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QR Code Reader

Import an image containing a QR code and retrieve its text or URL without uploading the file to a server.

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Customize the result, check the live preview, then copy the code.

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Your files are processed locally in your browser and are never sent to our servers.

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Recommended size: up to 25 MB

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How does this tool work?

A QR code received in a screenshot, a PDF exported as an image or a photo cannot be scanned with the device that displays it. This reader decodes the QR code inside a PNG, JPEG or WebP image and shows its content as text: a link, Wi-Fi credentials, a phone number or an email. You see what it contains before opening anything.

Import the image, then click Read QR code. Decoding uses the browser's barcode detection API when it exists (Chrome, Edge, Android); otherwise a built-in JavaScript decoder takes over, notably in Firefox and Safari. It is only loaded at that moment.

The JavaScript decoder analyses the image reduced to 1,600 px on its longest side at most and also tries the inverted version, to read light QR codes on a dark background. The first readable QR code is decoded; if the image contains several, crop it to the one you want.

The QR code content is shown as it is, without opening any link automatically. You can copy it or export it to a qr-code.txt file. If no code is found, a message says so.

How to use this tool

  1. Import the image

    Drop a screenshot or a photo containing the QR code.

  2. Read the QR code

    Click Read QR code; the decoded content appears.

  3. Check, then use

    Check the content, then copy it or export it as a text file.

Use cases

Check a link before opening it

Read the address in a QR code received by email or by post to spot a phishing attempt.

Recover a Wi-Fi password

Read the network name and password stored in a photographed Wi-Fi QR code.

Read a code on the same screen

Decode the QR code in a screenshot or a document shown on the very phone that should scan it.

Examples

Photographed Wi-Fi QR code

T is the security (WPA), S the network name, P the password and H whether the network is hidden. The backslash protects the semicolon: the actual password is p@ss;word.

Input

Photo of a Wi-Fi network QR code

Result

WIFI:T:WPA;S:Maison_5G;P:p@ss\;word;H:false;;

Suspicious link received by post

The domain is not that of an official administration: reading the content before scanning it with your phone avoids opening a fraudulent payment page.

Input

Screenshot of a "Pay your fine" QR code

Result

https://fine-payment.example-secure.co/…

Tips and best practices

  • Crop the image around the QR code if it is small or surrounded by other elements: detection is more reliable.
  • For a blurry or dark photo, raise the contrast with the adjustment tool before reading again.
  • Always check a URL's domain before opening it: a QR code can lead to a fake site (quishing).
  • A damaged QR code often stays readable thanks to error correction; if not, try a sharper photo.

Sources and references

Frequently asked questions

Which browsers are supported?

All recent browsers: reading uses the native API in Chrome, Edge and Android, and a built-in JavaScript decoder in Firefox and Safari.

Can I scan with the camera?

No, the tool reads an image. For a code in front of you, take a photo of it or use the phone camera directly.

What if the image contains several QR codes?

The first readable code is decoded. Crop the image to the code you want to choose which one is read.

Is the link opened automatically?

No. The content is only displayed so you can check it before using it.

Does the tool read ordinary barcodes?

No, only QR codes. EAN, Data Matrix or PDF417 codes are not decoded.

Is my image uploaded to a server?

No. Decoding happens in your browser; the QR code content, password included, stays on your device.

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