What types of barcodes can this scanner read?

Our online barcode scanner supports all major barcode formats including UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, CODE128, CODE39, ITF, QR codes, Data Matrix, PDF417, and Aztec codes. Whether you are scanning product barcodes from retail items, shipping labels, tickets, or QR codes from websites and marketing materials, the scanner automatically detects and decodes the barcode type. Simply point your camera at any barcode and the scanner will identify the format and extract the data instantly.

Do I need to install an app to scan barcodes?

No! This is a completely web-based barcode scanner that works directly in your browser. You do not need to download or install any apps, plugins, or software. Simply visit the page, grant camera permissions when prompted, and start scanning immediately. The scanner works on any device with a camera including desktop computers with webcams, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This makes it perfect for quick barcode lookups without cluttering your device with additional apps.

How do I grant camera access for scanning barcodes?

When you first visit the barcode scanner, your browser will display a permission prompt asking to access your camera. Click "Allow" or "Grant" to enable camera access. The scanner needs camera permission to capture the barcode image for decoding. If you accidentally denied permission, you can grant it later by clicking the camera icon in your browser address bar (usually on the left side) and changing the camera permission to "Allow." On mobile devices, check your browser settings under Site Permissions if the prompt does not appear.

Does the scanner work on mobile phones and tablets?

Yes! The barcode scanner is fully optimized for mobile devices including smartphones and tablets. It works on iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices through mobile browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Mobile scanning is often more convenient because you can easily position your phone camera over barcodes. The scanner automatically uses your rear camera for better scanning quality, though you can switch to the front camera if needed. Touch the screen to focus if the barcode appears blurry.

Is my barcode data stored or sent to a server?

No! All barcode scanning and decoding happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your barcode data never leaves your device and is not uploaded to any server. The scanner processes the camera feed locally on your device, decodes the barcode, and displays the result directly to you. This ensures complete privacy and security for sensitive barcodes containing confidential information. Once you close or refresh the page, all scan data is cleared from memory.

Why is my barcode not scanning or being detected?

Common scanning issues and solutions: Ensure good lighting—poor lighting makes barcodes difficult to read. Hold the camera steady and at the right distance—too close or too far reduces accuracy. Make sure the barcode is in focus—tap the screen on mobile to focus manually. Clean the barcode—smudged, damaged, or worn barcodes may not scan. Flatten curved labels—barcodes on curved surfaces can be hard to read. Try rotating the barcode or adjusting the angle. If using a webcam, ensure sufficient camera resolution—low-quality cameras may struggle with small barcodes.

Can I scan barcodes from images or screenshots?

Most web-based barcode scanners are designed for live camera scanning rather than image uploads. To scan barcodes from images or screenshots, you can display the image on another screen or device and scan it with your camera, or look for a dedicated barcode decoder tool that accepts image file uploads. Some advanced scanners offer file upload functionality. Ensure images are clear, high-resolution, and the barcode is not distorted or compressed heavily for best results with any decoding method.

What do I do with the scanned barcode data?

After scanning, the barcode data is displayed on screen. You can copy the data to your clipboard for use elsewhere, look up product information online using the UPC or EAN number, verify barcodes match expected values for inventory management, add items to shopping lists or databases, check product authenticity or recall information, or save the data for record-keeping. QR codes may contain URLs (which you can visit), contact information (add to contacts), WiFi credentials (connect automatically), or other encoded text and data.

Does the scanner require an internet connection?

The scanner requires an internet connection initially to load the page and barcode decoding libraries. However, once the page is fully loaded, the actual scanning and decoding process works offline on your device. You can scan barcodes without internet, but you will not be able to look up product information, visit URLs from QR codes, or access online features until you reconnect. For basic barcode reading and data extraction, offline functionality is supported through browser caching.

Can I scan multiple barcodes in a row quickly?

Yes! The scanner supports continuous scanning, allowing you to scan multiple barcodes one after another without reloading the page. After each successful scan, the result is displayed and the scanner remains active, ready for the next barcode. This is perfect for inventory counting, product verification, or processing multiple items quickly. You can scan dozens or even hundreds of barcodes in a session. Some scanners include features to save or export scan history for later review or data entry into other systems.