What are QR Codes? Ways to Scan Them in 2025

Into the QR-Verse

Fundamentally, QR Codes are two-dimensional matrices of black squares on a white background. They are read by specialized tools and software that are trained to detect the array of black and white patterns.  

Note: Remember, QR codes are entirely different from barcodes: the former is two-dimensional, while the latter is only one-dimensional, which means it cannot carry as much data as QR codes can.

Note: Remember, QR codes are entirely different from barcodes: the former is two-dimensional, while the latter is only one-dimensional, which means it cannot carry as much data as QR codes can.

There are mainly two types of QR Codes: Dynamic and static. As the name suggests, dynamic codes can be altered for their embedded URL or media even after they’re printed, while static codes cannot be edited once generated.

A dynamic code that opens up the site: https://www.sprintzeal.com.

You can create both types of Quick Response Codes quite easily through online QR Code Generators. Some options are free, while others are paid. So, explore the tools and choose the one that suits your needs the best.

Talking about the size of QR codes, these can vary. However, the least they can go is 2 x 2 cm. Although this is a slight limitation for this technology, innovations are currently going on to shrink these codes to miniature sizes without degrading scannability.

 

Ways to Scan QR Codes in 2025

So far, we have learned all the details about the origination and the nitty-gritty behind QR Codes. Now is the time to learn how to scan them.

 

1. Through Smartphones

In 2025, modern smartphones have the intrinsic capabilities to scan QR codes without the need to download and install any applications. Below are steps to do this process based on two distinct mobile operating systems.

On Android:

Our current test bench is Android 15 on a Samsung smartphone. Thus, the steps we are about to show you may vary according to different Android versions and phone manufacturers.

- Open up the Camera app.
- Point the QR Code toward the sensor.
- Click on the notification banner that pops up, leading you to the desired media file, voice note, embedded message, etc.

These steps work well if a QR code is displayed or printed on a physical product, banner, advertising hoarding, etc. But, in case the code is saved as a JPG or PNG file, then the steps may change.

On iOS: 

Currently, we are using an Apple device with iOS 15.8. But, as we mentioned earlier, the procedure may differ depending on the software version in use.

- Open the Camera app.
- Align the QR Code with your phone’s imaging sensor.
- Tap on the Safari web notification, as shown in the image below, to access the required data.

 

2. Through Web Scanners

Today, many online tools and resources can help you scan the QR codes on devices that don’t have built-in scanning options, like laptops, desktop PCs, etc. This method also works quite well if you have the code saved in an image file.

Using Google Lens:

Open the utility in a web browser. Then, upload the image containing the QR Code and let the Lens do the rest.

Now, click on the link that has popped up on the screen to go to the desired platform without any problems.

Using Online Tools:

Finally, we have online QR Code Scanners that can do the job for you quickly and efficiently. There are many options to choose from; however, below are some tools that we’ve tried and found to be reliable.

- https://www.imagetotext.info/qr-code-scanner
- https://www.minifier.org/qr-code-scanner

For demonstration purposes, we will choose the first option to show you the steps to scan the QR Code. The procedure remains more or less the same, regardless of the online scanner picked, so don’t sweat it!

• Click on the Upload File option to upload the image containing the QR Code. Or, click the Open Camera button and scan the QR code live from your device.
• Receive the Scanned Output on the right-hand side of the tool’s interface, concluding the scanning process.

Here, you can copy the extracted link to your device’s clipboard or directly click on the URL to land on the desired page.

 

Final Words

QR Codes have evolved significantly since their inception, now serving as essential tools for quick access to data across various industries. 

They are available in dynamic and static forms, with modern smartphones having built-in scanning capabilities in 2025.

Users can also utilize web scanners and online tools to decode QR Codes, ensuring compatibility with devices lacking built-in scanning features.