Android’s built-in QR scanner has gotten a significant visual update. As reported by 9to5Google, the QR code scanner is getting a new look and some new features that you may have on your phone already.
While pretty much every smartphone can scan QR codes using the camera app, Android also has a dedicated QR code scanning interface accessible through shortcuts on the lock screen and in the Quick Settings panel. In the updated version, when your phone identifies a QR code, it’s displayed in the middle of the screen over a scalloped circle shape — very Material 3 Expressive.
The update also relocates the camera flash button from the top right corner of the interface to the bottom of the screen and adds a couple of new sharing options. Previously, after scanning a code, the scanning interface would show the URL the code leads to along with an Open button. Now, in addition to those bits, there’s a button that copies the URL to your clipboard, and a button that opens Android’s share sheet.
Old (1, 2); New (3, 4). Source: 9to5Google
Rolling out right now
This change applies to the AOSP QR code scanner that you will see on phones from Google and some smaller players like Nothing, so phones from the likes of Samsung won’t benefit from the update.
It’s entirely possible you’ve never interacted with Android’s QR code scanner; popular phones’ camera apps have been able to scan QR codes for quite a while now. With newly added features, though, there’s more reason to use the dedicated QR scanner.
9to5 notes that Google foreshadowed this update in May, so these changes have been in the oven for quite some time now. The redesign is rolling out with Google Play services version 25.26.35, which is available right now.
