How to create and read QR codes (barcodes) on Android (and how to make a payment using a QR code from your phone)

Good day!

I think that many have seen more than once black squares, inside which there is a mosaic of white and black dots (like on the left in my preview picture). Such things are called QR codes (or in Russian: barcodes).

They allow you to encode any information inside yourself, for example, account details and the amount to be transferred to it (this is often done by banks and various financial organizations). I note that, in principle, nothing prevents you from creating such barcodes yourself and encode any information in them: links, messages, text, etc.

What's convenient about it:

- such a code can be read very quickly from any device that has a camera (i.e. any modern smartphone will do!). Imagine, instead of manually typing a 20-digit account number, typing in the amount, a note to the transfer (and other information), you can bring your phone camera to the barcode and everything will be filled in automatically! Saving time on the face!

In general, in this article I will consider the most common questions regarding QR codes, namely, their creation, reading and paying bills. I think many users will come in handy! ..

Working with QR codes

How to create a QR code

Important! It is recommended that before creating QR codes, install some applications on your smartphone to read them (otherwise, how will you check if the code was created correctly?). About applications - just below in the article ...

//qrcoder.ru/

Very user-friendly site. Made in the style of minimalism, on the left in the window, enter the text (see example below), and on the right you can see the QR code. The site works smartly, no complaints ...

QR Code Generation

//www.qrcc.ru/generator.php

This site allows you to create various barcodes: QR-code

DataMatrix, Micro QR (maybe useful to someone ...?). He also has several different options for the purpose of "encoding" in the menu: business card, site address, SMS message, e-mail address, Google Maps coordinates, etc.

Socket with code options

//ru.qr-code-generator.com/

This site is more suitable if you want not only to create some code, but also to place it directly on a business card (for example). The site contains many different beautiful examples ...

Examples of

//qrmania.ru/#/create/text

A very simple site: on the left, enter the text in the window, on the right, a QR code is automatically generated online. Very convenient and fast (example below)!

Site window

100 Apps on Google Play (link to google play search)

There are hundreds of applications for generating QR codes! I would recommend trying QR Droid Code Scanner - a versatile option (it will help how to read and create barcodes).

How to read a QR code on a smartphone (Android)

To do this, your smartphone must be equipped with a camera (and preferably not the worst one, since the speed and accuracy of recognition depends on it) and you need to install a special camera on it. attachment. In principle, nothing supernatural: any modern smartphone meets these requirements ...

Which of the applications is better to choose

QR Code Reader

Google Play Link: //play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.scan.android.client

Screen of the application (from the developers)

A very simple app to quickly scan QR codes. The app is free, no ad inserts.

Working with it is very simple: just start the application and point the "sight" to the barcode. If everything is in order with it, it will be read in less than a second and presented to you (just below in the article I show how it looks).

QR Droid Code Scanner

Google Play link: //play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=la.droid.qr

QR Droid Code Scanner - work screen

This application differs from the previous one in that it allows you not only to read codes, but also to create them yourself.The application also makes it easier to share your codes with other users.

The rest of the functions are the same (the presence of ads is a bit annoying ).

Barcode Scanner

Google Play Link: //play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner

Barcode Scanner - application window screen

Another good alternative to the first two scanners. This app can invert colors (handy when the barcode cannot be read), allows you to adjust the autofocus range. In general, the rest of the functions are identical to the previous ones.

Example of working with QR Code Reader:

and so, we saw the barcode and you need to read it: first, we launch the application;
then we aim at the desired barcode: as soon as it is in the sight of the application, it will be automatically recognized;
Point the phone camera at the barcode
a new window will open, in which everything that is "encrypted" in the barcode will be shown (see an example below).
Barcode read (in less than 1 second!)

Why the QR code may not be recognized:

if the picture of the barcode is too small or damaged (for example, compressed with the help of photo editors or water is spilled on it (if we are talking about paper));
you have too "weak" camera on your phone. In this case, you need to either bring the phone closer, or use a better image of the barcode.

How to pay by QR code

It is best to show the solution of such questions on some examples (it is easier to perceive ).

And so, let's say we received a payment for an apartment, telephone, etc. Please note that now most of these receipts come with a barcode (usually, it is in the upper corner, see the photo below).

Standard receipt

If you have such a QR code on your receipt, it means you can pay (close) it very quickly, using the option to pay by this stroke. To do this, you need to install a special application on your phone:

either from one of the banks (where there is a similar service, for example, in Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, Tinkov Bank - this is, see the screen below (not advertising!));
or use one of the payment systems, for example, Yandex money (you can connect a card of any Russian bank to Yandex money!).

Mobile banking applications on the phone (not advertising; just as a visual example)

In my example, I took the Yandex money payment system (installation on the phone is standard, replenishment of the account is also nothing complicated; therefore, I do not consider all this).

After launching the application, you will immediately see the option "Pay by QR code" (see example below).

Yandex money - application on a smartphone

After that, it will be enough to point the phone camera at the receipt with the barcode.

We aim at the payment order

As a rule, after 1-2 sec. the barcode will be read and you will see the auto-filled details. You just have to "go over" them, adjust the payment amount (if necessary) and confirm the payment.

In general, everything is simple and convenient! (although I was criticized in the comments that this is all unreliable ... Well, yes, probably, in their opinion, it will be easier to prove payment by a faded check (on which nothing is visible) than by an electronic statement? I do not insist, if you wish, you can stand idle for hours in queues )