How to Use HTML5 QR Code Scanner: Open & Scan QR Codes Easily in the Browser

Learn how to implement and use an HTML5 QR Code Scanner using your device’s camera. Open and scan QR codes directly in your browser without needing an app!

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Introduction: What is an HTML5 QR Code Scanner?

With the rise of QR codes in everything from marketing to restaurant menus, having the ability to scan them directly through a browser is super convenient. Thanks to modern web technologies, you can now use an HTML5 QR Code Scanner that works without any third-party apps—just your browser and camera.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what it is, how it works, and how to scan QR codes directly from your website or web app.

Why Use an HTML5 QR Code Scanner?

• ✅ No app installation needed
• 📱 Works on both mobile and desktop browsers
• 🔒 Secure and privacy-friendly
• ⚡ Fast and real-time scanning
• 🎯 Perfect for web applications, contactless check-ins, payments, or event access

Technologies Used

• HTML5 – for video and camera access
• JavaScript – for QR code decoding
• WebRTC / getUserMedia API – to access camera
• Third-party libraries like jsQR or html5-qrcode (recommended)

How to Open and Scan a QR Code in HTML5

Let’s build a basic version using the popular html5-qrcode library.
📦 Step 1: Include the Library

<script src="https://unpkg.com/html5-qrcode"></script>

🧱 Step 2: Add a Container in HTML

<div id="reader" style="width: 300px;"></div>

⚙️ Step 3: Add the JavaScript to Start Scanner

<script>
  function onScanSuccess(decodedText, decodedResult) {
    alert("Scanned text: " + decodedText);
    // You can redirect or store the data as needed
  }

  let html5QrCode = new Html5Qrcode("reader");
  html5QrCode.start(
    { facingMode: "environment" }, // Use rear camera
    {
      fps: 10, // Frames per second
      qrbox: 250 // Scanning box size
    },
    onScanSuccess
  ).catch(err => {
    console.error("Camera start error: ", err);
  });
</script>

Best Practices for QR Code Scanner Implementation

• Make sure your site is served over HTTPS (required for camera access).
• Always ask for camera permission in a user-friendly way.
• Provide fallback instructions for unsupported browsers.
• Optimize scanning window for better accuracy.

Common Use Cases

• Contactless check-in for events
• Scan to pay systems
• Product authentication
• Attendance tracking in schools or workplaces

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Conclusion

Thanks to HTML5 and JavaScript, adding a QR code scanner to your website is easier than ever. Whether you’re building a web app or just want to enhance your user experience, the HTML5 QR Code Scanner is a modern, lightweight, and powerful solution.

Have questions or want help integrating this into your site? Drop a comment or reach out!