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What are QR codes and why scan them?
A QR code - Quick Response Code - is a type of matrix (two-dimensional bar-matrix format) that was originally developed for the automotive industry in Japan.
Although you might think they're something new, these codes have been around since 1994 and were created to replace conventional barcodes. Initially, they were used on boarding passes, loyalty cards, and transportation labels.
The development of information and communications technologies has expanded the use of QR codes, which now provide additional information such as contact addresses, Wi-Fi credentials, links, and much more.
In technological terms, QR codes can be defined as a type of modern, two-dimensional barcode that can contain any data, information, or files. QR codes can even be links to an online store or a link to automatically download an app from the Google Play Store.
To decode any QR code, it must be scanned with a two-dimensional barcode reader. How to scan a QR code from a Samsung smartphone?
A QR code that you see on a document, business card, billboard, payment terminal, on a website on a computer, etc., that is, one that is not on your smartphone, can be scanned in one of the following ways:
- Using the Bixby Vision app,
- Using the Samsung Internet browser,
- Using the Camera app,
- Using a QR code scanner,
- Using the Google Lens feature,
- Using a third-party QR code reader app.
How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung: Simple Ways to Activate and Use the QR Code Scanner on Your Samsung Device
Bixby Vision
Bixby Vision is a Samsung feature that allows users to gain insight into the world around them simply by opening the camera on their Samsung phones.
Samsung models from the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy Note 8 onward have Bixby Vision built in, and here are a few simple steps to activate your QR code scanner.
- First, open the "Camera" app and then tap Bixby Vision.
- You'll need to grant permissions to the app if this is your first time using Bixby Vision. Then, tap "Allow" on all the permission requests that appear.
- Additionally, tap "Allow" on the Bixby Vision pop-ups.
- After granting all permissions, your Samsung device can now scan QR codes.
- Point the camera at the code, several options will appear in the pop-up window, press "Go" to open the website.
Samsung Internet Browser
The Samsung Internet Browser is a mobile browser for smartphones and tablets developed by Samsung Electronics. Browser features include content-blocking extensions, Gear VR and DeX integration, KNOX support, tabbed browsing (up to 99), bookmark syncing, ad blocking, reader mode, saved pages, incognito mode, SPen function, dark theme, customizable menu, video assistant, QR code scanner, intelligent anti-tracking, among others.
To access the QR code scanner from the Samsung Internet Browser, follow these steps:
- Open the Samsung Internet app.
- Tap the three vertical lines in the lower-right corner of the screen.
- Tap "Settings" and then "Useful Features."
- You can activate the QR code scanner by toggling the switch.
- Return to the home page and tap the URL link.
- Tap the QR code icon.
- Then tap "Allow" in the permission request pop-up window.
After this, when you point your smartphone's camera at a QR code, your device will automatically recognize it.
Camera App
Samsung Camera is the pre-installed camera used by all Samsung smartphones to capture images. You can take photos in seconds to capture any moment of your life with the touch of a button. However, this option is only available on Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 9.0 or higher.
Here are a few simple steps to enable the QR code scanner in the Camera app:
- Open your phone's camera and click on Camera Settings.
- Activate the QR code scanner by toggling the switch. Close Settings.
- Then, you can launch the Camera app, where you can scan the QR code.
- Point the camera at the code. Several options will appear in the pop-up window; tap "Go" to open the website.
Google Photos
Although the Gallery app on Samsung phones has many useful features, many users still prefer Google Photos to manage their media. If you're one of them, you can use Google Lens's photo integration to scan a QR code.
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Open the photo you want to scan the QR code from.
- Tap the Google Lens icon.
- You'll now see the options "Internet," "Copy URL," and "Share."
How to Scan a QR Code on Samsung Using Third-Party QR Code Scanners. Here Are Some of the Most Popular Apps
App: QR and Barcode Scanner
QR and Barcode Scanner is a free and indispensable QR code reader that people can use on various Android devices. To use it, you just need to launch the app and point your camera at the QR code you want to scan.
Kaspersky QR Scanner
Kaspersky QR Scanner is a tool that allows users to scan QR codes while ensuring that the link they are about to access will not harm their smartphone. To use it, you just need to launch the app and point your camera at the QR code you want to scan.
Social Media Apps That Can Scan QR Codes
In addition to the suggested QR code scanner apps, there are other options users can choose to scan QR codes from their Samsung devices.
LinkedIn is an American online platform founded in 2002 that operates through websites and mobile apps.
Its mission is to connect professionals from around the world to make them more productive and successful. To scan a QR code using the LinkedIn app on your smartphone, follow these simple steps:
- Launch the LinkedIn app.
- Tap the QR code in the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Tap the "scan" button.
- Tap to allow camera access.
- Then, point the camera directly at the QR code you want to scan.
Instagram is a social media platform that allows you to share photos and videos online. To scan a QR code using Instagram, all you need to do is:
- Launch the app and tap your profile in the bottom corner of the screen.
- Tap the three horizontal lines and then tap "QR Code."
- Tap "Scan QR Code," located at the bottom of the screen.
- Then, finally, point the camera at the QR code.
- Hold and tap the camera screen until the QR code is captured.
Pinterest is also one of the social media platforms that allows users to save and find information or ideas online using smaller images, videos, and GIFs in the form of boards.
To scan a QR code using Pinterest, you need to:
- Launch the Pinterest app and tap the search icon.
- Then, tap the camera icon next to the search panel.
- Your app's camera will launch automatically.
- Then, focus on the code you want to scan.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging mobile app that can also be used to share images, videos, and drawings. You can scan a QR code using Snapchat:
- Open the app on your smartphone.
- Point the camera at the QR code you want to scan.
- Then, tap the screen and hold your finger on the QR code for a few seconds, and the scanner will automatically read it.
- After this, you will be redirected to a window displaying the information contained in the QR code.
Finally, let's look at why your Samsung might not scan QR codes.
Check your camera settings to make sure QR code scanning is enabled. Your Samsung device may not support all the methods described above. If none of them work, download a QR code scanning app for Android, such as QR Code Reader.
Other possible reasons why you can't scan a QR code:
- You are holding the camera at an angle that doesn't allow for clear and accurate focus on the QR code.
- Your phone is too close or too far from the QR code.
- The light is too dim.
- The camera lens is dirty.
- The code is too small, blurry, and illegible.
- The link encoded in the QR code is outdated.
- The QR code is invalid.
Samsung devices offer an impressive variety of methods for scanning QR codes, from built-in apps to options in browsers and social networks.
This reflects the adaptability of modern technology to everyday needs, making it easy to access information, services, or entertainment through these codes. It is always important to ensure that conditions are optimal for a successful scan.
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