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# HOW TO: Scan a QR Code on Your Phone’s Screen (Without Using Another Phone)
- URL: https://www.techloy.com/how-to-scan-a-qr-code-on-your-phones-screen-without-using-another-phone/
- Published: 2025-03-25T09:00:57.000Z
- Updated: 2025-03-25T12:58:10.000Z
- Description: Scan QR codes on your phone's screen—no second device needed
- Author: Ogbonda Chivumnovu
- Tags: / Tech Guide, Android, Apple iPhone

[QR codes](https://www.techloy.com/tag/qr-code/), those barcodes that store information digitally, are everywhere—restaurant menus, event tickets, payment links, even subway ads. But what happens when you need to scan one and don’t have a second device? That moment of frustration—holding your phone, staring at a QR code on its own screen—is more common than you think.

Well, there's good news. 

Every modern smartphone already has built-in tools to solve this exact problem. Whether you’re trying to access a Wi-Fi network, claim a discount, or join a virtual queue, you can scan QR codes with just one device—no second phone, no special apps, and no complicated tricks needed. 

Here's your quick guide to using this built-in tool.

## How to Scan a QR Code on Your Phone’s Screen (Without Using Another Phone)

## For Android: 

### Step 1: Take a screenshot of the QR code

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot_20250324-143041-1.png)

### Step 2: Open the *Google Photos* app

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot_20250324-143106-2-1.png)

### Step 3: Select the *Screenshots* section

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot_20250324-181852-1-1.png)

###  Step 4: Go the screenshot of the QR code you took earlier, and tap the Google Lens icon (usually at the bottom of the screen)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot_20250324-182254-2-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot_20250324-155223-1.png)

### Step 5: Google Lens will detect the QR code and show you the link or action

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot_20250324-143158-1.png)

## For iPhone: 

### Step 1: Take a screenshot of the QR code

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/IMG_7596.PNG)

### Step 2: Open the screenshot in the *Photos app*

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/IMG_7597-1.PNG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/IMG_7598-5-1.PNG)

### Step 3: Tap the Live Text icon (a small square with lines) or press and hold on the QR code

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/IMG_7601-1-1.PNG)

### Step 4: Tap the link or suggested action that appears

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/03/IMG_7600.PNG)

## Conclusion

Scanning a QR code on your phone’s screen is easier than you think—no second device needed! Simply use your phone’s built-in camera (most modern smartphones automatically detect QR codes) or try [Google Lens](https://www.techloy.com/tag/google-lens/) for better accuracy. Now you can effortlessly access links, menus, or promotions without any hassle.

[How to Scan QR Codes on a Windows PCIf you’re using a Windows PC, you can easily scan these QR codes to make your life much easier. It doesn’t matter if you want to check out a website, grab an app, or get some info without typing, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll show you the![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-1158.png)TechloyGabriel Ojeh![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1626682561113-d1db402cc866)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-scan-qr-codes-on-windows-pc/)