Google Lens is a handy app that can help you in a number of situations, including scanning a QR code. Whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone, learn how to scan a QR code with Google Lens using this handy guide.
Good to know: if you don’t like Googe Lens, you can always switch. Check out these worthy Google Lens alternatives.
1. Google App (Android and iPhone)
One of the easiest ways to scan a QR code using Google Lens is with the help of the Google app. The Google app is preinstalled on Android devices. You don’t need to download anything, and it will work on all Android phones. However, you will need to install the Google app on your iPhone.
Open the Google app on your Android phone or iPhone.
Tap on the “Lens” icon in the search bar at the top, then press the “Search with your camera” button.
Point the camera viewfinder toward your QR code. Google Lens will scan the QR code, and show the results. If nothing happens, tap on the Shutter button to scan the QR code.
If you want to scan a QR code from a screenshot or an image on your phone, select the image when you open Google Lens. If your images don’t show up, tap on the Gallery icon.
Tip: want to easily transfer photos from your Android to your PC? Learn how to do that without a USB cable.
2. Google Camera App (Android)
If your Android phone has the Google Camera app, it can also be used to scan QR codes. However, you will need to enable the feature before you can start using it.
Open the Google Camera app on your Android phone.
Tap on the downward arrow next to the small camera icon in the top-left corner, followed by “More Settings.”
Enable the toggle next to “Google Lens suggestions.”
In the Camera mode, point the camera toward the QR code. The Camera app will scan the code, then show the relevant result.
Please keep in mind that your Camera app won’t be able to scan QR codes in portrait or video mode.
Pro tip: if you own a Samsung Galaxy phone or an iPhone, your phone’s camera also lets you scan QR codes. Point it toward the QR code, and it will show the results.
3. Google Search Bar Widget (Android and iPhone)
If you would like to quickly access Google Lens to scan the QR code, add the Google search bar widget to your home screen on your Android phone or iPhone. On many Android phones, the search bar would natively be on the home screen.
Press the “Lens” icon in the search widget to open the Google Lens camera.
Tap on “Search with your camera,” then point your camera toward the QR code to scan it.
However, if you don’t have the search widget on the home screen, follow the steps below to add it to your home screen on Android and iPhone.
Add the Google Search Bar to Your Android Home Screen
Long-press on any empty space on your Android phone’s home screen, and select “Widgets.”
Scroll down in the list of widgets, and expand “Google.” Hold and drag the “Search” widget to your home screen.
Scan the code, as explained above.
Tip: looking for interesting Android widgets? Check out our collection of awesome widgets for your Android phone’s home screen.
Add the Google Search Bar to Your iPhone Home Screen
On your iPhone, long-press any empty space on the home screen until the icons start jiggling.
Tap on the add icon (+) at the top to open the list of widgets.
Scroll down and tap on “Google.” Swipe left on the Google widgets, then tap on the “Add Widget” button.
Tap on the “Lens” icon on the widget, and press the “Search with your camera” button. Hold the camera toward the QR code.
Tip: learn how to scan documents, text, and more with your iPhone.
4. Google Photos (Android and iPhone)
You can also use the Google Photos app to scan a QR code from an image on your phone with Google Lens. This method works on both Android and iPhone.
Install and open the Google Photos app on your Android or iPhone. If it’s your first time using the app, you will be asked whether you want to back up your photos. Select “Don’t allow” or “Cancel.”
Go to the photo containing the QR code. Tap on the “Lens” icon at the bottom to make Google Lens scan the QR code.
Tip: want to organize your pictures? Learn how to create albums in Google Photos.
The Best Use of Google Lens
Now that you know how to use Google Lens to scan QR codes, you may want to get up to speed with more things the app can do. Learn how to use Google Lens to copy text from an image and do a reverse image search.
All images and screenshots by Mehvish Mushtaq.
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