Your smartphone is full of surprises. There is an app if you want to use your phone as a magnifier or scanner. Tap or click here for hidden apps on your smartphone and how to find them.
Third-party programs take up storage space on your phone, and many are redundant thanks to your phone’s built-in features. Tap or click here for common apps that you can delete immediately.
Quick response codes, better known as QR codes, are the pixelated squares you see in restaurants, advertisements, stores, food packaging, business cards, airline tickets – you name it. Some developers would make you believe that you need to download their app to scan it. Spoiler: Your phone can do that with built-in features.
Follow the maze
QR codes were originally created to track car parts, but now they are used for much more.
How many calories are in these fries? Where can you buy the outfit you see in an ad? How many miles can this car go on a gallon of gas? A quick QR code scan can clear up all of these questions and more. Think of this technology as an intelligent barcode.
QR codes existed long before smartphones, and your device can scan them instantly. Here’s how to use this helpful feature without any third-party software.
Use your phone’s native capabilities to avoid malware
Third-party scanning apps are popular, making them top-notch malware delivery systems. Hackers hide dangerous code in these helpful apps that can steal your money, hijack your personal information, or even take over your device.
TIED TOGETHER: QR Code App Caught Hiding Malware – Check Your Phone!
How to scan a QR code with your iPhone’s camera app
Your iPhone’s built-in camera app can scan QR codes, and it’s as easy as taking a photo. Here’s how:
- open that camera app and hold your iPhone so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder.
- Your phone should recognize the QR code and give you a notification.
- Tap the notification to open the link associated with the QR code.
How to scan a QR code with your Android phone
Your Android phone’s camera can probably scan QR codes without using a third-party app. Here’s how:
- open that camera App and hold your Android phone so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder.
- Your phone should recognize the QR code and give you a notification.
- Tap the notification to open the link associated with the QR code.
- If you don’t get notified, go to settings and enable QR code scanning.
Use your Samsung’s camera app
Samsung’s camera app has native support for QR code scanning. Here’s how:
- open that camera App and hold your Samsung phone so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder.
- Your phone should recognize the QR code and give you a notification.
- Tap the notification to open the link associated with the QR code.
- If you don’t get notified, go to settings and enable QR code scanning.
Use Google Lens
Google Lens started out as a feature in Pixel phones but soon became the standard in many Android phones. The tool is part of your camera app and can do many things from identifying a dog breed to translating text. How to use it:
- open yours camera app and tap More > Google Lens.
- Now you have a lens icon to use when you open your camera and it can scan QR codes.
- You can also use Google Assistant to activate Google Lens. To say “OK Google,” then tap Google Lens bottom right.
Tap or click here to get even more out of Google Lens.
Use Bixby
Samsung’s virtual assistant can help you learn more about anything with a QR code. Here’s how:
- Launch your camera app and tap Bixby Vision.
- Then tap To allow enable permissions. Enable all pop-up permissions.
- Scan and type walk to navigate to view the content of the QR code.
While scanning a QR code is convenient and fun, it can expose you to malware and scams. Tap or click here for tips on what to look out for.
Keep your technical knowledge up to date
My favorite podcast is called Kim Komando Today. It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips and tech callers like you from across the country. Look for it wherever you get your podcasts. For convenience, click the link below to view a recent episode.
Think before you flush. Your poop could be worth a lot of money. (Yes, really.) Also, Netflix wants you to stop sharing your account, Amazon Music offers Prime members enhanced ad-free listening, and why Uber is bombarding you with ads. Also free alternatives to Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator that work just as well.
Watch my Kim Komando Today podcast on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name “Komando”.
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