Scan a QR code from a picture
The code is in a photo, not in front of your camera. Here's how to decode it on iPhone, Android, and desktop — no app required.
On iPhone
Open the photo in the Photos app and long-press the QR code — iOS detects it right in the image and offers to open the link. No extra tools needed.
On Android
Open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens button. Most gallery apps on Samsung and Pixel phones do the same from the share menu.
On PC / Mac
Phones can't help you here — this is where an online decoder earns its keep. Take a screenshot (or save the image), then upload it to FreeQrly's scanner. It's decoded in your browser, so the image is never uploaded anywhere — nice when the screenshot contains something private.
Tips for stubborn images
Crop tight around the code before uploading — decoders work faster and more reliably on a clean crop. If the photo is blurry or shot at an angle, no decoder can save it; retake it straight-on. More in why your QR code won't scan.
Privacy note
Screenshots often contain more than the QR code — chats, tickets, personal photos. Think twice before uploading them to a random decoder site. A local decoder never sees anything but your own browser tab.
Try it yourself — free, no sign-up
Everything in this article works in the FreeQrly studio right now. Static codes, eight content types, PNG and SVG export.
Open the studioGood to know
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot on iPhone?
Open the screenshot in Photos and long-press the code — iOS reads it directly from the image.
How do I scan a QR code from an image on PC?
Upload the image to a free online QR decoder. Prefer one that decodes locally in the browser so your image is never uploaded.
Why can't the decoder read my picture?
Usually blur, a steep angle, or the code is too small in the frame. Crop tightly around the code and try again in good light.