What is a QR code and how does it work?

Would you like to know what a QR code is and how it works? We answer these questions in our tip.

How does a QR code work?

In contrast to the well-known bar code, the QR code is two-dimensional and can therefore hold more information. Use the "ScanLife Barcode & QR Reader" app for Android or "QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner" for iOS to read and read the codes. You can use it to encrypt, for example:

• Address Book contacts
• Appointments from your calendar
• the URL of a website

Capacity of a QR code

There is an upper limit on the amount of data. The more information you want to put in the code, the bigger it gets. But 177 × 177 elements is the end. According to the manufacturer, this corresponds to 4, 296 alphanumeric characters or 7, 089 decimal numbers.

Security of a QR code

If you have a QR code reader, you can scan all codes and read out the information. There is currently no way to assign a password to a QR code. Therefore, when creating it, you should pay attention to what information you encrypt and to whom you pass the code on. You must also be careful when scanning foreign codes. A coded URL can sometimes lead to malware like a virus that you definitely don't want on your smartphone.