Once you get the hang of using QR codes, you will find them easier to use than typing in long or complicated web addresses (URLs).
While QR codes have been around for several years, they are now much more common. They are now used to order food at restaurants, as concert and film tickets and when entering hospitals.
Getting started
A QR code is a square containing a pattern of black and white boxes. Scanning a QR code will take you to a place on the internet. These places can be online forms, documents, apps or web pages with information on them.
Before you get started, you need:
- A smartphone or tablet with mobile data
- To know how to use your device’s camera
- Basic knowledge on how to use the internet and stay safe online.
Top tip: The Be Connected website (beconnected.esafety.gov.au) has free online resources to help you get started and stay safe online.
For QR codes to work you need an internet connection. You may not have access to public wifi when you are out and about, so make sure that you have mobile data available on your smartphone or tablet.
Scanning a QR code
QR codes can be displayed anywhere, including on a shop’s window, on a menu, on bills and on printed posters.
Top Tip: Every QR code is different, like barcodes on your groceries.
Your smartphone or tablet’s camera is also your QR code scanner. You will need the entire QR code to be showing on your screen for it to work. Instead of taking a picture, you will see a preview of the URL it wants to take you to. Follow the prompts that appear on screen to go to the webpage or app.
Top Tip: Some devices do not have a QR code scanner built in when you get them. If nothing happens when you try scanning a QR code, try downloading a free QR code scanning app from the Apple or Google app store.
Staying safe with QR codes
QR codes are like any other links to a place on the internet. Remember to follow basic internet safety tips when using QR codes.
Top Tip: Check where the QR code is wanting to take you when you see the preview of the URL and don’t click if it doesn’t look right to you.
After you scan a QR code, you can tap or click in the web address bar (URL) to take a closer look. If what is written there is not where you expected to go, or the page is asking you for personal or bank details unexpectedly, stop and try finding the correct internet page another way.
Top Tip: You can report QR codes linking to suspicious websites to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) to help others avoid it too.