How do I scan a QR code from an image on my laptop?
Upload the image using the Upload Image tab — drag and drop the file or click Browse Files. The scanner reads the QR code from the image and shows the result instantly. No phone needed. Upload any image file (JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP) containing a QR code and the decoder extracts the content in milliseconds. Results show the raw decoded text with a clickable link if the content is a URL -- no further steps needed.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes. Take a screenshot (Snipping Tool on Windows, Command+Shift+4 on Mac), save it, then upload it here. On Linux: use GNOME Screenshot or the Print Screen key, save as PNG, then upload the image to this scanner. This is the easiest way to decode a QR code you see on your screen. On Windows use the Snipping Tool; on Mac use Command+Shift+4. Save the screenshot as a file, then upload it here. On Linux: use GNOME Screenshot or the Print Screen key, save as PNG, then upload the image to this scanner.
How do I scan a QR code without an app?
Use the Upload Image tab to scan from a saved image, or the Webcam tab to scan a physical QR code with your laptop camera. No app download or installation required — works in any browser. The Upload tab also works on tablets and phones -- tap the button to select an image from your gallery or take a new photo.
Is this QR code scanner free?
Yes — completely free, with no account, no usage limits, and no watermarks. Runs entirely in your browser using the open-source jsQR library. There are no usage limits, no watermarks, and no signup required -- the scanner is completely free for personal and professional use. There are no file size limits beyond what your browser can handle -- most modern browsers support files up to several hundred megabytes.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. All QR code decoding happens in your browser. Your images never leave your device and are not sent to Best-TempMail or any other server. The jsQR library processes image data entirely within your browser's memory -- your files and QR content never leave your device. No image data, QR content, or decoded text is stored, logged, or transmitted -- the scanner is fully private by design.
Why is the QR code not being detected?
Try a higher-resolution image, or crop closer to the QR code. Blurry, very small, or heavily damaged QR codes may not decode reliably. Ensure the entire QR code (including the white quiet zone border) is visible. Blurry, very small, or heavily damaged QR codes may fail to scan -- crop close to the QR code and use the highest resolution available.
Can I scan a QR code from a PDF?
Take a screenshot of the PDF page, save it as an image, then upload it here. On Linux: use GNOME Screenshot or the Print Screen key, save as PNG, then upload the image to this scanner. On Windows: Snipping Tool. On Mac: Command+Shift+4. On phones: use the native screenshot function. Save the PDF page as a screenshot image file, then upload it to the scanner -- PDF files cannot be uploaded directly. Take a screenshot of the PDF page containing the QR code and save it as JPG or PNG before uploading to the scanner.
What types of QR code does this read?
All standard ISO 18004 QR codes — URLs, text, email, phone, WiFi (WIFI:...), vCard, SMS, and more. Does not read barcodes (EAN, Code 128) or Data Matrix codes. The jsQR library implements the full ISO 18004 QR code standard and decodes all QR subtypes including Micro QR codes. If a code fails to scan, try cropping the image more tightly around the QR code and ensuring good contrast between the modules and background.
Can I use this on a phone?
Yes. On mobile, the Upload Image tab lets you access your camera roll or take a new photo. For physical QR codes, most phones can scan natively using the camera app. On mobile, the Upload tab lets you choose an image from your camera roll or take a new photo directly from within the browser. On Android, Chrome and Firefox both support accessing the camera directly from a file input -- no app installation required.
What is a QR code decoder?
A QR code decoder (also called a QR code reader or scanner) extracts data encoded in a QR code image and displays it as readable text. This tool decodes QR codes from uploaded images or a live webcam feed, entirely within your browser using the open-source jsQR library. It supports all standard QR code content types including URLs, plain text, WiFi credentials, contact cards, phone numbers, and email addresses.