QR codes are scannable patterns that store lots of data. They allow users to access information instantly. Simply point your Android camera at the QR code, and your device will immediately decrypt the pattern and turn it into a human-readable link, text, or image. Unfortunately, your Android terminal may sometimes fail to scan QR codes. Let’s explore what you can do to fix the problem.
Why Won’t My Phone Camera Read QR Codes?
Press and Hold the Screen
Android 9 and newer feature an in-built QR code scanner thanks to Google Lens. All you need to do is launch the Camera app and point it at the QR code. If pointing your camera at the code doesn’t work, press and hold the QR code screen area. Wait for a few seconds and check if your device scanned the code. If the issue persists, press the Google Lens button.
Enable QR Code Scanner Manually
If the issue persists, manually activate the QR code scanning option, and check if your device recognizes the code.
- Open the Camera app, and tap More. Then, go to Settings, and activate Google Lens suggestions.
- If you use a Samsung device and enable the QR code scanner in the Samsung Internet browser, use our guide to get the job done.
By the way, go to Settings, select System, and tap System Update. Install the latest Android OS version on your phone, and check if the issue is gone.
Check Your Camera Lens and Lighting
- Use a soft cloth to wipe off any smudges or dirt from the lens.
- If you’re in a low lighting environment, turn on the light. Bright light is essential when scanning QR codes.
- Additionally, ensure no shadows are falling on the code.
- Use a plain background to avoid confusing your camera’s auto-focus.
- Make sure your phone’s camera is not tilted at an angle.
- Don’t hold your device too close or too far away from the QR code.
Use a Third-Party QR Code Scanner
If the issue persists, launch the Play Store app and download a third-party QR code scanner app. There are plenty of options available in the Store. Download one of the most popular apps, and use it to scan your QR code.
Conclusion
To sum up, if your Android device won’t scan QR codes, go to Camera Settings, and enable the QR code scanner option. Additionally, press and hold the QR code screen area or the Google Lens button. If the issue persists, download a QR code scanner from the Play Store. How often do you use your Android device to scan QR codes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Alf Ching says
I’ve a Samsung A02s phone and as far as I can find there is no scan in settings,wished I’d have known that about a year ago
Alf Ching says
Not a bloody tool,Phones useless
Monica says
Camera is set to show qr codes and three different apps and STILL NOTHING. Is this a Samsung issue. Please tell me it’s just their way to push me to upgrade. I DO NOT want to go to the dark side aka Apple. I’m tired of tech companies trying to be my parent. They’re lousy at it.
michael says
my phone is a basic text call phone, does that mean i cant scan codes
Bob Fletcher says
Utterly useless. My Samsung A8 has NONE of the settings re: QR codes. I have wasted a lot of time specifically searching for A8 specific instructions for QR codes, and found many, all of which are total garbage, My fully updated Samsung A8 has NOTHING about QR codes anywhere, so don’t keep telling me it does. Sheesh. Downloading a QR code reader from the Playstore is a risky business, but I guess that is the only solution. QR codes are not a frill. They are essential, especially these days when you have to use them to indicate vaccination status, or register for lots of locations.
Denise says
Literally everything you said to do does not apply to my Samsung GalaxyA12..Everything looks different.Nothing in settings talks about qr codes. No cute little qr icon on my camera ,Not in special features.
bawlsinyojuh says
you know, i absolutely despise tutorials that don’t even work at all like this, and it really grinds my gears every time i follow all of the steps in order but nothing works
(when i said that, i really mean it)
like bruh, how do you even expect every phone’s model and features to be the same as yours and everyone to agree with your tutorial? i’m pretty sure that your tutorial works for you because there’s probably something in your phone that helped you, but others don’t have
Recie says
I’m not sure why no one is addressing another kind of serious problem: whether it’s online, or in all consumer apps, scan a new card with phone camera stopped working in Android altogether. All of a sudden (like a year), I have to type everything in manually. Right above the keyboard, it says scan a new card, click that nothing happens. 😡
joeair says
On my phone, if the camera is set to MACRO it will not read QR codes. The QR icon even goes away. Switching back to CAMERA and it works fine. I use MACRO a lot to photograph small parts, and often forget to set it back.
JayBee says
Followed all the steps above and none of it was helpful.
p koh says
no! camera seems to have failed