  1. Open this page on the device with the camera you want to use (laptop or phone).
  2. Click Start camera and allow permission when the browser asks.
  3. On phones, prefer the rear camera — switch using the Camera dropdown if labels appear after permission.
  4. Center the QR code inside the viewfinder; hold steady until the payload fills the result panel.
  5. Use Open link for URLs or Copy for Wi‑Fi strings, text, or contacts.
  6. Tap Scan again to read another code without reloading the page.

FAQ

What is QR Code Scanner?

It is a live camera QR decoder that runs in your browser. Point your webcam or phone camera at a QR symbol and the encoded URL or text appears on screen — no native app required.

Is video sent to your servers?

No. The camera stream stays in your browser. Frames are analyzed locally with jsQR; we do not upload video for decoding.

How is this different from QR Code Reader?

QR Code Reader decodes from an uploaded image file. QR Code Scanner uses a live camera feed — better for physical posters, packaging, and another device's screen.

Why does the browser ask for camera permission?

Browsers require explicit permission before any site can access the camera. Deny only if you do not want to scan; you can reset permission in site settings later.

The camera is black or fails to start — what now?

Close other apps using the camera, pick another device in the Camera list, reload the page, and confirm permission is Allowed. On iOS, Safari works best for getUserMedia.

Can I scan a QR shown on my computer screen?

Yes. Use your phone camera with this page, or your laptop webcam if the code is large and in focus. Reduce glare on glossy screens.

Does scanning work offline?

After the page and jsQR library load once, decoding can continue without network until you reload. Initial visit still needs internet to fetch the app.

Introduction

QR Code Scanner turns your webcam or phone camera into a QR reader inside the browser. Open a link at an event, join Wi‑Fi from a poster, or copy a promo code without installing a dedicated scanner app.

Video never leaves your device for server-side processing — frames are sampled on a hidden canvas and passed to the same jsQR engine used by our image-based QR Code Reader.

How live scanning works

  1. You grant camera permission once per site (browser-controlled).
  2. The tool opens a getUserMedia stream (rear camera preferred on mobile when available).
  3. Every few animation frames, a downscaled snapshot is decoded for QR finder patterns.
  4. When a code is found, scanning pauses and the payload appears for copy or open-in-new-tab.

Key features

  • Start / Stop camera control with cleanup of media tracks.
  • Camera picker when multiple devices exist (front vs back, external webcam).
  • Viewfinder overlay while actively scanning.
  • Scan again without a full page reload.
  • Open link shortcut for http(s) payloads.

Tips for reliable scans

Tip Why it helps
Fill the frame More module pixels for jsQR
Hold steady Motion blur breaks detection
Good lighting Sharp edges on black/white modules
Avoid glare Reflections wash out the pattern
Increase screen brightness When scanning another display

Mobile vs laptop

  • Phone: facingMode: environment requests the rear camera first — ideal for real-world codes.
  • Laptop: Built-in webcam works for printed codes and secondary monitors; switch cameras if you have USB webcams.

Limitations

  • Only the first QR in view is returned per scan session.
  • Very small or damaged codes may need you to move closer.
  • Browser support varies; use HTTPS (required for camera on most sites).
  • No torch/flash control — use your device OS if light is low.

Privacy

Treat the camera like any sensitive sensor: close the tab on shared PCs, use Stop when finished, and avoid scanning untrusted codes that may link to phishing pages.

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