Scan QR Code On Laptop Screens In 7 Easy Steps

Did you know that you can scan QR code on laptop screen? That’s right—QR codes are not only scannable when printed. 

You can still scan a QR code even when it’s shared digitally. As long as the significant points of the code are clear, a scanner can decode it.

Check out how you can do so and how to create a unique QR code using a free QR code generator from this blog.

The basics of QR codes: Static vs. dynamic

Before diving into the scanning part, let’s first get to know what is a dynamic QR code and how they differ with static ones?

QR codes evolved from bar codes. These codes were first created to aid in the logistics industry in Japan.

Today, QR codes are more flexible and are being used in many different industries like retail, marketing, and food and beverage industries. A free QR code generator offers this in two forms: static and dynamic.

Static QR code

These types of codes are permanent and best for non-updatable content. If you want to embed permanent data that does not require constant editing, then static codes are the best choice.

Plus, static QR codes are also free. You don’t have to pay a penny when using this solution. However, its features are limited compared to dynamic QR codes.

Dynamic QR code

Dynamic QR codes, however, are perfect for complex campaigns like marketing and advertisement that must be updated each time.

Although not a free code—it requires a subscription for continuous use and comes with several features helpful in creating better campaigns like edit, track, password-protect, and expiry.

What is a QR code scanner?

A QR code scanner for PC or mobile is any device or software application designed to decode QR codes.

Without a QR code scanner, you won’t be able to interpret the embedded data in a QR code.

QR code scanners play a significant role in modern technology, offering a quick and convenient way to access information or perform actions simply by scanning a code with a compatible device or application.

How to scan QR code on laptop?

Do you have a QR code flashed on your laptop screen or saved in your laptop gallery? Here’s how you can scan your code in three easy ways:

Using your smartphone’s camera

If you’re using an Android 8 and up version or an iOS 11 and later version, then using your camera as a scanner should work.

1. Flash the QR code on your laptop screen.

2. Open your phone camera and position over the QR code.

3. Wait for the scanning to begin.

Using a third-party scanner

If your phone’s camera is not working after doing the steps above, you might need to use an application to scan a web QR code.

1. Download any third-party scanner from your app store. Make sure to pick one with a good review.

2. Launch the application to open up the scanner.

3. Position over the QR code and wait for the scanning to begin.

Using the Google Lens as Web QR code scanner

1. Open the Google app on your Android device. Tap the Google Lens icon (usually located in the search bar) or access it through the camera by holding down the home button and selecting Google Lens.

2. Aim your phone’s camera at the QR code you want to scan. Make sure the code is within the camera’s viewfinder. 

3. Google Lens will automatically recognize the QR code and display relevant options or information based on the content of the code.

What hinders a successful QR code scanning for PC and mobile?

Sometimes, no matter how great you are at following instructions on how to scan a code, scanning errors might still happen. That’s why it’s important to have a QR code test first distribution.

If so, check out the following reasons that might have been causing these errors:

Low-quality codes

QR codes must be printed or displayed in high quality for scanners to interpret them accurately. Low-resolution or distorted codes might not scan properly.

One reason for having a low-quality QR code is using the wrong type of QR code. Go for dynamic QR code solutions if you’re about to embed a huge amount of data.

Using static QR codes for huge files, whose data is directly embedded in the pattern itself, will damage the pattern. And a damaged pattern will create scanning errors in return.

Damage or distortion

Although QR codes have an error-correction feature, too much physical damage like scratches, smudges, or partial covering of QR codes can hinder scanning.

Distortion due to stretching, bending, or uneven surfaces can also impact readability. Check for these factors when you scan QR code on laptop, especially dents that might be causing these scanning errors.

Poor lighting conditions

Another tip on how to scan qr code from picture on laptop successfully is through enough lighting.

Insufficient lighting or strong glare can interfere with a scanner’s ability to recognize and decode QR codes accurately.

When scanning a QR code, make sure to have sufficient light in the area or turn or your device’s flash to give enough light.

Encoding errors

Scanning errors usually begin with the code generation itself. If you generate a problematic QR code in the first place, then it will really create scanning problems afterward.

Generally, mistakes in generating the QR code or errors in the encoded information can cause scanning failures.

How to create a QR code using a free QR code generator

1. Go to the Free QR Code Generator website
2. Choose any QR code solution you wish to use
3. Provide the necessary data to push with the generation
4. Generate your QR code
5. Customize your QR code design
6. Run a test scan to see if your QR code directs to the correct data.
7. Download, print, and share your QR code

Other scanners from social apps

Apart from the methods mentioned above on how to scan QR code on laptop, there are also social media platforms that you may use as scanners.

However, it is important to take note that these platforms only scan codes from the same platforms.

But you can create a custom QR code for each social media platform using a URL QR code generator. Keep reading below:

TikTok

TikTok is a popular social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos, typically ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes. 

Users can follow accounts, like videos, comment, and engage with a diverse community of creators.

TikTok has a built-in QR code scanner feature that allows users to scan TikTok QR code directly from the app. Here’s how you can use TikTok as a QR code scanner:

1. Launch the TikTok app on your smartphone 

2. On the main screen, you can usually find it by tapping on the “profile” button at the bottom of the screen.

3. Tap on the hamburger icon on the upper right of your screen. Click the QR code option
4. Then click the scanner icon on the upper right again. This will activate your device’s camera.

5. Align your device’s camera with the QR code you want to scan. Make sure the QR code is within the frame of your phone’s camera.

When the scanning is successful, it should lead you to another TikTok profile for easy viewing and following.

Snapchat

Snapchat is known for its unique features, such as disappearing photos and videos, augmented reality (AR) lenses, filters, and a Stories feature where users can share moments with their friends or followers.

Snapchat has a built-in QR code scanner feature, too, that allows users to scan QR codes directly from the app. Here’s how you can use Snapchat as a QR code scanner:

1. Open the Snapchat app on your smartphone.

2. Point your camera at a QR code.

Snapchat should automatically detect the code and display its action or associated information. This could include adding a friend, unlocking special lenses or filters, visiting a website, or other actions linked to the QR code.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform used by individuals and businesses for career development, networking, job searching, recruiting, and professional content sharing.

Users can connect with other professionals, join groups, follow companies, and engage with content through posts, articles, and discussions.

LinkedIn does not have a built-in QR code scanning feature within the app for general purposes like scanning codes to open websites or other content.

However, LinkedIn utilizes QR codes in a specific way within the app to facilitate networking and connecting with others.

To scan someone else’s LinkedIn QR code:

1. Tap the QR code icon in your profile, then tap “Scan” at the screen’s top right corner.

2. Align your device’s camera with the other person’s LinkedIn QR code.

When the QR code is scanned successfully, LinkedIn will prompt you to visit the person’s profile and provide options to connect, message, or view their profile.

Instagram

Instagram is a popular social media platform that shares photos, videos, and stories. 

It allows users to create and edit visual content, follow other users, engage with posts through likes, comments, and direct messages, and discover content through the Explore feature.

To scan someone else’s QR codes for Instagram:

1. Go to your profile, then follow the earlier steps to access your QR code.

2. At the bottom, tap on “Scan QR Code.”

3. Align your device’s camera with the other person’s Instagram QR code.

When the QR code is successfully scanned, Instagram will prompt you to follow the user whose QR code you scanned.

Because scanning should never be that hard

When you scan QR code on laptop, it’s the same way you scan a QR code on a printed material.

It doesn’t matter in what platform or medium a QR code is found. What’s important is to follow and take note of the factors that contribute to scanning errors.

Create a QR code today using a free QR code generator, and note the helpful tips we’ve left above just for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scan a QR code from a PDF?

Can I scan a QR code on my laptop screen from a PDF file? Of course, you can.

You might be worried because this QR code is just flashed on the screen compared to the typical QR code that is printed. But in reality, whether a QR code for PDF is digitally flashed or printed, both are scannable.

To scan a QR code from a PDF, just position your scanner over the code, and it will instantly decode the embedded data.

How do I scan a QR code on my computer with Chrome? 

You cannot scan a QR code when using Chrome via desktop or computer. However, when using a mobile phone, you can scan a code through the Google Lens.

Simply open chrome then tap on the Google Lens icon, position over the QR code, and wait for the scanning to begin.