How to Scan QR Code on Mac

QR codes are omnipresent in today’s tech-savvy world and scanning these pixelated squares to access information is now incredibly easy with various devices. But, have you ever been stuck scanning a QR code on a Mac? 

If you own an Apple desktop or laptop, you might be aware that your device does not inherently support scanning QR codes, unlike smartphones and tablets (both iOS and Android). 

Worry not! This article will guide you through the simple steps to scanning and creating QR codes on a Mac using apps and tools, coupled with a few pro tips. 

Let’s dive in!

Apps and tools to make scanning QR codes on Mac a breeze

Since Mac desktops and laptops cannot scan QR codes through their built-in camera app, many applications for QR code scanning are available on Apple’s App Store that are compatible with macOS. 

Here’s a list of the best third-party QR code apps for you: 

QR Code Scanner 

QR Code Scanner, developed by Lilucat, is one of the top QR code scanner apps available for free on the Mac App Store. This app quickly scans and interprets QR codes for URLs, vCards, Wi-Fi, email, events, and more. It is compatible with macOS 12.0 and the later versions.

The QR Code Scanner app integrates the codes directly into your Apple Wallet and also adds them to Widgets. It allows you to scan the QR codes directly from images and maintains a scan history. 

🚀 Latest upgrade:

In the latest version of the app, there are no camera permissions issues, eliminating any risks of crashing on the newest macOS version. 

Code Reader 

Code Reader is a feature-rich QR code scanner application designed for Mac devices. Compatible with macOS 11.0 and the later versions, this app uses Mac’s built-in camera to scan QR codes with encoded links, text, location URLs, emails, etc. 

This application can scan, generate, and save multiple QR codes simultaneously. Moreover, it shows all the recently scanned and generated codes and offers the option to copy the QR code content to the clipboard. 

🤩 What’s new about this app?

• Improved UI 

• Missing translations are removed 

• Automatic dark theme feature 

• Tested on the new macOS Sequoia

QR Capture 

QR Capture is a QR code scanning app trusted by Mac users for its simple, easy-to-use interface. The app runs smoothly on the new M1 processors and also works on iPhones. 

One of the key aspects of this app is the drag-and-drop feature, which supports full-screen QR code scanning. It allows you to export the scanned QR codes as CSV text and automatically copy them to the clipboard. 

🧐 How’s the latest version better? 

• Compatible with the upcoming versions of macOS

• Supports ScreenCaptureKit for high-performance screen capture 

• Issues with multi-screen environment fixed. 

QR Journal 

QR Journal is one of the most secure apps to scan a QR code on a Mac. Mac devices with an iSight-compatible camera can scan or recognize QR codes. Some notable features include a user-friendly interface, search functionality, secure storage, and export options.  

✨ New features: 

• Compatibility with macOS 10.14 and the newer versions

• Works on Apple Silicon and many Intel devices 

• Faster Apple QR recognition library

• Video mirroring feature for scanning

Simple steps to follow when scanning a QR code on a Mac 

Using a third-party app: 

Since the steps to scanning a QR code on a Mac using each of the abovementioned apps are similar, we have a consolidated set of instructions you can follow. 

Step 1: Select and download the QR code scanner application from the Mac App Store.

Step 2: Once the app is installed on your device, open it.

Step 3: The app will ask permission to use your device’s built-in camera. Grant the permission to allow the app access to the camera. 

Step 4:  Position the QR code to be scanned before the camera, ensuring it is well-lit and in focus.

Step 5: After scanning the QR code, you will see a link or URL. Click to get redirected to the QR code content. 

Using a web-based tool: 

Web QR is one of the most widely used web-based tools for scanning QR codes on a Mac. It is a free QR code scanner website that can be accessed through the browser of any device, including the MacBook. It has a simple, user-friendly interface and provides instant results.

With Web QR, you can scan QR codes using your device’s webcam or an image file. It is the most straightforward tool for QR code scanning, and since it is a web-based tool, it does not require installation. 

Scan QR codes on Mac using Web QR in just a few easy steps: 

Step 1: Open your preferred web browser, such as Chrome, on your device and search for WebQR.

Step 2: Go to the Web QR website. You’ll then see a pop-up on the screen asking permission to use your device’s webcam.

Step 3: Click ‘Allow’ to grant the website access to the camera. 

Step 4: Hold or position the QR code steadily before the camera, ensuring it is clearly visible.

Step 5: Once the code is detected on the camera, a URL will appear below. 

Step 6: Click on the link to get redirected to the QR code content. 

Choosing the best QR code scanner app for your Mac 

So far, you have understood how one can scan a QR code on a Mac using different apps. Exploring each of the options will help you pick the best. However, it is essential to consider certain factors, as under, when selecting the best QR code scanner. 

📌 Ease of use

One of the foremost things to consider when choosing the best QR code scanner for a MacBook is an easy, user-friendly interface that allows smooth navigation and scanning. 

📌 Camera compatibility 

It’s essential to ensure your selected QR code scanner app is compatible with your device’s built-in camera. This helps optimize scanning performance and offers a smooth user experience. 

📌 Scanning speed

Scanning speed directly impacts user experience. Hence, you should always choose widely trusted apps for their fast scanning capability and accuracy.

📌 Data security

Data security is a top priority when choosing a QR code scanner for Mac. Ensure the app you choose complies with the data security standards and does not allow personal data sharing with third parties without your consent. 

Tips to increase efficiency when scanning QR codes on Mac

Here are some expert tips on increasing the efficiency and accuracy of QR code scanning on your MacBook. 

✅ Ensure the QR code to be scanned is well-lit and perfectly positioned before the camera during scanning.

✅ To improve scan accuracy, avoid locations with direct sunlight, which could obscure the QR code.

✅ You can use a tripod or any other camera stand to ensure the QR code image is steady. 

✅ Choose secure QR code scanner apps with top-notch security features to prevent unauthorized data access. 

✅ Update your QR code scanning app regularly for the latest tech enhancements. 

Simple steps to create a QR code on your MacBook using QRCodeChimp 

Creating a QR code is not a difficult task today. And with QRCodeChimp, it’s an absolute breeze. QRCodeChimp stands out as the most reliable QR code generator for its easy-to-use interface, exclusive customization options, and top-tier security features. 

Here’s how you can create your QR codes on your MacBook using QRCodeChimp in a few easy steps: 

Step 1: Log in to your account on QRCodeChimp. 

Step 2: Select the type of QR code solution you want from our ‘Solutions’ page. 

Step 3: Select the ‘Make dynamic’ field to ensure it is a dynamic QR code. 

Step 4: Enter the information you want the QR code to hold. 

Step 5: Customize your QR code. 

Step 6: Save and download the QR code and test it on Android and iOS devices to ensure it functions correctly. 

Conclusion

Scanning QR codes on a Mac is not as easy as it is on smartphones, as the built-in camera of a Mac device is not designed for QR code recognition. But, knowing the right tools and techniques makes the scanning process a seamless experience. 

This article is your go-to guide to scanning QR codes on a Mac. Also, if you want to create QR codes on your device, look no further. Join QRCodeChimp today to create your own QR codes in the simplest ways possible!

Frequently asked questions