Live Camera

Scan QR Code
with Your Camera

Point your camera at any QR code for instant live decoding. Works on iPhone, Android, and desktop webcam. No app needed β€” runs entirely in your browser.

Camera is off

Allow camera access when prompted by your browser

Upload image instead

If camera scan fails, upload the QR code image

Decoded Result

Browser-Based Live QR Scanner

Our camera-based QR scanner uses the Web MediaDevices API to access your device's camera directly within the browser β€” no app installation, no plugins, and no data transmission to servers. The live video feed is analyzed frame-by-frame using our multi-engine decoder.

How It Works

The scanner captures a new frame every 500 milliseconds and runs it through the jsQR decoding engine. When a QR code is detected, the camera automatically stops and the result is displayed. If the primary engine fails to detect a code, subsequent engines are tried automatically.

Device Compatibility

  • iPhone / iPad: Requires Safari or Chrome, iOS 11+ for camera API access
  • Android: Chrome and Firefox are supported on Android 5.0+ devices
  • Desktop: Works with any webcam β€” useful for scanning QR codes displayed on screens
  • macOS Safari: Fully supported with user permission prompt

Camera Tips

  • Hold your device steady and ensure the QR code is well-lit
  • Position the QR code within the scanning frame guide
  • For outdoor use, avoid direct sunlight glare on the QR code surface
  • If the rear camera fails, try the front camera (flip button)

QR Code Camera Scanning Security

Camera-based QR scanning carries specific security considerations compared to image upload. When you scan a QR code live, your device's OS may immediately prompt you to open the decoded URL β€” bypassing the preview step that our tool provides.

Why Using a Browser Scanner Is Safer

Many device camera apps automatically suggest navigating to a decoded URL with a single tap. Our browser-based scanner always shows you the full decoded content first, giving you the opportunity to review and verify the URL before deciding to visit it. This extra step is your first line of defense against QR phishing attacks.

Common Camera Scanning Attacks

  • QR code overlay attacks: Malicious stickers placed over legitimate QR codes in restaurants, parking meters, and public spaces
  • Event ticket fraud: Fake event QR codes that redirect to phishing sites instead of legitimate ticketing platforms
  • Package delivery scams: Fraudulent "delivery notification" QR codes in physical mail
  • Cryptocurrency theft: QR codes claiming to be wallet addresses that actually belong to attackers

Camera Scanner FAQ

Why is the camera not working?
Common causes: (1) Browser permission denied β€” click the camera icon in your browser address bar and allow access. (2) Another app is using the camera β€” close other apps/tabs using the camera. (3) HTTPS required β€” the scanner only works on secure (HTTPS) pages. (4) Older browser β€” update to the latest version of Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
Does camera scanning work on mobile?
Yes. The camera scanner works on iPhone (Safari/Chrome, iOS 11+) and Android (Chrome/Firefox). On mobile, we default to the rear (environment-facing) camera, which is usually better for scanning QR codes.
Is my camera feed recorded or stored?
Absolutely not. The live camera stream is processed entirely in your browser's memory. No frames, screenshots, or video are transmitted to any server. Camera access stops immediately when you click Stop Camera.
What if the QR code is on my screen?
You can use your device's front camera to scan QR codes displayed on another screen. Alternatively, take a screenshot and use the Upload tab to decode from the image file β€” this typically gives better results for screen-displayed QR codes.