QR codes have become an indispensable part of everyday life, they are used for payments, registering for events, accessing websites and exchanging various information.
However, many users are wondering how to scan a QR code that is already on the screen of their phone, when it is not possible to simultaneously use the camera and display the code on the same device.
Experts state that the solution is simple – you need to take a screenshot, or “screenshot”, and then open the saved photo in the gallery.
Not all phones have the same process
On most Android devices, a screenshot is taken by simultaneously pressing the power and volume down buttons, while on iPhones, a combination of the lock and volume buttons is used.
After opening a photo, iPhone users can press and hold the QR code to get options and open the content behind it.
On Android phones, it is enough to touch the image and activate the Google Lens option, which automatically recognizes the code and displays the link or information it contains.
Additional tools and expert alerts
In addition to Google Lens, some Android devices also support the “Circle to Search” function, which allows the user to simply mark a QR code on the screen and immediately read its content.
This option is available on newer Samsung Galaxy and certain Google Pixel models, and represents one of the most practical solutions for recognizing screen content, states “Bgr“.
QR codes were developed in the nineties by the Japanese company Denso Wave, and today they are used by millions of companies around the world in marketing, trade and digital services.
Caution required
However, experts warn that you should be careful when scanning unknown codes.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) previously warned citizens about the increase in fraud through malicious QR codes that can lead to fake websites or serve to steal personal and financial data.
Therefore, it is recommended that users always verify the origin of the QR code before opening a link or leaving sensitive information.
