How to Scan a QR Code From a Screenshot or Image on Android

Option 1: Google Lens in Photos

Take a screenshot, open it in Google Photos and tap the Lens button. Lens recognises the code and shows the link or text. It works well but needs Photos, a connection for some content, and leaves the screenshot in your gallery.

Option 2: the camera app on a second device

If another phone is nearby, point its camera at your screen. Turn the brightness up and keep the code large. Obvious, but not always available.

Option 3: scan straight from the gallery

QR Actions has a Scan from gallery option that reads QR codes and barcodes from any image on your phone, offline. It also scans live with the camera, so you keep one scanner for both cases.

1. Save the image or take a screenshot of the code.
2. Open QR Actions, tap Scan and choose From gallery.
3. Pick the image. The content appears instantly: open the link, copy the text, join the Wi-Fi or save the contact.

Nothing is uploaded; the decoding happens on the device, which also makes it quick.

When the code will not read

• Crop the screenshot so the code fills more of the frame.
• Make sure the code has a light margin around it; codes cut off at the edge fail.
• Very small codes in a chat thumbnail need the full-size image: open the image first, then screenshot.
• Screen recordings and heavily compressed images may blur the modules; ask for the original.