Digital dead end How do I scan a QR code that is on my cell phone?
The QR code has established itself as a universal interface between the physical and digital world, but users often come up against a paradoxical limit. Yet modern operating systems and banking apps have long provided the solution.
Whether for online banking, retrieving tickets or quickly logging into various internet services - QR codes are ubiquitous. However, it can be a little complicated if the code is only on the cell phone. Photographing it is difficult. But both Google's Android and Apple's iOS have long made provisions for this. And so that you no longer have to make the detour via a second device or even need the printer, we will help you here.
The key lies in the screenshot
The basic requirement for both ecosystems is the conversion of the dynamic display content into a static image file. As soon as the QR code is available as a photo, the image recognition algorithms that are now integrated into the native gallery apps as standard take effect.
Integration via Google Lens for Android
- Take a screenshot of the QR code.
- Open the Google Lens app and select the corresponding image.
- The software identifies the code and displays the stored URL or action as a button.
Integration via iOS
- Take a screenshot of the QR code.
- Open the Photos app and select the image.
- Press and hold the QR code on the photo or tap the live text icon (three lines in a frame) in the corner.
- A context menu appears and offers options such as "Open in Safari" or copying the link.
Special case mobile banking - paying bills directly
Invoices in PDF format that contain a GiroCode present a particular hurdle. The screenshot is only of limited help at first. However, there are also established solutions here.
Firstly, there is the photo import of the banking app. Users can save the invoice as a PDF or take a screenshot of the code and upload it directly via the icon. The app automatically extracts the transfer data from the image.
Alternatively, the "Share" function also works in most cases. On Android and iOS, PDF invoices can be sent directly to the installed banking app via the Share menu. If the app recognizes the format, the payment data is transferred to the transfer screen without having to be typed in manually.
