Have you noticed more QR codes lately? Well, they are making a comeback everywhere from local advertisements to menus at restaurants, and even in a Super Bowl commercial.
What is a QR code? A QR code, or “Quick Response” Code, is a type of barcode that can be read easily by a digital device. Data stored with the QR code could contain a website, phone number, or up to 4,000 characters of text.
Here are the steps on how to use a QR code:
- Open the camera app on your smartphone.
- Center the QR code you want to scan on the screen like you are going to take a picture of it. Hold your phone steady for a couple of seconds.
- Tap the notification that pops up to open the link.
Like any website or email, you need to be careful for malicious QR codes which download malware or direct you to a phishing site. Make sure to be cautious about the QR codes you scan. If the code is for a business you don’t know, it’s best not to scan it.