Read a QR Code from a Screenshot Without Opening the Link
Decode a QR screenshot locally in your browser. Inspect its text before opening a link, with a worked example, practical steps and clear limits.
Quick answer
Use the QR code image reader to choose a screenshot and display its contents as text. It does not open the decoded link, request camera access or upload your image.
Read your screenshot
- Save it as PNG, JPEG or WebP, no larger than 10 MB and 16 megapixels.
- If there are several QR codes, crop to one complete code and keep its clear border.
- Choose the image in the reader and select Read QR code.
- Inspect the result. Use Copy text only if you need it elsewhere.
- Use Clear to remove the selection and result. This does not delete the original file or clear text already copied to your clipboard.
Try it with fictional data
Enter QR practice: receipt 1042 in the QR code generator and download a PNG. Read that PNG with the image reader. The expected result is the same text, QR practice: receipt 1042.
A QR code can contain ordinary text. When it contains a URL, the reader likewise displays the address without navigating to it.
Before opening an address
Check the domain for misspellings or substituted letters. Treat unexpected messages demanding urgent action cautiously. If a code claims to come from a company, verify through a website or contact method you already trust. See the FTC’s QR-code scam guidance.
Decoding does not establish that a destination is trustworthy. This tool does not follow redirects, inspect the final website, make payments, join Wi-Fi networks or sign you in anywhere.
Privacy and practical limits
The selected image is processed in this browser. The browser File API makes selected local files available to a web application. Normal requests still load this site’s pages and assets; optional Analytics may run if you enable it.
The reader finds at most one QR code per image. Blurred, damaged or unusual codes may fail. Animated images are treated as a still frame; SVG and PDF files are not accepted. Try a sharper original or use the image cropper while preserving the complete code and border.
For more context, read our browser privacy guide or inspect the jsQR decoder documentation. These references explain the underlying APIs and library; they do not certify this website’s security.