2. Getting started using QR codes

What are QR codes?

Quick Response (QR) codes are a type of barcode. Your smartphone or tablet can translate the codes into information.

Quick Response (QR) codes are black and white squares that store information and can be read by a device like a smartphone or tablet.

When you scan a QR code, you can quickly open website links, maps, restaurant menus, gift cards, store promotions, or phone numbers. Other people can scan your QR codes to check a concert ticket or a boarding pass.

You can scan a QR code using your smartphone or tablet.

Let’s think about it

What do you want to use QR codes for?

To show my proof of vaccination against COVID-19 To learn more about ads I see that have QR codes To open and read a menu at a restaurant I’m just curious Here’s why I want to use QR codes:

Are you on an Android device? Keep reading this page to find out what version of Android you have.

Are you on an iOS device? Click here to go to your next activity.

Checking your Android software

Before you can scan a QR code with your device, you’ll need to check which version of Android you have. Android is the Operating System (OS) that makes your device work.

To check which version of Android you have:

Go to your home screen and open the Settings app. It looks like a gear.
In the Settings app, tap About phone or About device
Then tap Software information
You’ll see the version of your Android software under Android version

What version of Android do you have?

Is your Android version lower than 9? Keep reading this page.

Is your Android version 9 or higher? Click here to go to your next activity.

Finding the QR & barcode scanner app

If you have a version of Android lower than 9, you’ll need to use an app to scan QR codes.

On your device:

Look for the QR Code & Barcode Scanner app on your device’s home screen
Tap it to open it
If QR Code & Barcode Scanner isn’t installed on your device, open the Google Play Store
In the Google Play Store, search for QR Code & Barcode Scanner and download the app onto your device
If you’ve never downloaded an app before, download the Play Store lesson first

Using the QR Code & Barcode Scanner app

You’re ready to start scanning QR codes with the QR Code & Barcode Scanner app. Usually when you scan a QR code, a link will pop up on your screen.

Now you can scan QR codes with your device!

Using the QR code below:

Open the QR Code & Barcode Scanner app on your device
Point your device’s camera at the QR code
Tap Scan Using Camera on your device
Wait a couple of seconds for your device to scan it
Note: You don’t need to take a picture of the QR code for your camera to scan it, simply hold your device in front of the code and wait

Opening QR code links

Usually when you scan a QR code, a link will pop up on your screen.

If the pop-up from the QR code has a link:

Tap on the link to open the webpage from the QR code
The link will open in your internet browser
Note: Not all QR codes open links. For example, you might scan a QR code to connect to a Wi-Fi network or add a new contact to your device
Note: Only open links for QR codes from a group or person that you trust

Now you can scan QR codes with your device!

Click here to skip to your next activity.