{"id":3301,"date":"2022-03-11T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/computertechsreno.com\/tips\/?p=3301"},"modified":"2023-12-14T07:05:59","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T15:05:59","slug":"what-is-a-qr-code-used-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/computertechsreno.com\/tips\/what-is-a-qr-code-used-for\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a QR Code Used For?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"What<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

QR is an acronym for quick response – which makes sense as QR codes respond very quickly to requests to use them. Essentially, a QR code is a square-shaped barcode that you can scan with your mobile phone<\/a> to load a website or application. QR codes can also be used to load phone numbers, login pages, and Wi-Fi details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

QR codes have their origin in the business world. They were invented to help improve the speed of supply chain processes. Over the last few years, though, QR codes have firmly entered the consumer world. Most recently, QR codes have become an essential part of the pandemic response, helping to facilitate \u2018contactless\u2019 services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have been to a restaurant and noted a QR code sticker on your table. Your server may have asked you to use the QR code to load the menu instead of receiving a paper one. Similarly, QR codes have also been used for contact tracing to help keep track of COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While QR codes are really useful, they can seem daunting if you don\u2019t know how to use them. In fact, a YouGov study<\/a> found 14% of Americans find QR codes to be challenging to use, with adults over the age of 65+ especially are likely to say so (20%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we\u2019ll explain how to use QR codes. We\u2019ll also help you to understand which QR codes are safe to use – and which you should be wary of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I use a QR code? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most mobile phones that have cameras have QR scanner capabilities. If you have an older mobile phone, your camera might not come with this capability. In this case, you should be able to download a QR scanning app from the Apple Store or Google Play. If you\u2019d like assistance with this, let us know, and we can help<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once that\u2019s done, it takes just a few simple steps to scan a QR code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Open the QR application or the camera on your phone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Point<\/strong> your camera at the QR code – DO NOT press the shutter button to take a picture. Line up your camera so that all four corners of the code are in view. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Click the link that’s presented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Your phone will now do the work for you! It should automatically take you to the website, application or data attached to the QR code.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Are QR codes safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Legitimate QR codes are safe to use. You need to be wary, though, of fraudulent QR codes that are made by cybercriminals. These codes look like legitimate QR codes but have dangerous consequences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A malicious QR code might: <\/p>\n\n\n\n