How to Scan Barcodes With an Android Phone Using Barcode Scanner

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Easily use your Android phone as a barcode scanner with this user-friendly guide
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Your Android device can scan any barcode or QR code by using a free app from the Play Store. Once you've installed the barcode scanning app, your device's camera can be used as a scanner. You can then take different actions depending on the content contained in the barcode.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Installing Barcode Scanner

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    You can find the Play Store in your list of apps. The icon looks like a shopping bag with the Google Play logo on it.
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    This can be found at the top of the Play Store screen.
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    There are lots of other scanners available you can try as well. Most work very similarly. [1]
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    This button appears after the app has downloaded and installed.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Scanning a Barcode

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    [2]
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    The scanner will have a hard time if part or all of the barcode is too dark.
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    Make sure the entire square code is inside the box on your screen.
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    When scanning a traditional line barcode, the line in the viewfinder needs to be perpendicular to the lines of the barcode.
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    This can help focus if the barcode appears blurry.
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    When the scan is successful, you'll feel the device vibrate and hear it beep.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Taking Actions

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    After scanning a code, you'll see the type of information that it contained. This can range from text to website URLs. The content will be displayed at the top of the screen. [3]
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    Your available actions will vary depending on the type of code you scanned. [4]
    • For example, if you scanned a code for a website address, you can tap the Open button to open the website in your browser or the Share button to send it to someone else.
    • If you scan a contact you'll be able to add it to your contact list or share it.
    • If you scanned a product, you may be able to perform a product search and a web search. The product search will look for retail outlets that carry that product.
    • If you scanned a calendar event, you can add it to your calendar.
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    QR codes can contain a variety of different types of links and content. Traditional line barcodes only contain a number. This number may be associated with a product if it is popular. If the barcode was created specifically for a single store or some other local outlet, it will likely just be meaningless numbers.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can it be done from a saved image?
    Community Answer
    You can open the saved image on one phone and scan it using a barcode scanner from another phone.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do I scan a barcode to a website?
    Community Answer
    Usually, if you are using a mobile device, you have to download a barcode app in the app store. It is simple to use once you have the application. Just point your phone/ tablet camera at the barcode, and the app should tell you if it has been scanned.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do I scan a barcode?
    Akash Sawarkar
    Community Answer
    Hold your device above the barcode, and the scanning will start automatically.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Traditional barcodes typically just contain basic identifier information that stores use to lookup details in their own database. This means that you won't be able to scan a product in a store and see what the price will be for that store, or any other detailed information. At most, you'll just be able to match the product number with the product in a web search.
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      Warnings

      • Be wary when following links from QR codes. Someone may have put a sticker with a malicious link over a seemingly harmless code.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamma.scan&hl=en_US
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/camerafromgoogle/answer/12033278?hl=en
      3. ↑ https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/07/11/how-to-scan-qr-codes-on-android/
      4. ↑ https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-scan-qr-codes-with-an-android-phone

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