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GivenTool

Scan a QR code from your camera or an image

Read a QR code with your camera or from a screenshot, and see the content safely before opening any link.

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This scanner reads QR codes with your computer's webcam or your phone's camera, or from an image such as a screenshot of a code someone sent you. It uses the browser's built-in barcode detector where one exists (Chrome on Android and macOS, for example, which can also read common barcodes) and otherwise the open-source jsQR decoder. The camera starts only when you click, frames are analysed on your device, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.

Unlike many phone camera apps, this page never opens a link on its own. It shows you the full content first, names the domain, and flags common warning signs of malicious QR codes ("quishing"): plain http, raw IP addresses, look-alike international characters, link shorteners that hide the destination, a "user@" trick before the domain, and direct app downloads. Links that could run code (javascript:, data:, file: and similar) are shown as text only and cannot be opened from here.

Wi-Fi codes show the network name, security type and password (hidden until you choose to show it). Contact cards (vCard) show the name, phone numbers and emails. Email, phone and SMS codes are recognised too.

How to use it

  1. Click "Scan with camera" and allow camera access, then hold the code inside the frame; or drop a screenshot or photo of the code.
  2. Read the decoded content and the warnings, if any.
  3. Copy the text, or click Open link if you trust it. Links open in a new tab only when you click.

Frequently asked questions

Is the camera recording or sending anything?

No. The camera stream is shown on this page and individual frames are decoded in your browser; nothing is saved or uploaded. The camera turns off as soon as a code is found or you click Stop.

Why does the scanner not open links automatically?

Malicious QR codes are a common phishing trick, for example stickers placed over parking-meter codes. Showing the address first, with warning signs, gives you the chance to spot a fake domain before your browser visits it.

Can it read a QR code from a screenshot?

Yes. Drop the image or choose it from your files. The scanner tries several sizes and inverted (light-on-dark) codes. Very small, blurred or heavily angled codes may still fail.

Does it read barcodes too?

In browsers with a built-in barcode detector (such as Chrome on Android and macOS) it also reads EAN, UPC, Code 128 and other common barcodes. Elsewhere it reads QR codes only.

The camera does not start. What can I do?

Allow the camera for this site in the address bar or your browser settings, close other apps that are using it (video calls, other tabs), and on phones make sure the browser has camera permission in the system settings. You can always scan from a photo instead.

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