How to Scan a QR Code From an Image or Screenshot (Free)
3 min read
Phone cameras scan QR codes in the real world, but what about a QR code that's already on your screen — in a screenshot, a PDF, an email, or a saved photo? You can't point your camera at your own screen easily.
Here is how to scan a QR code from an image.
Step by step
- 1Open the reader
Open the QR Code Reader.
- 2Upload the image (or use your camera)
Drop in a screenshot or saved photo that contains the QR code — or switch to the live camera if the code is in the real world.
- 3Read the result
The tool decodes the code and shows what's inside — usually a link, but it could be Wi-Fi details, contact info, or text.
- 4Check before you tap
Always read the decoded link before opening it — QR codes can hide malicious URLs.
Tips
- Make sure the whole QR code (with its white border) is in the image — a cropped code won't decode.
- Higher-resolution, well-lit images decode more reliably.
- The camera option needs HTTPS and your permission — it works on the live site.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Upload the screenshot to the QR Code Reader and it decodes the code and shows the link or text — no camera needed.
Can I read a QR code without a phone?
Yes. Upload an image of the code in your browser and the reader decodes it on any device.
Is it safe?
The decoding happens in your browser, and the tool shows you the link before you open it — so you can check a QR code is safe before tapping through.