You need to scan a QR code or barcode. You don't want to download an app, create an account, or deal with ads. You just want to point your camera and get the result. The Free Online QR & Barcode Scanner at QREndless does exactly that. Open the page, point your camera, and get your result — on any device with a browser and camera.
The scanner provides two modes: Single Camera Scan for quick one-off scans, and Bulk Scan for decoding up to 100 images at once. Both run entirely in your browser. No app download, no data uploaded to any server.
Why Use a Browser-Based Scanner
Most people think they need a dedicated app to scan QR codes or barcodes. But apps take up storage, require permissions, and often come with ads or subscription paywalls. A browser-based scanner works directly in your browser — no downloads, no installs.
- No installation: Open the page, scan, done. No app store, no permissions.
- Works everywhere: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux — any device with a browser and camera.
- Always current: No app updates to install. The scanner improves automatically when you load the page.
- Private: All processing happens locally. No data is uploaded to any server.
- Free and unlimited: Scan as many codes as you want, as often as you want.
Dual-Engine Scanning Architecture
The scanner uses a dual-engine approach to deliver fast results on any device:
BarcodeDetector API (Hardware-Accelerated)
On supported browsers (Chrome, Edge, and modern Android browsers), the scanner uses the BarcodeDetector API — a native browser API that decodes barcodes with hardware acceleration where available. This provides near-instant recognition with minimal CPU usage and battery consumption.
WebAssembly Worker Pool
On devices that don't support the BarcodeDetector API (Safari, older browsers, some iOS devices), the scanner falls back to a multi-threaded WebAssembly decoder that runs in parallel background threads. This keeps the UI responsive while decoding barcodes at high speed.
Both Engines Running Simultaneously
On devices that support both engines, the scanner runs them simultaneously. Whichever one decodes the barcode first delivers the result. This dual-engine approach ensures the fastest possible scan on every device.
Single Camera Scan
The Single Camera scan mode is the fastest way to scan a QR code or barcode in person:
- Open the scanner on any device with a camera.
- Grant camera permission (one-time only — your browser remembers).
- Point your camera at any QR code or barcode.
- The scanner detects the code and displays the result.
- Tap the result to open the link, copy it, or share it.
The scanner works in real time — just point and scan. No waiting, no complicated steps.
Bulk Scan: Decode Up to 100 Images at Once
When you need to scan more than one code, Bulk Scan lets you upload up to 100 images and decode all barcodes and QR codes in every image simultaneously.
Common use cases:
- Retail inventory: Photograph a shelf of products, upload the images, and get all barcodes decoded in seconds.
- Event check-in: Scan stacks of printed QR code tickets from a single batch upload.
- Document processing: Process multiple documents with embedded barcodes in one go.
- Product verification: Upload photos of product labels and verify all barcodes match your records.
The bulk scan feature processes all images in parallel using the WebAssembly Worker Pool, so even large batches finish quickly. This is especially useful for quality-checking sheets generated by the Bulk QR Code Generator.
Supported Barcode Formats
The scanner recognizes all major 1D and 2D barcode formats — scan any of these and get instant results:
- QR Code: The most common 2D barcode. Used for links, payments, menus, and more.
- Code 128: High-density 1D barcode used in shipping and packaging.
- EAN-13: The standard retail barcode found on most products worldwide.
- UPC-A: The US equivalent of EAN-13. Found on products in North America.
- DataMatrix: Compact 2D barcode used in electronics, healthcare, and aerospace.
- PDF417: Stacked 2D barcode used on driver's licenses, boarding passes, and ID cards.
- Aztec: 2D barcode used in transportation tickets and government documents.
- ITF: 1D barcode used in warehousing and logistics.
- And more: Codabar, Code 39, Code 93, EAN-8, UPC-E, and other common formats.
For a deeper understanding of how QR codes encode data and how scanners decode it, see our guide on How QR Codes Work.
Works on Any Device
A browser-based scanner works on any device with a camera and a modern browser:
- iPhone and iPad (iOS): Open Safari or Chrome, navigate to the scanner, and use your camera. No App Store download needed. The WebAssembly decoder ensures fast performance even on older iOS devices.
- Android phones and tablets: Works in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Samsung Internet. The BarcodeDetector API provides hardware-accelerated scanning on most Android devices.
- Desktop browsers: If your computer has a webcam, you can scan codes directly at your desk.
- Any device with a browser and camera: Chromebooks, tablets, kiosks — if it has a browser and camera, it works.
Browser-Based: Your Camera Feed and Images Stay Private
All processing happens locally on your device. Your camera feed and uploaded barcode images are never sent to any server. This matters when scanning QR codes that contain personal information, internal URLs, or payment details. You can verify this by disconnecting your internet after the page loads — the scanner continues to work.
The scanner also includes URL validation and security checks on decoded results. Suspicious URLs are flagged with warnings, and personal information (phone numbers, email addresses) is masked by default to prevent accidental exposure. For more on QR code security, see our guide on QR Code Security.
How to Scan QR Codes Online
Single Camera Scan
- Open the scanner: Go to the QR & Barcode Scanner on any device.
- Allow camera access: Your browser will ask for camera permission. Tap "Allow."
- Point your camera: Aim your camera at any QR code or barcode. The scanner detects it automatically.
- View the result: The decoded content appears instantly. Tap to open links, copy text, or share.
- Scan again: The scanner stays active — point at the next code.
Bulk Scan
- Switch to Bulk Scan mode: Tap the "Bulk Scan" tab on the scanner page.
- Upload images: Select up to 100 images from your gallery or file system.
- Start scanning: The scanner processes all images in parallel using the WebAssembly Worker Pool.
- View all results: Every decoded barcode and QR code is listed with its value and source image.
- Export or copy: Copy individual results or export the full list.
When to Use vs. Related Tools
- Need to decode a QR code without opening the link? Use the QR Code Decoder to inspect the full decoded content safely.
- Need to generate QR codes? Use the Free QR Code Generator or Bulk Generator.
- Need to customize a QR code's appearance? Use the QR Code Customizer to add colors, logos, and frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to download an app to scan QR codes?
No. The scanner is fully browser-based. Open the page in any browser, allow camera access, and start scanning. No app download, no account required.
What barcode formats does the scanner support?
All major formats: QR Code, Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, DataMatrix, PDF417, Aztec, ITF, Codabar, Code 39, Code 93, EAN-8, and UPC-E.
Does the scanner work on iPhone and iPad?
Yes. The scanner works on all iOS devices running Safari, Chrome, or any modern browser. The WebAssembly decoder ensures fast performance even on older iOS devices that don't support the BarcodeDetector API.
Is my scanned data private?
Yes. All scanning happens locally on your device. Your camera feed, uploaded images, and decoded data are never sent to any server. You can verify this by disconnecting your internet — the scanner continues to work.
How many images can I scan in bulk mode?
Up to 100 images in a single bulk scan. You can run as many bulk scans as you want — there's no limit.
Is there a limit on how many codes I can scan?
No. Both single camera scans and bulk scans are unlimited. No daily limit, no scan cap, no premium tier.
