← Back to BlogTutorial
How to Scan a QR Code: Camera vs Image Upload
Learn the two ways to scan QR codes: using your device camera in real-time or uploading a screenshot. Both methods are free and private.
Two Ways to Scan QR Codes
- Camera scanning - Use your device camera to scan a QR code in real-time
- Image upload - Upload a screenshot or photo containing a QR code
Method 1: Camera Scanning
Camera scanning is ideal when you have a physical QR code in front of you.
- Visit our QR Code Scanner
- Click Start Camera and grant camera permission
- Point your camera at the QR code
- The code is detected and decoded automatically
Method 2: Image Upload (Decoder)
Image upload is perfect when you have a screenshot or photo of a QR code.
- Visit our QR Code Decoder
- Upload a PNG, JPG, or WEBP image containing a QR code
- The QR code is decoded instantly in your browser
Privacy and Security
Both methods process everything entirely in your browser. No images or decoded data are ever sent to any server.
Which Method Should You Use?
- QR code on a physical object - Camera scanning
- QR code in a screenshot - Image upload
- QR code in a saved photo - Image upload
- QR code in an email attachment - Image upload
Ready to Create Your QR Code?
Free, no signup required. Generate QR codes instantly in your browser.
Scan a QR Code →