Have you ever seen one of those black and white square barcodes and wondered what they were? These are called QR codes, and they provide a fast way to access digitally-encoded information. By scanning a QR code with your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet camera, you can instantly visit web links, view text, download files, and more.
But how exactly do you go about scanning QR codes on Samsung devices? This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will teach you 3 simple methods to leverage your Galaxy phone or tablet‘s built-in QR scanning capabilities. No extra apps required!
A Quick Intro to QR Codes
QR codes (short for "Quick Response" codes) are a type of barcode that is readable by digital cameras, including those built into smartphones. Originally created in 1994 for automotive manufacturing in Japan, the use of QR codes has skyrocketed worldwide with the spread of mobile devices.
Global QR code usage has grown over 95% in the last 5 years alone, according to recent statistics from Capterra. They now appear on all types of products, ads, and media as scannable shortcuts to digital information.
Common reasons people scan QR codes include:
- Quickly visiting a brand‘s website
- Saving contact info into phone
- Signing up for mailing lists
- Downloading apps, PDFs or documents
- Getting directions in map apps
- Reading details about real estate listings, vehicles for sale, and more
When scanned, QR codes instantly open web URLs, display text, add contacts, etc.—saving tons of time vs typing. And unlike earlier barcode types only scannable horizontally, QR codes can be scanned at any angle, even if damaged up to 30%.
So why manually enter a long web address or block of contact details if you can access them near-instantly with a quick camera scan?
Scanning QR Codes on Samsung Phones
Many Android devices require a separate QR scanner app. But one key advantage Samsung packs into its Galaxy phones and tablets is integrated QR code scanning abilities through:
- Camera app
- Bixby Vision
- Quick Settings menu
- Browsers
Without needing to install any extra software, your Galaxy device camera can automatically detect and decode QR code patterns using built-in sensors and processing.
The key to scanning is pointing your rear camera directly at the QR code so the software can analyze the structured black and white pixel arrangement. This launches a pop-up showing the encoded information instantly.
Below you‘ll learn the 3 quickest ways to scan QR codes on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet.
Method #1: Scan Using Camera App
The most convenient way to read a QR code on Samsung is through the pre-loaded Camera app.
Step 1: Launch Camera App
Open the Camera app from:
- Home screen icon
- Locked screen shortcut
- Pressing Power button twice (if enabled in Settings)
Camera app shortcut
Step 2: Aim Phone at QR Code
Point phone camera directly at QR code until scanned. Code appears in viewfinder when properly aimed.
QR code lined up in camera view
Step 3: Tap Notification to Open Info
Notification pop-up appears displaying decoded QR code contents. Tap notification to open linked URL, view message text, etc.
Notification shows QR code information
And that‘s it! Within seconds you‘ve quickly scanned and accessed the contents of a QR code all through the built-in camera functionality.
Method #2: Use Dedicated Scanner in Quick Settings
An even faster way on newer Samsung Galaxy devices is using the Quick Settings QR code scanner.
For Android 9 or Newer Devices:
Step 1: Tap "Scan QR Code" in Quick Settings
Pull down notifications tray fully so you can access Quick Settings icons. Swipe left/right until you see "Scan QR Code."
Swipe through Quick Settings area
Step 2: Scan Code With Rear Camera
Tapping the icon launches camera scanner view. Aim phone at code like before until decoded.
Step 3: View Code Contents
Notification appears with QR code contents. View or share the information with a tap.
By accessing camera scanner directly from Quick Settings, you skip launching the full Camera app!
Method #3: Scan Using Bixby Vision
Bixby is Samsung‘s intelligent assistant platform. Along with identifying objects, locations and products, Bixby Vision lets you scan QR codes too:
Step 1: Open Bixby Vision App
Open Bixby Vision app from home screen or app drawer if not on main home page. Allow camera permissions when first launching.
Step 2: Scan QR Code
Aim camera viewfinder at QR code. Bixby automatically scans code pattern to decode contents.
Step 3: Access Information
Tap the pop-up notification to view URL, text message, etc. encoded in QR code—just like with previous methods!
Bixby Vision scanning a QR code (Samsung)
An extra capability Bixby Vision provides is scanning QR codes found in photos stored in your Gallery app too!
Top Tips for Scanning QR Codes on Samsung
Follow these handy tips when scanning QR codes with your Galaxy smartphone or tablet:
- Enable Camera Quick Launch shortcut for fastest access
- Allow camera and Bixby Vision permissions when prompted
- Tap "Remember this setting" to skip repeat permission prompts
- Hold camera steady 6-12 inches away for quick recognition
- Clean lens if scanner has trouble reading codes
- Try different scan angles if code doesn‘t scan initially
Scanning QR Codes: Easier Than Ever!
As you can see, Samsung devices make scanning QR codes a breeze with integrated scanning through the Camera app, Bixby assistant, Quick Settings panel, and more.
| Comparison of Scanning Methods | Camera App | Bixby Vision | Quick Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast | Fast | Fastest |
| Versatility | High | High | Medium |
| Extra Features | Basic scanner | AI scene analysis | N/A |
| Min Android Version | All devices | 8.0 Oreo | 9 Pie |
There are multiple scan options built right into your Galaxy phone or tablet so you can easily:
✔️ Access web links
✔️ View decoded text messages
✔️ Call phone numbers
✔️ Add new contacts
✔️ Open locations in map apps
✔️ Download files like PDFs
Next time you come across a QR code, don‘t go searching for a third-party app in the Play Store. Just launch your Samsung device‘s camera or Bixby Vision and enjoy near-instant access to the encoded content with an intuitive scan!
Do you have any other questions about scanning QR codes using your Galaxy phone, tablet or Samsung device? Let me know in the comments!
