How to Scan a QR Code from a Picture

It’s rare but I’ve seen QR codes online that are embedded in images and I need to know where they link to. Or someone sends me a QR code that they have issues with and I need to debug it. I could pull out my smartphone to scan it or just use our free online tool to scan it. We built this tool for testing QR codes and users who may not have access to a phone and need to scan a QR code in their web browser.

Step-by-Step: Scanning a QR Code from a Picture

1. Visit the T.LY QR Code Scanner
   Open your browser and go to T.LY QR Code Scanner. This tool works on both desktop and mobile
2. Upload Your QR Code Image
   On the scanner page, you’ll see an option to drag and drop or upload an image. Click “Select QR Code” and select the picture of the QR code from your device. If you’re on mobile, you can even upload directly from your photo gallery or take a live picture of the code.
3. Let the Tool Work Its Magic
   Once you upload the image, the scanner will read the QR code and display the embedded URL or information.
4. Click the Result or Copy the Link
   If the QR code contains a URL, you can click the link to open it immediately or copy it to share or save for later.

Supported Image Formats

Our goal for this tool was to handle a variety of image formats. If you find a file type or have a QR code that won’t scan, reach out to support and we will investigate the issue.

• JPG/JPEG
• PNG
• GIF
• WEBP
• BMP

Tips for Scanning QR Codes from Pictures

• High-Quality Images Work Best: If the QR code is blurry, the scanner might struggle to read it. Make sure your image is clear.
• Crop if Necessary: If the QR code is part of a larger image, crop it down so the scanner can focus only on the code.
• Test with Different Angles: Lighting or shadows can affect readability.

Try It Yourself!

It’s always a good idea to test your QR code especially if they are going to be mass printed on business cards or a billboard. It would be unfortunate to spend the money on an advertisement that did not work. Next time you have a QR code and need to scan it, give our QR Code Scanner a try—it’s quick, simple, and reliable.