Seeing a code before you trust it
A phone camera opens a QR code straight away, which is convenient and occasionally dangerous — a sticker over a real code on a payment terminal or a poster is a known scam. This scanner shows you the contents as text first, so you decide whether to follow it.
What QR codes can contain
- A website link — by far the most common
- Wi-Fi details, which join the network without typing a password
- A contact card, a calendar event, an email or an SMS
- A payment request, including bKash, UPI and crypto addresses
- Plain text of any kind, up to a few thousand characters
How to use the scanner
- Drop in a screenshot or photo of the code — this is the easiest way on a laptop.
- Or press "Use the camera" and allow access when the browser asks. The video never leaves your device.
- Read the content, then copy it or open the link if it looks right.
If it will not scan
- Include the whole code and a little white space around it. A cropped code cannot be read.
- Avoid glare and a sharp angle. Flat and evenly lit works best.
- A very small or blurred screenshot loses the fine pattern — scan the original instead.
Staying safe
- Check the domain in the link carefully. Lookalike spellings are the whole point of the attack.
- Never scan a payment code on a terminal that looks stuck on or tampered with.
- Wi-Fi codes join the network silently — only use ones from a source you trust.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan a QR code on a computer?
Take a screenshot or save the image, then drop it above. The code is read in your browser and the contents are shown as text.
Can I scan with my webcam or phone camera?
Yes — press "Use the camera" and allow access. The video is processed on your device and nothing is uploaded or recorded.
Why can it not read my QR code?
Usually the image is cropped too tightly, blurred, or photographed at an angle. Include the quiet margin around the code and make sure the whole pattern is sharp.