How to Scan Barcodes with Barcode Scanner on Android Phones

2025 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-23 12:04

Android devices can scan barcodes or QR codes using a free app from the Play Store. After the barcode scanner application is installed, the camera device can be used as a scanner. Then, you can perform various actions depending on the content in the barcode.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Installing a Barcode Scanner

Step 1. Open Play Store on the device

You can find it in the list of apps in the Play Store. The icon is a shopping bag with the Google Play logo.

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Step 2. Tap the Search bar

You can find it at the top of the Play Store screen.

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Step 3. Type in the barcode scanner

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Step 4. Tap on QR & Barcode Scanner from Gamma Play

There are plenty of other scanners that are also worth checking out. Most have a similar way of working.

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Step 5. Tap the Install button

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Step 6. Tap Accept

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Step 7. Tap Open

This button appears after the application is downloaded and installed.

Part 2 of 3: Scanning Barcodes

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Step 1. Point the camera at the barcode

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Step 2. Make sure the barcode is clearly visible

The scanner will have trouble working if any part of the barcode is too dark.

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Step 3. Align the entire QR code in the scanner frame (viewfinder)

Make sure all the grid codes are in the grid on the screen.

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Step 4. Align the traditional barcode in the scanner frame

When scanning a traditional barcode, the line in the scanner frame must be perpendicular to the barcode.

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Step 5. Adjust the distance between the cameras with the barcode

Do this if the barcode appears blurry on the screen.

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Step 6. Hold down the device during barcode scanning

If the scan is successful, the device will vibrate and emit a beep sound.

Part 3 of 3: Taking Action

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Step 1. Read the barcode information again

After scanning the code, you will see what kind of information it has. This information can range from text to website URLs. The contents of the code will be displayed at the top of the screen.

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Step 2. Tap the action button to continue

The available actions will vary depending on the type of code being scanned.

For example, if the code contains the address of a site, you can press the Open button to display it in a browser, or the Share button to send it to others.
If you scan a contact, you will be able to add it to your contact list or share it.
If you're scanning a product, you can usually do a product or web search. The results of this search will show retail stores that sell these products.
If you scan the event code, you can add it to the calendar.

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Step 3. Handle code that doesn't work

QR codes can contain various types of content and links. Traditional line barcodes contain only numbers. This number can be associated if the related product is popular. If the barcode is created specifically for one supermarket or another local store, the numbers may not work.

Tips

Traditional code usually only has a basic information identifier that the store uses to view details in its database (database). This means that you can't scan products in stores for prices, or any other information using your phone. At most, you just need to match the product number to the product in a web search

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