Want to know a cool trick? You can scan QR codes from images using just Google Photos! No need for a separate app – it’s all integrated in the Google Lens feature for Android and iOS. Here’s what to do:
But that’s not all – Google Lens can also identify objects and landmarks, translate text, and even copy and paste handwritten notes! So don’t forget to try it out next time you’re scrolling through your photo gallery and come across a QR code. Google Lens has got you covered!
Can I Scan a QR Code That I Took a Picture Of in Google Photos?
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular and have on multiple occasions overtaken the traditional barcode. These barcodes are present in nearly all products in the market, and consumers scan them for various reasons such as to access information. Out of a sudden, you come across a QR code that interests you, but you have no smartphone app that can scan the code. In this article, we will discuss how to use Google Photos to scan the QR code by just taking a picture of it.
Using Google Photos to scan QR codes
Google Photos comes installed on all Android and iOS devices, but not many smartphone users know it can scan QR codes. The app uses Google Lens, a highly sophisticated technology to scan various kinds of media images, including QR codes. The lens identifies the code and provides various options, including opening a web link, composing email or text, saving contact, amongst others. This feature is highly convenient, as the user does not need to install any other QR scanning app to scan the code.
How to enable Google Lens in Google Photos
Before we scan the QR code, we need to verify whether Google Lens is running on Google Photos. These are the steps that you should follow to activate Google Lens.
- Open the Google Photos app on your device.
- Select the photo that you want to scan.
- Click on the Google Lens icon located at the bottom of the screen.
- The app will scan the image and provide various options.
Steps to scan a QR code from an image in Google Photos
After we have verified that Google Lens is running, we can now proceed to scan the QR code. These are the steps that you should follow to scan the code.
- Open the Google Photos app on your device.
- Find the image that has the QR code that you want to scan and tap on it.
- Tap on the Google Lens icon located at the bottom of the screen.
- The app should recognize the QR code and display actions.
- Select the appropriate action, and the app will execute it.
Benefits of scanning QR codes through Google Photos
Convenience: Scanning QR codes with Google Photos is convenient as users do not need to install any other QR scanning app. It is ideal for people who are not keen on downloading new apps frequently.
Multiple Options: Google Lens provides various options when a user scans a QR code, hence providing users with versatility to execute different commands such as opening web links, saving contacts, and composing texts or email.
Enhanced User Interface: Google Photos has a simple user interface that is easy for users to navigate. The app’s incorporation of Google Lens enhances the user experience when scanning QR codes.
Limitations of scanning QR codes through Google Photos
Device Compatibility: Users who use older devices with older camera technology may find it challenging to scan QR codes using Google Photos.
Low Performance: Google Photos, when used to scan QR codes, might take more time compared to QR code scanning apps.
Delayed Recognition: Google Photos might take longer to recognize QR codes compared to other dedicated scanning apps.
Alternatives to scanning QR codes through Google Photos
QR Code readers: There are various QR code scanning apps available, such as QR Scanner, QR Reader, or QRbot, to mention but a few. QR code reader apps allow users to scan codes with ease, and they usually have higher recognition rates than Google Photos.
Browser Plugins and extensions: Some browsers allow users to install plugins and extensions such as Chrome for Google, where users can scan QR codes directly from the browser.
In conclusion, Google Photos is an excellent option for scanning QR codes when no other dedicated app is available. The app provides users with various scanning options through Google Lens, making it highly versatile. However, it might have some limitations such as low performance, device compatibility issues, and delayed recognition. For users who frequently scan QR codes, a dedicated QR code scanning app offers better performance and efficient user experience.
