How To Scan A QR Code On Samsung In 3 Easy Steps, With Photos

Whether looking for more product info or downloading a store app, quick response (QR) codes can make your life easier. However, these codes typically require a QR scanner. Plenty of apps can do just that. What if you haven’t installed one on your new Samsung handset?

If you have to scan a code but have no QR scanning app, you will be happy to know Samsung devices don’t require a specific app. Products in the Galaxy ecosystem, including smartphones and tablets, can read QR codes without the help of third-party software. Here’s how to scan a QR code on your Samsung device.

How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung via Camera App?

The quickest way to read a QR code on Samsung is via the Camera app, which captures pictures or records videos.

Step 1: Launch the Camera App

The first thing to do to read a QR code via the Camera app on your Samsung is to launch the app. You can do this from the locked screen, the apps screen, or through the power button if the camera quick launch is enabled.

On the locked screen, you can find the Camera app icon at the bottom right-hand corner. Swipe up to launch the app. This works even if the phone is locked. In other words, you can scan a QR code on a Samsung phone even if you don’t know the passcode. However, you’ll have to unlock the phone to access the link or copy the code.

If the phone is unlocked, you can swipe up or down on the main screen to open the app’s screen. The Camera app icon is usually on the home screen. If you customized the app order, it could be elsewhere. Swipe left to find the app and tap the icon to open it. If you can’t see the Camera icon anywhere, use the top search bar to locate it. This is how you can find any app installed on your Samsung, including the hidden ones.

Alternatively, you can use the quick launch function and press the Power button two times to launch the Camera. The latest Samsung phones come with Camera quick launch function enabled by default. However, you can activate it manually from the camera settings. Additionally, you can choose another key for the quick launch, such as volume up/down or the Bixby button.

Step 2: Scan the QR Code

Point the camera at the QR code to read it. Samsung phones have a very sensitive QR code reader that doesn’t require precise pointing. Just a glimpse of the code is typically enough for your Samsung to decode it.

Step 3: Read the QR Code

Once you scan the QR code, a pop-up with a link will appear. Click it to open the information in your browser or download a PDF.

How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung via Quick Settings?

If your Samsung is operating on Android 9.0 (Pie) or higher, you can use the dedicated Quick Settings function to scan a QR code without launching your Camera.

Step 1: Tap Scan QR Code under the Control Panel

Scroll down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings and swipe until you find the Scan QR Code function.

Tap on the icon. If this is the first time using this function, allow it to access the camera. If you have already used the app or enabled the permissions, this function opens up the camera when you tap it. As explained above, point the camera to the QR code to scan it.

Step 2: Open the link or send it to someone.

The difference between this option and scanning via the Camera app is that this function allows you to open the link and copy or send it to someone else.

How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung via Bixby Vision?

Bixby is Samsung’s virtual assistant, and Bixby Vision is one of its functions developed to enable a quick product search on the internet based on captured images. This service has made its debut on the Galaxy S8 back in 2017, and it has been included in all premium smartphones from the brand ever since – you can find it on some mid-range Samsung phones, too.

The virtual assistant can use your phone’s camera to scan QR codes, much like the integrated Scan QR Code function.

Step 1: Open Bixby Vision

Scroll up on the main screen to open the apps screen and search for the icon. If you can’t find it, type Bixby Vision in the search bar, and you can open it from there.

Allow the app to access photos and videos, then point the camera to the QR code. A pop-up will appear, and you can tap to go to the URL address or copy it into your notes.

Step 2: Scan the QR Code

Alternatively, if you have taken a picture of a QR code, you can use Bixby Vision to scan the QR code in that picture. Simply go to Gallery and open the picture, then tap on the Bixby Vision eye. The usual pop-up will allow you to open the URL in your browser or copy it.

If you’re a Samsung user and want to quickly learn how to scan QR codes using your device, check out this informative video. Master the art of QR code scanning on Samsung as the video guides you step by step through the process. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to easy QR code scanning!

How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung via Samsung Internet?

Another way to scan a QR code on Samsung is via the Samsung Internet app. It comes pre-installed on all Samsung devices. Scroll up on the main screen to open the apps screen and search for Samsung Internet. Typically, the icon is purple and has a planet on it.

Step 1: Tap on the icon to open the browser

Click on Continue and choose whether to set Samsung Internet as your default browser. Once the browser is open, tap the three lines at the bottom of the screen and go to Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings page, scroll to Useful Features.

Scroll to find the QR Code reader and enable it by sliding the button. In the settings, also allow pop-up permissions. Once you have enabled the reader and allowed permissions, the browser can automatically detect QR codes in the web pages you’re browsing.

Step 3: Tap on the QR Code

When a QR code is detected, you can tap on it. The pop-up will allow you to open the new URL in your browser or copy or share it.

If your Samsung has the Scan QR Code function installed (you can check in the Quick Settings tab), the QR code scanning is enabled by default in the Samsung Internet browser. In this case, you will not find the option to enable or disable it from the browser settings. However, you can uninstall the Scan QR Code from your device’s main settings.

Key Takeaways

Samsung Galaxy smartphones feature an integrated QR coder reader that lets you scan QR codes without using a third-party app. You can scan QR codes via your Camera app, through Bixby Vision, or via the Scan QR Code setting. Alternatively, you can scan the codes while browsing the internet via the Samsung Internet browser. Bixby Vision can also read the QR codes from photos in your gallery.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Thatphichai Yodsri.