How to scan a QR code with CodePeek
CodePeek reads a QR code or barcode and tells you what is inside it before you act on it. There are three ways to feed it a code, and they all end up in the same place. Here is the whole thing, start to finish.
1. Open CodePeek
Go to codepeek.teniquasystems.com in any up-to-date browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox all work. There is no sign-up and nothing to download to get started. If you have installed CodePeek as an app, just open it from your home screen instead.
2. Choose how to scan
You will see three buttons. Pick whichever suits the code in front of you:
- Scan with camera — starts a live scan. Best when the code is on a poster, screen, receipt or packaging right in front of you.
- Upload an image — reads a code from a photo or screenshot already on your device. Handy for a QR code you were sent in a message.
- Take a photo — on a phone, opens the camera to capture the code directly.
The first time you use the camera, your browser will ask for permission. CodePeek only uses the feed to look for a code; the frames are never uploaded.
3. Point at the code
Hold the code so it sits inside the frame on screen. Keep the phone steady and give it good light. CodePeek scans continuously and detects the code on its own — there is no capture or shutter button to press. A blurry or angled code usually reads fine once you steady it; move a little closer if nothing happens.
4. Read what it found
As soon as a code is recognised, CodePeek lays out its contents in plain language. What you see depends on the type of code:
- A website link: the real domain is pulled out and shown first — the part that tells you where you would actually end up — with the rest of the address separate. You get a warning for an insecure address or a lookalike (punycode) domain that has been dressed up to fool you.
- A product barcode: the number, a check-digit test to show it is valid, and the GS1 country or region prefix, plus ISBN detection for books.
- Wi-Fi: the network name, security type and password, ready to read off.
- A contact, calendar event, email, phone number, SMS or location: parsed into tidy, readable fields.
- Payment or authenticator codes: recognised and flagged so you know exactly what you are looking at.
CodePeek never opens a link or acts on a code for you. It shows you what is there and leaves the choice to you — that is the whole point.
Scanning a code shared from another app
Once CodePeek is installed, it shows up as a target in your phone's share sheet. Found a QR code in a photo, a PDF or a chat? Tap Share, choose CodePeek, and it will read the image and show you the contents — no need to save the picture first.
Installing CodePeek as an app
You do not have to install anything, but installing gives you offline use, quicker access from your home screen, and the ability to receive shared images.
- iPhone or iPad (Safari): tap the Share button, then Add to Home Screen.
- Android (Chrome): open the browser menu (⋮) and choose Install app or Add to Home screen.
- Desktop (Chrome or Edge): click the install icon in the address bar.
Something not working the way you expect? Have a look at the help page, which covers the common snags.