What a QR Scan Reveals About You
Scanning a code is not anonymous once you open its link. Learn what a website can learn from a visit and how to limit it.
The scan itself is done by your phone, but what happens next depends on what the code contains.
Scanning versus opening
- Scanning reads the code and decodes the text. If the code holds plain text, nothing is sent anywhere.
- Opening a link sends a request to a web server, and that is where information can be shared.
What a website can see
When you open a link, the site can typically see:
- your IP address, which gives a rough location
- your browser and device type
- the time of the visit
- the page you asked for, which may include a code identifying which printed QR code you scanned
Some sites also ask for permissions, such as location or notifications.
Why a code can be traced
The address in a QR code can include an identifier. Companies use this to count how many people scanned a particular poster. Most of the time, this is harmless marketing, but it means a scan can be linked to a visit.
Forms and downloads
Be more careful if a scanned page:
- asks for personal details
- asks you to install an app or download a file
- asks for payment you did not expect
How to protect yourself
- Preview the link before opening.
- Deny unnecessary permissions, such as location.
- Keep your browser and phone up to date.
- Avoid entering sensitive details on a page you reached from an unknown code.
Codes that hold text
If a code only contains text, the scanner shows it and nothing else happens. This is one reason plain-text codes are useful for private, offline notes.
Tips
- Scan freely, open carefully.
- Read the address first.
- Say no to permission requests you do not need.
QR Code Scanner needs no account, and shows a preview before action so you decide what to open.
Scan and create QR codes and barcodes with QR Code Scanner →
QR Code Scanner
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