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utilnest

QR code scanner

Read a QR code or barcode with your camera, or from a picture, without installing an app.

  • Works in your browser
  • No sign-up
  • Free to use

How to use QR code scanner

  1. 1

    Press "Start camera" and allow camera access when your browser asks, or drop, choose or paste an image that contains a code.

  2. 2

    Hold the code inside the frame. Scanning stops by itself as soon as a code is read.

  3. 3

    Read the decoded text, along with the code type (for example QR Code or EAN-13) and what it contains.

  4. 4

    Copy the text. For web links, check the address shown, then open it only if you trust it.

What this tool does

This scanner reads the data inside a QR code or barcode and shows it as text, either live from your camera or from an image file. It works on phones and on computers with a webcam, and it is handy when your camera app won't read a code or when the code is in a screenshot or a PDF you've captured.

Features

  • Camera or image. Live scanning with the rear camera on phones, or drop, choose or paste (Ctrl+V) a PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF or BMP image.
  • QR codes and barcodes. Shows the symbology name (QR Code, EAN-13, Code 128...) with the decoded content.
  • Knows common formats. Recognises links, Wi-Fi networks, email, phone, SMS, contact cards and map locations.
  • Safe links. "Open link" is offered only for http and https addresses, with the site name shown first.
  • Uses your browser's built-in detector when it has one, and otherwise a WebAssembly build of the open-source ZXing-C++ reader, served from this site.

Limits

  • Blurry, very small, damaged or low-contrast codes may not be read. Move closer, add light, or try a sharper photo.
  • Camera scanning needs a browser with camera support and your permission. Some in-app browsers block it.
  • The scanner only shows what the code says. It can't tell whether a link or payment request is genuine.
  • Codes that use proprietary encryption (some tickets and payment apps) show their raw text only.

Where your file is processed

This tool works in your browser: your image is processed on your own device, so it isn't sent to our server for this tool. Some other tools on UtiloNest do use our server, and their pages say so.

Frequently asked questions

Where is my file processed?

In your browser. This tool works on your own device, so the file isn't sent to our server for it.

Which codes can it read?

QR codes, plus common barcodes such as EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, ITF and Codabar, and 2D codes like Data Matrix, Aztec and PDF417. If several codes appear in one image, each is listed.

Why doesn't the "Open link" button appear for every code?

It only appears for ordinary web links starting with http:// or https://. Other content, including javascript and data addresses, is shown as text so you can't open something harmful by accident. A QR code can point to a fake login page, so always check the address first.

What happens with a Wi-Fi QR code?

The scanner shows the network name, the password and the security type, and lets you copy the password. A website can't join a Wi-Fi network for you, so you enter the password in your device's Wi-Fi settings.

The camera doesn't start. What can I do?

Check that the browser has permission to use the camera for this site and that no other app is using it. Camera access also needs a secure (https) page. You can always take a photo or screenshot of the code and upload it instead.

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