Scan QR Code Master

How to scan a barcode with your phone

A barcode is just another machine-readable code — the striped kind on product packaging (UPC/EAN) instead of the square QR kind. A scanner app reads both, which is handy for looking up products, checking prices, or keeping a record of what you've scanned.

Scan a barcode step by step

  1. Open Scan QR Code Master and point the camera at the barcode.
  2. Line the stripes up horizontally inside the frame and hold steady.
  3. The app reads the barcode and shows you the result.
  4. Check your scan history later to find anything you've scanned before.

Barcode formats you'll run into

  • UPC-A / UPC-E — retail products in North America.
  • EAN-13 / EAN-8 — retail products in most of the world.
  • Code 128 and Code 39 — shipping labels, tickets, and ID cards.
  • QR and Data Matrix — 2D codes used for links, tickets, and small-part labeling.

Look up a product and compare prices

The striped barcode on a product is a UPC or EAN number that identifies the item. Search the web for that number, or enter it on a retailer's site, to find the product and compare prices.

Tips for a clean barcode scan

  • Good, even lighting helps — avoid glare on glossy packaging.
  • Hold steady and fill the frame with the barcode.
  • Flatten curved packaging as much as you can so the whole code is readable.

FAQ

Can my phone scan a product barcode?
Yes. Scan QR Code Master reads standard retail barcodes (UPC and EAN) as well as QR codes, so you can look up an item by its number.
Does the built-in iPhone Camera scan barcodes?
The Camera app focuses on QR codes and doesn't reliably read product barcodes. For UPC/EAN and other 1D formats, use a dedicated scanner like Scan QR Code Master.
Can I compare prices by scanning a barcode?
Scanning gives you the product's UPC or EAN number, which you can then search online or enter on a retailer's site to compare. The price lookup happens in your browser or a store's own app.

Scan and create QR codes in a tap

Scan QR Code Master is an ad-free QR and barcode scanner and generator, free to download for iPhone, iPad, and Mac — with history and one-tap sharing.

Download on the App Store

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