Why You Don’t Need That "Free" QR Scanner App (And What to Use Instead)

Digital Handyman
5 hours ago
2 min read

If you’ve been to a restaurant, a doctor’s office, or a community event lately, you’ve probably seen a QR code. They are those little square barcodes that look like pixelated static.

For a long time, using them was a headache. You had to search the app store for a "QR Scanner," download one that looked free, and then get bombarded with 30-second advertisements just to look at a dinner menu.

I’m thought a class on this at the Summit Point Senior Center this month, and I want to share the secret I tell my students: You probably don't need those apps. And if you do, there is a much better way.

For iPhone Users: You Already Have It

If you have an iPhone (iPhone 8 or newer), Apple has done the work for you. You do not need to download anything.

Open your regular Camera app (the same one you use for family photos).
Point it at the QR code.
Don’t press the shutter button! Just hold it steady.
A yellow bubble will pop up on the screen (it usually says "Open in Safari"). Tap that bubble, and you’re there.

If it’s not working, check your Settings > Camera and make sure the "Scan QR Codes" toggle is green.

For Android Users: The "Binary Eye" Solution

Android phones (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola) are a mixed bag. Many newer cameras have Google Lens built-in—you point the camera, and a little link pops up.

However, if your camera doesn't do this, or if you find the pop-ups hard to tap, stop searching for "Free QR Scanner" on the Play Store. Most of the top results are data-hungry and full of misleading ads.

Instead, I recommend a specific, open-source app called Binary Eye.

Why I recommend Binary Eye:

It’s Fast: It opens instantly.
It’s Safe: It shows you the website link before opening it, so you know you aren't going to a scam site.
Zero Ads: It is completely free. No banners, no videos, no "upgrade to premium."

You can find it on the Google Play Store (developed by Markus Fisch) or on F-Droid if you prefer open-source repositories.

Bonus Tip: Stop Zooming, Start Walking

While we are talking about cameras, here is the number one tip I give in my photography classes:

If you are trying to scan a code or take a photo of something, don't pinch the screen to zoom. Digital zoom just crops the image and makes it blurry. Instead, use your feet! Move the phone closer to the subject. Your camera will focus better, and the image (or the QR scan) will be much sharper.