Do Screenshots of QR Codes Work? And Answers to Other Top QR Questions

Quick Response (QR) Codes have become a staple in modern technology, making everything from dining experiences to marketing campaigns more efficient. They help restaurants share digital menus, CPG brands optimize supply chain management, marketers connect with audiences, and even event managers simplify ticketing. 

If you’re just getting acquainted with this versatile tool, you might be wondering about its full potential. One question frequently asked is: Can you scan a screenshot of a QR Code? The answer is yes—and it’s easier than you might think.

In this article, we’ll explain how it works, tackle any safety concerns, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of QR Codes. 

Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.

Does a screenshot of a QR Code work the same as the original code?

Simply put, yes! A screenshot of a QR Code is just a digital copy of the original code. Since both versions contain identical embedded information, they function in the same way. 

Here’s a quick rundown of how QR Codes work to help you better understand this technology:

1. A creator uses a standard QR Code generator or an AI QR Code generator to embed specific information—like a website URL or contact details—into a QR Code.
   
   
2. The code is downloaded and placed on physical materials (like brochures or business cards) or shared digitally (through social media posts or email campaigns). 
   
   
3. When someone scans the code using their smartphone camera or dedicated QR Code scanner, the device deciphers it and reveals the embedded information. 

The process works the same whether you’re dealing with the original code or a screenshot, as long as the code is clear and scannable. If the screenshot is saved on your phone or computer, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through how to scan it in the sections below. 

Do QR Code screenshots always work?

Whether a QR Code screenshot functions like the original often comes down to the security measures implemented by the code creator. For example, if the creator uses features like regular updates or backend validation to prevent unauthorized duplication, the screenshot may not function as expected. Without such measures, the embedded data remains unchanged, so both the original and the screenshot should work the same.

That said, some situations call for additional security. Boarding passes and event tickets often use QR Codes that update frequently to prevent fraud or ticket resales. In these cases, the original QR Code may have already expired by the time someone tries to scan a screenshot of it. 

QR Code screenshots can also fall short in certain authentication processes, like switching from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Web. If a timestamp is embedded in the code, it will expire after a set time, triggering the system to generate a new one. In these instances, the success of a screenshot depends entirely on timing—sometimes it’ll work, but other times it won’t.

How to scan a screenshot of a QR Code

You can scan a screenshot of a QR Code using an iPhone, an Android phone, or a third-party scanner. Here’s how:

On an iPhone

Apple’s Live Text feature lets you extract information directly from images. This makes it easy to scan QR Code screenshots right from your Photos app—no need for a second mobile device.

To scan a QR Code screenshot on an iPhone:

1. Open the Photos app and select your screenshot. 
   
   
2. Tap the Live Text icon in the lower-right corner of your screen—it will turn blue. 
   
   
3. Tap the QR code, and a menu with options like Open in Safari, Add to Reading List, Copy Link, or Share will appear. 
   
   
4. Select Open in Safari to visit the destination linked to the code. 

On Android

Android device users can use Google Lens, a visual search engine launched in 2017. Like Live Text, the Google Lens app can extract and decode QR Code data directly from your photo gallery.

To scan a QR Code screenshot on an Android device:

1. Open your Gallery app and locate the screenshot of the QR Code. 
   
   
2. Tap the Google Lens icon—the app will automatically detect the code and display its embedded URL above the image. 
   
   
3. Tap the link to access the content. 

With a third-party scanner

For devices without built-in QR Code reading capabilities—or if you’re looking for additional features—third-party scanners are a great option. Third-party apps can decode QR Codes from screenshots and often include extras like scan history or batch scanning.

To scan QR Codes from screenshots using third-party apps:

1. Download a QR Code scanner app from the app store. Popular options include QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play (available for both iOS and Android), QR Reader for iPhone by TapMedia, and QR & Barcode Reader by QR SCAN Team. 
   
   
2. If prompted, grant the app permission to access your photo gallery. 
   
   
3. Select the QR Code screenshot from your gallery. 
   
   
4. Follow the app’s prompts to scan and decode the code. 

Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary depending on the app you choose. Take a moment to explore its features to ensure it meets your needs. 

Can you scan QR Codes without a mobile phone?

Wondering if you can scan a QR Code without a phone? The answer is—yes, you can! Desktop and laptop devices are capable of scanning QR Codes, though they may require additional tools since most lack native QR Code scanning features. Here are a few ways to scan a QR Code screenshot on your computer:

Using a free barcode scanner app

1. Download and install a QR Code scanning app, such as QR Journal for macOS or QR Code Scanner for Windows. 
   
   
2. Open the app and upload your QR Code image. 
   
   
3. Select the image, and the app will scan and decode it. 

Using the Windows Snipping Tool

For Windows 11 users, the Snipping Tool includes a built-in QR Code scanning feature: 

1. Open the Snipping Tool. 
   
   
2. Click Open file and select your QR Code screenshot. 
   
   
3. Once the file is open, the tool will automatically scan the code.

Using your Google Chrome browser

Google Chrome offers another option for decoding QR Code screenshots:

1. Launch the browser and navigate to Google’s Search by Image feature (look for the camera icon in the search bar). 
   
   
2. Drag and drop your screenshot into the upload box or select it from your files.
   
   
3. Google Lens will scan the image and display the code’s embedded URL. 

Is it safe to share and scan screenshots of QR Codes?

Generally speaking, yes. QR Codes are safe and have a low risk of being tampered with. Unless someone gains access to your QR Code generator account, they can’t alter the destination or redirect the code to harmful sites. This level of security also applies to screenshots, so you typically don’t need to worry about safety risks. 

That said, scammers can create counterfeit QR Codes or use deceptive screenshots designed to look legitimate, redirecting users to malicious websites. To stay safe, always verify the source of a code or screenshot before scanning it. Pay attention to the embedded URL or destination to ensure it’s legitimate, and avoid engaging with codes from unknown or untrustworthy sources. 

What if you have trouble scanning a QR Code?

It’s not uncommon to encounter issues when trying to scan a QR Code, but these problems are rarely caused by the screenshot itself. Instead, they’re often related to the original code. Below are some common QR Code scanning problems and their solutions to help you troubleshoot issues if they occur:

• Color contrast issues: QR Codes can be difficult to scan if the foreground and background colors are too similar. To avoid this, use high-contrast colors, like dark blue or black, against a white background when creating the original code. 
  
  
• Deactivated QR Code: While Static QR Codes don’t expire, Dynamic QR Codes may stop working if the associated subscription isn’t renewed or the code has a built-in deactivation timeline. To prevent this, ensure your account is active and up to date. 
  
  
• Poor resolution: Low-quality images can make QR Codes harder to scan. Always download your QR Code in a scalable format, such as SVG or EPS, to maintain clarity. 
  
  
• Insufficient white space: QR Codes require a “quiet zone” or white border around them for a smartphone’s camera or scanning apps to differentiate the code from its surroundings. Make sure there’s adequate space around the edges to improve readability. 

By keeping these tips in mind, you can minimize issues and ensure your codes—whether original or screenshots—scan seamlessly.

Create and share your own QR Codes with QR Code Generator PRO

In most cases, a screenshot of a QR Code works just as seamlessly as the original, as long as advanced security measures aren’t in play. However, the effectiveness of any QR Code—whether shared digitally or in print—starts with creating one that’s clear and reliable.

With QR Code Generator PRO’s intuitive platform, you can design high-quality QR Codes that are easy to download, share, and scan across digital and print formats. Whether viewed as the original code or a screenshot, our technology ensures your users can seamlessly access the content or experience you want to deliver.

Ready to get started? Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO to design QR Codes that work flawlessly—every time.