How to Scan Barcodes From your iPhone and Android phones?
In our daily lives, barcodes are commonly used in stores, warehouses, and daily routine tasks such as online payments. This is because smartphone cameras are becoming more accessible, making barcode scanning more straightforward than ever.
In this article, we’ll learn how to scan barcodes from your iPhone and Android phones. However, let’s first learn more about mobile barcode scanning.
What is a mobile barcode scanner?
Mobile barcode scanners read and decode data from a barcode using the camera and software of smart devices, such as tablets or mobile phones. By scanning it with a smartphone or a tablet, users can easily obtain information from a barcode, such as product details, prices, and tracking information.
Why barcode scanning?
Several daily tasks involve the usage of barcode scanning, such as:
- Shopping: Barcode scanning is frequently used in retail establishments to read product barcodes at the checkout. This facilitates quicker checkout and guarantees that each item is charged the right amount.
- Inventory management: Barcode scanning is often utilized in inventory management to monitor and control inventory levels. Businesses may quickly and accurately update their inventory records by scanning each item’s barcode.
- Medication on prescription: Many prescription drugs have barcodes that can be scanned to ensure proper medication and dosage are being administered.
- Tickets for events: Barcode scanning is frequently used to scan tickets and stop fraud or double entry.
- Boarding passes: Boarding passes for airlines frequently feature barcodes that may be scanned at security checkpoints and boarding gates.
- Loyalty programs: To keep track of customer purchases and award loyalty points, several businesses utilize barcodes.
- Library materials: To track materials and deter theft, libraries frequently utilize barcodes.
Overall, barcode scanning is a practical and effective approach to handling transactions, inventory, and goods in a range of locations and sectors.
How to scan barcodes from your iPhone & Android phones?
On both Android and iPhone devices, there are many ways to scan a barcode:
For Android
- Google Lens: Launch the Google Lens application and point your camera at the barcode. The barcode will be instantly recognized by Google Lens, which will then offer details about the barcode.
- Barcode Scanner: Get a barcode scanner app from the Google Play Store. Open the app and then point your camera at the barcode when the app is open. The software will read the barcode and give details about the item.
For iPhone
- The in-built camera app on Apple: Point your camera at the barcode after opening the camera app. The camera app will recognize the barcode, which will display product details.
- QR Code Reader: Get a mobile barcode scanner application from the App Store. Open the app and point your camera at the barcode when the app is open. The software will read the barcode and give details about the item.
- Google Lens: Use the same procedures as for Android devices by downloading the Google Lens app from the App Store.
Alternatively, if you want to build your own solution to scan barcodes from both iPhones and Android devices, create a web-based barcode scanner. A web-based barcode scanner is a barcode scanner that works with your web browser to scan barcodes without the installation of any other software.
Using a robust barcode scanning SDK, you can easily create your own web-based barcode reader with just a few lines of code.
Benefits of using a mobile barcode scanner
Using a mobile device to scan barcodes has various advantages:
- Convenience: Since mobile phones are small and portable, you can anytime quickly scan a barcode.
- Economical: Mobile barcode scanners are usually inexpensive, making them affordable.
- Accuracy: Even in low light, barcode scanning apps are incredibly accurate and can swiftly read barcodes. This lowers the possibility of mistakes and guarantees that you receive accurate information on the product.
- Data gathering: Barcode scanning applications can gather product information, including sales, inventory, and customer data. Businesses that want to monitor their sales and inventory levels and make wise operational decisions may be helpful.
Tips for scanning barcodes on smartphones
- Ensure the barcode is clean and clear of any smudges or wrinkles that can interfere with its reading ability.
- Ensure that the barcode is sharp and well lit.
- Refrain from fumbling with the phone when scanning; keep the camera steady.
- If you’re having trouble scanning a barcode, try altering your phone’s angle or getting closer to the barcode.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smartphone barcode scanning has become a practical and helpful tool. Following these easy steps will make it possible for you to quickly and easily scan barcodes on your iPhone or Android device, regardless of whether you’re a customer, a business owner, or someone who wants to monitor personal inventory.