How to Scan a Barcode: Mobile & Computer Guide

Need to scan a physical barcode? If you have a smartphone or a Windows PC, you can easily do so using the built-in camera app. If you're using a Mac, you'll need to download a third-party app. Here's how to scan a barcode using your iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows or Mac computer.

Scanning Barcodes: Quick Tips

To scan a barcode on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, open the Camera app and point it at the barcode. Wait for it to scan, and then select the link. On Windows, open the Camera app and use your webcam to scan it. On Mac, download the QR Capture app.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using iPhone & iPad

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1
Open the Camera app. The iPhone and iPad camera can now recognize and scan barcodes and QR codes.^{[1]
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- Make sure your device is updated to the latest version.
For the item that you want to scan, locate the barcode on the item or its packaging.

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You'll see a box in the middle of your screen; center your item's barcode in the box to prompt it to scan. Once lined up and in focus, the barcode will scan instantly.
4
Review the barcode's results. If there's an attached link, you'll see it pop up on your screen. Tap the link to be redirected there.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Android

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1
Open the Camera app. Most Android phones can scan barcodes (and QR codes) directly with the Camera app.
- Make sure your device is updated to the latest version.
For the item that you want to scan, locate the barcode on the item or its packaging.
You'll see a box in the middle of the Barcode Scanner Pro screen; center your item's barcode in the box to prompt it to scan. Once lined up and in focus, the barcode will scan instantly.
4
Review the barcode's results. If there's an attached link, you'll see it pop up on your screen. Tap the link to be redirected there.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Windows

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1
Open the Camera app. Click the Start menu and select the Camera app. If you don't see it immediately, you can type "camera" to search for it.
- To scan a barcode using your Windows device, you must have a webcam or other attached camera. Most laptops have a built-in webcam; if you're using a desktop PC, you'll need to connect an external webcam.
2
Click the down-arrow. You can find this on the right side of the window. This will expand the list of options.
3
Click the "code" mode. This looks like a small QR code.
4
Point your webcam at the barcode. Make sure you have enough lighting for the device to recognize the barcode.
- It may take a moment for the barcode to scan. Make sure to keep the image still.
5
Click the barcode link. You'll be redirected to the barcode's contents.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Mac

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1
Download QR Capture. This app is free and available from the App Store.^{[2]
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- This is the best method to use if you have a screenshot or photo of the barcode. If you don't have a screenshot on your computer, take one on your phone or other device and transfer it over.
- While there are several apps in the App Store that claim to scan barcodes, this is the most highly rated free option.
2
Drag and drop the screenshot onto the QR Capture app. This will launch the scanning overlay.
3
Drag the phone image over the barcode.. If needed, resize the phone image overlay by clicking and dragging the corner.
4
Click the camera icon. This will scan the barcode.
- The results will open in a new window.

Community Q&A

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Question

Do barcode results include the price of the item?

Community Answer

Generally, no. The price is normally determined in the store in which the item is sold.

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Question

How do I scan a bar code on my phone?

Community Answer

Go to the app store or the play store and search "barcode scan" and download any of the apps, install it and then use it.

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Question

How do I scan a barcode on my cell phone?

Community Answer

Go to your app store and search "barcode scanner" and download one. Then you can open the app and use the scanner.

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Tips

If you need to scan a lot of physical barcodes, like a library full of books, you may need to invest in an external scanner that connects via Bluetooth to your Mac, PC, Android, iPhone, and iPad. You can find lots of these at retailers like Amazon.

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You can also use your phone (or computer) to scan QR codes which are essentially square barcodes.

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If you have a QR code in your photo library, you don't need another app or device to be able to scan it.

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