QR codes can be a great time-saver but they’re not always obvious in how to use them, particularly if you have an older Android phone. Here’s what you need to know.
As QR codes have become more common, more manufacturers have built QR scanners directly into the default camera app. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 will read them, as will the Pixel 5, but other phones — especially older models — may not.
Even though there are many QR scanners available for free in the Google Play store, the best option is Google’s own Google Lens, which offers a variety of text scanning and translation tools but also has a QR scanner.
Download and install the app (if it isn’t already a default app on your phone) and when you open it, grant permission to use the camera.
Then, point it at your QR code and the app will reveal the hidden information, be it a website link. Keep the scanner app in a location you’ll remember as you’ll need to use it whenever you want to scan a QR code.
