Scanning a QR code to download an app or content is a quick and convenient way to get access on your mobile device. With the proliferation of QR codes in advertising, events, and retail locations, being able to scan a code can provide a host of benefits and information.
QR codes (short for Quick Response codes) are a type of barcode that can be scanned by the camera on a smartphone or tablet. The black and white square pattern encodes information, most commonly a link or website address. When scanned by a QR reader or scanner app, the encoded information is extracted and can take you directly to a website to download an app or content.
What you need to scan a QR code
Scanning and downloading from a QR code requires just two things:
- A smartphone or tablet with a camera
- A QR code reader or scanner app
Nearly every smartphone now comes equipped with a rear-facing camera that can capture QR codes. And QR apps are free to download from app stores for iOS and Android devices.
Install a QR app
The first step is to install a QR code reader or scanner app on your device. There are many great options available, such as:
- QR Code Reader (Android, iOS)
- QR Code Scanner (Android, iOS)
- Scan (Android, iOS)
- QR Bot (Android, iOS)
Search the name in your device’s app store and download the QR app. The apps listed above provide QR scanning for free and do not require any signup or login.
Enable camera access
After installing the app, you may need to enable camera access when first opening it. QR code apps require camera access to scan and read the QR code. Simply tap “OK” or “Allow” when prompted to grant the app permission to access the camera.
Scan a QR code
Scanning a QR code is a very quick and simple process with the right app:
- Open your QR app
- Point your camera at the QR code
- The app will automatically scan and read the code
When properly scanned, the app will open the link or content encoded in the QR code. Typically this launches a website in your mobile browser or downloads an app or media file.
Get in close
For best results, move your phone to within 6 inches or less when lining up the QR code in the app’s viewfinder. QR codes can still scan from farther away but you get the fastest and most accurate read by getting closer.
Hold the camera steady for a second after lining up the code in the viewfinder. The app will automatically scan the code once it is detected.
Scan tips
Here are some tips for seamlessly scanning QR codes:
- Increase brightness – Scan codes in well-lit areas or turn up your screen brightness to help the camera focus and scan.
- Landscape mode – Hold your phone in landscape orientation for bigger viewfinder size.
- Clean lens – Wipe smudges off your camera lens for clearer scanning.
- No flash – Toggle your flash off which can distort the code.
Download from a QR code
Once scanned, the QR code will open the associated download link or content. What happens next depends on what the code is encoded with:
Website URL
QR codes commonly encode a website URL link. When scanned, this opens the website in your mobile browser.
From there, you can browse and download any apps, media files, or documents available on the website.
App download link
A QR code may directly encode an app download link for the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Scanning one of these codes will open the store page to download the app.
App install prompt
Some QR codes prompt you to immediately install or open an app. After scanning, you will get an instant install pop-up for the associated app.
Media or document files
QR codes can encode links to downloadable files like PDFs, images, videos, and MP3s. After scanning, the file will download to your device or open directly in a compatible app.
Common QR code downloads
Here are some of the most common types of content you can download by scanning a QR code:
Mobile apps
App downloads are one of the most popular uses for QR codes. The codes provide a quick way to download apps by scanning rather than having to search an app store.
QR codes are frequently featured on app marketing materials and advertisements as an incentive to download.
Product information
QR codes on products and in retail stores often link to supplemental information. By scanning them, you can view product instructions, warranties, specifications, and tutorials.
Coupons
QR code coupons make great promotional downloads. The coupon code data itself can be encoded or the code may link to a website to retrieve it.
Event details
Event posters, tickets, and signage commonly incorporate a QR code to download schedules, maps, speaker info, and registration links.
Website content
QR codes allow you to quickly download pages and documents from websites. This includes articles, PDFs, presentations, flyers, and other web-hosted content.
Education materials
Schools and teachers are using QR codes to distribute educational content. Students can scan codes to download assignments, readings, worksheets, and supplementary info.
Business cards
QR codes on business cards provide an easy way to download contact info into your phone or email program after scanning.
QR code do’s and don’ts
Follow these tips when scanning and downloading from QR codes:
Do:
- Only scan codes from trusted sources
- Use reputable QR apps to avoid malware risks
- Carefully check the download source before proceeding
- Scan each code only once if it initiates a download
- Close out of ads or pop-ups that appear after scanning some codes
Don’t:
- Scan random codes you find as they may be dangerous links
- Click through multiple overlapping download prompts
- Feel pressured if an error or odd website appears after scanning
Conclusion
Scanning QR codes provides a simple way to quickly download apps, media, websites, and more. With just your smartphone camera and a QR reader app, you can access QR download content almost anywhere codes are displayed. Stick to scanning codes from trusted sources and exercise caution if anything suspicious occurs. Use QR downloads when convenient but minimize risks by limiting scans to reputable, secure codes.