

Most are free, but many contain ads, and sometimes this can make it difficult to choose the correct link from results after you scan a code. There are loads of QR code scanning apps on the app stores of Android and Apple devices. Tapping that alert will send you to the website the QR code is linked to. Your smartphone will automatically recognise what it's staring at and generate a notification. Once you open the Camera app, select the rear-facing camera and hold your device in front of a QR code. On an iPhone, support for scanning QR codes is built into the default camera app. It's also a good idea to try and pick an app from a brand or developer you recognise. But crucially, if you're downloading a QR app, make sure it's backed by positive user reviews.
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If not, you can easily download a QR scanner from the Google Play Store - there are thousands of options to choose from. Most modern Android smartphones will have a QR scanner built into the operating system. A QR code you spot at the entrance of a well-known restaurant is safer than an unmarked code you spot on a window at a bus stop, for example. With this in mind, make sure any QR code you're about to scan is being presented to you by a reputable source. In other words, there's nothing stopping somebody printing out a malicious QR code and planting it somewhere where it will catch some attention. QR codes can also be configured to download a file to your smartphone without you giving the thumbs up - data-grabbing apps running in the background may be able to collect and sell your personal data. Considering anybody can create a QR code and have it point to any online destination they want to, there's room for scammers to take advantage of the technology.įor example, a poster on the side of a building might encourage you to scan a code and fill out a form for a reward, but in actual fact, you could be handing over personal information to sinister third parties.

Other key features of the NHS COVID-19 app include: If, further down the line, that area is identified as a high-risk area for coronavirus, you'll get an alert as your phone knows you've recently visited. The idea is that you arrive at the venue and scan the code so there's a record of you being in the area. Restaurants and bars across the UK are now being encouraged to display their own authorised QR codes on posters and signs. QR codes play a key part in the experience.
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The free NHS COVID-19 app, which is available for anybody aged 16 or over who lives in England or Wales, is also known as the 'Test and Trace app'. There has been a surge of interest surrounding QR codes recently because of a new NHS app linked to tracking coronavirus cases. How do QR codes work with the NHS COVID-19 app? Many restaurants have also been using QR systems to allow diners to join virtual queues.Ĭhecking in using the NHS COVID-19 app isn't mandatory, so venues are also meant to maintain paper logs for customers who don't have a smartphone on them. This helps to monitor the number of people meeting in public spaces. Recently, due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions, QR codes are appearing outside venues so you can 'check in'. For example, scan this QR code above and your smartphone or tablet will point you towards the Which? website. Anybody can create and share a QR code using a mobile app or website.
