How to Scan a QR Code on Android (2026) — Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi & More

How to Scan a QR Code on Android — 5 Methods

Android phones from different manufacturers have slightly different scanning methods. This guide covers Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei, and stock Android.

Method 1: Built-in Camera App (Works on Android 9+)

Most Android phones running Android 9 (Pie) or later support QR scanning directly in the camera:

1. Open the Camera app
2. Point the lens at the QR code — hold 15–30 cm away
3. Wait for recognition — a popup or banner appears
4. Tap to open the URL, WiFi, or contact

If this doesn't work, check your camera settings for a "Scan QR Codes" or "Smart Scan" toggle.

Method 2: Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

Samsung has had QR scanning since Android 8 (One UI 1.0).

Option A: Camera App

1. Open Camera → make sure you're in Photo mode
2. Point at the QR code — a popup appears automatically
3. Tap the popup to open the content

Option B: Quick Settings

1. Swipe down twice to expand Quick Settings
2. Look for QR Code Scanner tile (tap the pencil icon to add it if not visible)
3. Tap the tile → scanner opens in fullscreen

Option C: Bixby Vision

1. Open Camera → tap the Bixby Vision icon (star-shaped eye icon)
2. Point at QR code → content appears automatically

Method 3: Google Pixel (Google Lens)

Pixel phones use Google Lens for QR scanning.

Option A: Camera App

1. Open the Camera app
2. Point at the QR code — Google Lens activates automatically
3. Tap the popup link

Option B: From a Screenshot (Google Photos)

1. Open the screenshot in Google Photos
2. Tap the Lens icon (bottom toolbar) or press and hold on the QR code
3. Lens decodes the QR code and shows the content

Option C: Google Lens Standalone

1. Long-press the home screen → tap Lens
2. Or search for "Lens" in the Google app
3. Point at the QR code

Method 4: Xiaomi / MIUI

Xiaomi phones running MIUI have a built-in scanner:

Option A: Camera App

Open Camera → look for a QR Code icon in the top menu bar → tap to enter scanner mode → point at QR code.

Option B: Security App Scanner

1. Open the Security app (pre-installed on MIUI)
2. Tap Scan at the top
3. Point at the QR code

Option C: MIUI Control Center

Swipe down for Control Center → look for a Scanner shortcut.

Method 5: Scan from an Image or Screenshot on Android

This works when you receive a QR code by WhatsApp, email, or screenshot:

Google Lens (All Android Phones)

1. Open Google Photos → find your image
2. Tap the Lens icon at the bottom
3. Lens detects and decodes the QR code automatically

TooStamply Online Reader (Any Android, Any Browser)

1. Open Chrome (or any browser) on your Android phone
2. Go to TooStamply QR Code Reader
3. Tap Upload Image → select your screenshot from Gallery
4. QR code is decoded instantly — no app, no account

Android QR Scanning by Version

Troubleshooting: Android Not Scanning QR Codes

Fix 1: Enable QR scanning in camera settings

Open Camera → tap the Settings gear → look for "Scan QR codes", "Smart scan", or "Barcode scanning" and enable it.

Fix 2: Clean the camera lens

A smudged lens drastically reduces scanning accuracy. Wipe with a microfibre cloth.

Fix 3: Improve lighting

QR codes need good contrast. Move to better light or turn on the torch using the flashlight icon in the camera app.

Fix 4: Adjust distance

Try holding the phone 10–25 cm from the QR code. Too close or too far reduces detection.

Fix 5: Try an alternative method

If your camera still won't scan:

• Use TooStamply's online QR scanner at /qr-scanner — open in Chrome, allow camera access
• Upload a screenshot to TooStamply QR Reader — works on any Android browser

OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and Other Android Phones

Most Android phones with custom launchers follow the same pattern:

1. Camera app → look for a QR/barcode icon or smart scan setting
2. Quick Settings panel → some add a QR scanner shortcut
3. Gallery/Photos app → press and hold on a QR code image to decode

If none of these work, TooStamply's online scanner is the universal fallback — it works on any Android phone with Chrome or Firefox.

Create a QR Code on Android

TooStamply's QR code generator works fully in Chrome for Android:

• No app download needed
• Create QR codes for URLs, WiFi, contacts, and 9 other types
• Custom colours, logo, and frames
• Download as PNG or SVG directly to your phone

Open Free QR Code Generator →

Related Guides

• How to scan a QR code on iPhone (2026) — complete iPhone guide
• QR code not scanning? 15 fixes — full troubleshooting guide
• QR code reader online — read from image — upload any screenshot, any device
• Free QR code scanner — use your camera or upload