You don't need an app! Here are 3 Ways to Scan Food Menu Barcodes from Your Smartphone

You're probably familiar with terms like Barcode, QR scan, or QR code, as in today's technology era, they have become common and easily found in various places such as event location maps, information on brochures or posters, restaurants ranging from SMEs to large ones offering cashless payments, and in various other places.

QR codes were first developed by the Japanese company Denso Wave in 1994. Initially, QR codes were used as a means to track vehicles in the automotive industry. However, over time, the popularity of QR codes has grown significantly, especially in the early 21st century with the widespread use of smartphones and mobile devices.

Moreover, nowadays, many dining places or restaurants use barcodes or QR codes to display their food menu pages. Barcodes or QR codes are considered highly efficient and effective in conveying information to individuals. With just a mobile phone, you can simply scan the barcode and be directed to the food menu page prepared by the restaurant.

Scanning barcodes can be done through various methods using your device's software, whether with or without an application. Check out the following review to learn how to scan barcodes or QR codes from a food menu without needing additional applications on your phone!

Scanning Food Menu Barcodes via Your Phone

Source: Freepik.com

Besides scanning barcodes through various devices, it turns out that scanning is quite easy and not difficult to do. There are several methods you can use for barcode scanning. Check out the methods below!

Method 1: Using a Web Browser

Source: https://webqr.com/

The first method to scan food menu barcodes requires you to have and open a browser application on your phone. If you're an Android user, it's recommended to use Google Chrome, while if you're an iPhone user, Safari is recommended. You can also use other browser applications according to your phone's default settings.

Then, you need to open the Web QR site (https://webqr.com/). Also, make sure you have a stable internet connection to access the Web QR site.

Activate the camera feature by tapping Allow. Then, you must point the camera on the Web QR site to the barcode or QR code you want to scan. Make sure your phone's camera can function properly to capture the QR code and direct you to the intended food menu page.

After scanning, a pop-up will automatically appear showing the barcode or QR code link. You just need to tap the link displayed at the bottom, and you will be automatically redirected to the food menu page provided by the restaurant.

Method 2: Using Google Feature

Source: https://www.google.com/

The next method to scan food menu barcodes is quite similar to the first method. However, with just your phone and the Google application, you can already scan barcodes. The difference is that you don't need to open a specific website because Google has a scanning feature (Google Lens) available since 2017.

Scanning is quite easy. When you open the Google app, you'll find a camera icon next to the search bar. Click on that icon and grant permission to access the camera if prompted. Usually, Google Lens will automatically focus on the object (barcode) in front of the camera and display a pop-up showing the barcode or QR code link. Automatically, you will be directed to the page showing food menu items.

Method 3: Using Smartphone Camera Feature

Source: Freepik.com

The last method to scan food menu barcodes utilizes the barcode scanning feature using a smartphone camera, whether it's an iPhone launched in iOS 11 or later, or an Android with version Android 9 or higher. This is a built-in feature that allows smartphone users to directly scan and recognize barcodes using the camera without the need to download additional applications.

The steps are quite simple. Just open the camera application as you usually do. Then, point the camera at the barcode you want to scan and ensure the barcode is within the camera's range.

Usually, when the barcode is detected, a focus box will appear around the barcode. Once the barcode is read, your smartphone will provide information related to that barcode.

Those are 3 easy ways to scan food menu barcodes. Isn't it easy? Without any applications, you can scan barcodes or QR codes to view food menus conveniently and quickly. Of course, this can be done if your intended restaurant provides a food menu page and barcode ready to be scanned by customers because not all restaurants offer this facility.