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What are QR codes anyway?

Cynics would say that QR is short for “Quite Rubbish”, but it’s really an acronym for Quick Response Code. It’s a smarter version of the ubiquitous barcode, and it was originally developed in Japan for the automotive industry. Machines can read QR codes more quickly than barcodes, and QR codes can store more data in less space too.
If QR codes had stayed inside factories we probably wouldn’t care, but of course they’re used for all kinds of things now: coffee shop loyalty programs, e-tickets for sports and concerts, “find out more” links on adverts or on product packaging, or for sharing contact information.
For most of us, the main reason to use QR codes is to obtain a web link to find out more information about something or to get a password for a wireless network: scan the code and the information should appear in your web browser or connect you to the network. But how do you scan it? All you need is the right app.

How to scan QR codes with an Android phone

There are a few different Android apps for scanning QR codes, and QR Code Reader is one of our favorites: it’s both simple and free, it works quickly, and it doesn’t blast you with advertising (unlike many rival apps: one typical review of a rival says “pelts you non-stop with ads… way more advertising presented in a way more obtrusive way than is justified”).
It’s also compatible with stacks of Android devices and versions: if you’ve got Android 2.3.3 or later you’re good to go - provided, of course, that your device has a camera. QR Code Reader is good, but it isn’t a miracle worker. If the code you’re scanning is designed to take you to a website, you’ll also need a data signal or wireless connection.
QR Code Reader To actually scan a QR Code, all you need to do is load the app, start scanning and point your camera at the QR code. Line it up inside the guide arrows and that’s it: QR Code Reader recognises it and provides the appropriate information, carries out the appropriate task or in the case of phone numbers and other contact information, asks you what action to take. It also records your scan history so you can see what codes you’ve been pointing your phone at.

No ads, no money. What’s in it for the developers?

They hope you’ll like the app so much you buy Scan, their $4.99 ($1.99 at the time of writing due to a limited-time sale). It has the same basic features as QR Code Reader but it also adds support for scanning all popular barcode types (UPC, EAN and ISBN) to show you pricing, reviews and anything else relevant to the product(s) you scan (although you’ll need a reasonably good camera for barcode scanning). Unlike QR Code Reader you can also set a default browser for opening web links; QR Code Reader opens them in its own browser.

Can I make my own QR codes?

Yes! There are stacks and stacks of code-creating Android apps, although going through the reviews it seems like they all have flaws. It’s probably easier to go to the Scan developers’ website where you can create QR codes for social media, Wi-Fi access, contact information and many more kinds of data for free in your web browser.

Are there any risks to scanning QR codes?

Actually, yes. A scam known as “attagging” involves pasting new QR codes over existing ones, for example by pasting a label over the QR code on a poster. The new code could link to malicious software that might then access your camera or your personal data. In Russia, a QR code scam made phones send premium-rate texts at $6 per text. Such malware is very, very unusual, but it does exist and has done for several years.
Do you use a QR code reader on your Android device? Is it a must-have app that delivers daily, or is it gathering virtual dust in your Apps screen? Have you ever been a victim of “attagging”? Let us know in the comments below.