QR Code Scanner Online
A free online QR code reader that decodes a QR code from any photo or screenshot — no app, no upload. Extracts URLs, WiFi credentials, vCards, and plain text.
Drag & drop a file here, Ctrl+V to paste, oror
Instant Decode
Results in milliseconds. Works with screenshots and photos.
All QR Types
URLs, WiFi, vCards, email, phone, location and plain text.
100% Private
Images never leave your device. All processing is local.
How it works
What it reads
This QR code scanner from image files decodes QR codes using jsQR, running entirely in your browser. Upload any photo to read QR code data including URL links, plain text, Wi-Fi credentials (SSID and password), vCards (contact information), email addresses, phone numbers, calendar events, and other standard formats. The decoded content is displayed immediately with a copy button for easy use. You can scan QR code from photo captures, screenshots, images saved from websites, or pictures received in messaging apps — no live camera required. See our guide to scanning QR codes and how to read a QR code from a screenshot for tips and use cases.
Safety and security
QR codes can contain malicious URLs designed for phishing or malware distribution. Always review the content after you decode a QR code before visiting any link — our scanner shows the raw URL so you can inspect the domain before clicking. Never scan QR codes from untrusted sources without checking where they lead. Processing happens locally in your browser, so the QR code image and decoded data stay on your device and are never sent to any server.
Tips for best results
Ensure the QR code is fully visible in the image — partial codes can't be decoded. Good contrast between the code and background is essential for any QR code reader from photo files. If scanning a QR code from a screenshot, use the Screenshot Scanner first to verify image origin, and avoid heavy compression that blurs the code's edges. Cropping the image closer to the QR code area can improve detection on busy backgrounds. Very small QR codes in larger photos may need to be cropped and zoomed before uploading.
QR codes vs barcodes
QR codes (2D) use a grid pattern to store URLs, text, contacts, and other rich data — up to several thousand characters. Traditional barcodes (1D) use vertical lines and typically store only numeric product identifiers. This tool handles QR codes. For product barcodes (EAN, UPC, Code 128), use the Barcode Scanner. For extracting visible text from images rather than codes, try the Text Scanner (OCR).
QR codes have become ubiquitous — appearing on restaurant menus, event tickets, product packaging, business cards, and payment terminals. While most phones can scan QR codes in real-time through the camera app, a QR code scanner online that works from image files is more practical in many situations: decoding codes from screenshots, reading codes received in messaging apps or emails, or processing photos taken earlier. This QR code reader online approach lets you inspect the decoded content before acting on it — especially important for security. If the QR code appears on a printed document or receipt, the Document Scanner can extract the surrounding text alongside the code. For more on scanning from screenshots specifically, see our screenshot QR scanning guide. All processing happens client-side using jsQR, which means no QR code data — including any sensitive Wi-Fi passwords or contact information — is transmitted to any server.
Detailed guides: scan a QR code from a saved photo or decode WiFi credentials from a QR code.