BrowserTools

QR Code Reader

Scan or upload QR codes to decode them

By Guga — BrowserTools maintainer, Tbilisi, Georgia Updated 2026-09-21
Free Private No uploads
What is QR Code Reader?

Two ways in: drop in a picture you already have — a screenshot, a photo of a poster, a code saved to your camera roll — or point the rear camera at a code and let it find one. Both paths run the same decoder locally on the pixels, frame by frame for the camera, so nothing is uploaded and no frame is ever recorded. When a code is found the decoded text appears immediately, and if it starts with http a link to open it in a new tab is offered, which saves a long URL being retyped by hand. Scope worth knowing: this decodes QR codes specifically. It will not read a Code 128, EAN, or any other linear barcode — those are a different symbology with a different encoding. Blur, glare, and a code too small in frame are the usual reasons a scan fails.

Decode QR codes from uploaded images or straight from your camera. Extract URLs, text, Wi-Fi credentials or contact data instantly — scanning never leaves your device.

Private QR Code Reader In Your Browser

QR Code Reader is processed locally with client-side JavaScript. Your files never touch a server, and there is no queue to wait in.

Step-by-Step

How to use QR Code Reader

1

Drop an image onto the Drop a QR code image to decode area — screenshots and photographs both work.

2

Or press Scan with camera, grant the permission prompt, and hold the code in frame for a second or two.

3

The decoded text appears in the output box, labelled with the file name or with camera.

4

If the payload is a URL, use Open link in a new tab to follow it.

Key Capabilities
  • Decodes from an uploaded image or live from the device's rear camera
  • Camera mode inspects every frame, so a code is picked up as soon as it is steady in view
  • A decoded URL is offered as an open-in-new-tab link instead of something to retype
  • The camera stream is released as soon as a code is read or scanning is stopped
Common Use Cases
  • A developer checking what a QR code in a test fixture or a bug report actually decodes to.
  • A shopper scanning a product code at a market stall to reach the seller's page.
  • A sysadmin pulling a Wi-Fi credential payload off a poster so a machine can join the network.
Clear Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the camera not find the code?
Usually one of four things: the code is too small in frame, the surface is reflective, the shot is out of focus, or the code is at a steep angle. Fill more of the frame with it and hold steady for a second or two.
Can it read other barcodes, like EAN or Code 128?
No. This decodes QR codes, which are two-dimensional matrix codes. Linear symbologies such as EAN-13, UPC, and Code 128 use a completely different encoding and need a different reader.
What does it do with my camera?
Frames are read and discarded in the tab while the scanner is running. The stream stops the moment a code is decoded or you press Stop camera, and nothing is recorded or stored.
Is the camera feed sent anywhere?
No. Decoding is local, on your own frames. The only time this page needs the network is to load itself.

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