How To: Your Pixel Has a Hidden QR Code Reader — Here's How to Use It

QR codes are supposed to make life easier, but having to install potentially shady third-party apps just to scan one is more trouble than it's worth. Thankfully, there's a QR code reader built into all Google Pixels, but you wouldn't know it unless you stumbled across the feature.

Really, it comes down to this: the most annoying thing about QR codes is not their functionality, it's the amount of time it takes to scan them. But quick access to a QR code reader is now in one of your primary app spots, the camera.

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Scanning QR Codes

Open the default Camera app. Direct the camera app towards a QR code. You will see a small popup just above the shutter button with a preview of the QR code results. Tap on the popup, in our case it's a Wiki link. When you do, you will be directed to the specific location of the QR code, be it a website or a deep link within an app.

This also works for Wi-Fi QR codes. When the SSID, password, and security type are embedded into the QR code (for instance, when someone shares their Wi-Fi using Android 10's new QR system), your phone will automatically log into the network as soon as you tap the popup in your viewfinder!