How To Scan QR Code on Laptop Screens - A Guide By IMQRScan

Published on April 27, 2025

You are in a hurry, but don't have a mobile phone or a tablet nearby to scan a QR code in your laptop? Don't panic, as the new generation laptops allow users to scan QR code on laptop camera apps.Apart from this you can also use reliable QR code apps like IMQRScan to scan QR codes.

Keep reading to know how:

scan QR code on laptop and make tasks speedy

How to scan QR code directly from your laptop or PC?

As now you know that the new generation laptops allow you to scan QR codes with their tech savvy laptop's camera application.

The new laptop has high-tech softwares that now has in-built QR code scanners.

Here is how it works:

  1. Reach out to the search menu and select the camera.
  2. To enable the scanning feature, click the QR code or barcode icon.
  3. Then, you will show the QR code to the laptop's camera so it can start scanning.

The inbuilt QR code scanner on the laptop automatically scans and reads the QR code, extracting the embedded URL, that you can click to open a file or a page in your browser.

Tips: only scan trustworthy codes to avoid fraud or scams

How can I scan a QR code using Google search?

Google search by image feature is another web-based QR scanner that you can use on your laptop to scan a QR code. This Google feature is the same as Google Lens, which is available on most of the android smartphones.

Here's how it works:

  1. Put your cursor on the QR code you want to decode, then click on the right side of the mouse.
  2. Once the windows are open after the click, scroll down and find the search image by Google options.
  3. Then, click to allow Google to extract the link of the landing page or website it navigates too.
Scan QR code on laptop directly with smartphone

Can I Scan QR Code Directly from My Laptop Using Android?

Yes, you can scan QR codes directly from laptop with your Android phones:

    Android 7 and Below Phones

If you have an android 7 or below smartphone, then you need to know that it doesn't have inbuilt QR code scanner feature, so you have to install a reliable third party QR code scanner application that is compatible with your device.

It's mandatory that your scanner application is compatible with your Android version, otherwise it's a waste of time. Other important things to keep in check are:

  • It should have a good rating
  • It should have user-friendly interface

    • Android 8 and Above

    If you are using smart phones supporting Android 8 or above, then you can scan as many QR codes as possible because they come with their built-in QR code scanning feature.

    So, you will not require any third party QR code scanning app, to read the QR code from your laptop.

      Step by step guide to scan QR code in Laptop from your Android Device

    You can follow these easy steps to scan QR code on your laptop from Android device:

    1. Step 1: Open the camera of your mobile phone and hover it over the QR code displayed on the laptop screen.
    2. Step 2: Once it scans and reads the QR code, a link will be displayed on your screen.
    3. Step 3: Tap the link and it will navigate you to the landing page, websites or any information embedded in the QR code.

      Guide to use Google Lens to read QR codes

    Most of the android have active Google Lens, but if you don't have it then activate it. The latest image recognition by Google helps you search images and scan QR codes.

    Here how it works:

    1. Step 1: Open the Google Lens app, in case it's not activated, launch your Google Assistant or you can also open the camera app settings to activate Google Lens.
    2. Step 2: Once activated, hover your camera over the QR code so it can scan and read it.
    3. Step 3: The link will appear on your screen, click it and navigate to the required information, websites, pages etc.

      Guide to use Android Built-in Browser to scan QR codes

    Android phones have their built-in QR code scanners, they can be found on their default browser.

    Here is how it works:

    1. Launch the phone's default browser, then tap in the barcode/QR code scanner.
    2. Hover the camera on the QR code
    3. Give a few seconds to read the code, then it will navigate you to the concerned page.
    scan QR code on laptop using IMQRScan

    How can I scan QR code on laptop using iOS

    If you have an older version of iOS, you will require a third party scanner. But if you have iOS 11 and above, be at ease as it has built-in QR code scanning app to scan QR code on iPhone:

      iOS 11 and Above

    Here is a step-by-step guide to scan QR code on your laptop if you have iOS 11 and above:

    1. Open the camera app. and open the rear view.
    2. Scan the QR code, till the URL appears on the screen.
    3. Click the link, it will link you to the safari where you can get the information.

    What Are The Best Apps and Tools to Scan QR Code via Laptop Screens

    Looking for a free tool, IMQRScan is the answer. Yes! It stands apart from its competitors in many ways, but you can also search other platforms that offer free QR code scanning.

      Google Lens

    If your laptop is updated and well functioning, then you can simply use Google Lens to extract information from your QR code. It is an easy to use and free feature, making it everyone's favourite.

      Barcode Reader

    This is the oldest app on the Play Store designed to scan barcodes and images. This app allows you to share the extracted information to various social media platforms, like Facebook, SMS or Email.

    It's an easy to use app and also has a mobile friendly interface. Among all above the best overall free application I'd Google Lens, as it's free and readily available on all mobile phones. But, if you are a beginner and need assistance when scanning QR codes, and choose that has the easiest interface, no hidden charges or security breaches.

    Troubleshooting Common Problems You Can Face While Scanning A QR code from A Laptop

    You might encounter these malfunctions while scanning QR code from a laptop screen, but don't worry these problems can be resolved in a few minutes.

    Let's know how:

      QR code Not Detected?

    In such cases check:

  • You camera lenses - clean them
  • Make sure the lights are switched on
  • Don't share the device, hold it steady
  • Ensure the QR code is not damaged

  • scan QR code on laptop using Google search

      Blurry Laptop Camera

    Here are the tips to get clear pictures in case your camera doesn't scan QR code:

  • Use a soft cloth to wipe the lense
  • Ensure camera resolution settings are accurate
  • Camera drive should be updated
  • If required, you can use external webcam

    • Issue With Size of QR codes

    To keep the QR code scannable, consider following points:

    1. Adjust the zoom settings.
    2. Keep your device at the ideal range from the laptop
    3. If the QR code is still un-scannable, consider resizing it.

    Final Thoughts

    In a nutshell, scanning a QR code from your laptop screen is not a big issue now. You just need a smartphone, Google Lens, barcodes readers and if these options fail, you can consider using a third party code scanner.

    You can extract the required information easily while having many options.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    About Scanning QR Codes on Laptop

    Here's What You Need to Know

    How to scan a QR code without a camera?

    Yes, it's possible to scan QR code from a laptop. For this you can use three simple methods like, scanning from an inbuilt camera, from the mobiles camera or from the third party scanner application like IMQRScan.

    Is it safe to scan QR codes from laptop screens?

    Yes, it's totally safe to scan QR code from the laptop's screen,provided that the QR code itself is not faulty or malicious.

    Which QR code scanner is best for Windows?

    It all depends on which scanner works well with the windows you have, IMQRScan goes with all sorts of windows and gives good results.

    How to generate your own QR code on the laptop?

    It's simple as you get plenty of free and paid QR code generators online. You can choose any one that is safe and reliable to generate good scannable QR codes, for example IMQRScan.

    Is it possible that a MacBook can scan QR code directly?

    Yes, you can use applications like Web tools or QR journals to scan QR codes with your MacBook.

    How can I scan QR code without a scanner?

    You can use Google Lens, smartphone camera, online available QR readers like IMQRScan and also via chrome browser.

    What if I take a photo, instead of scanning a QR code?

    It's not useful, as taking a picture is not enough. If you want to scan that picture you have to upload it on QR code scanning applications to get the information.

    What is a scanner?

    A scanners is a device that reads the physical image and converts it into the digital format for extracting information or display.