How to Turn Your Phone Into a Barcode Scanner

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Use an app to convert your phone into a barcode reader.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Mobile barcode technology can dramatically boost the sales and improve the product tracking of your small business. If you created a printed ad that includes a barcode, you can test it to verify that the code is connected successfully to your company's site. Smartphones, however, don't have a native app that allows you to complete the process. To scan the barcode, download and install a third-party app that is compatible with your phone.

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RedLaser iOS App

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Step 1

Download and install the RedLaser app on your iPhone (link in Resources).

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Step 2

Launch the RedLaser app.

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Step 3

Tap the "Scan" button at the bottom of the screen to activate the camera.

Step 4

Focus the camera on the barcode you want to scan and make sure the entire barcode is in the camera's view. Avoid any glare or shadows when focusing on the barcode. The app processes the code and searches for related products and websites connected to it.

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Step 5

Tap the provided link to view the product. If the barcode is linked to a a specific Web page, it opens automatically.

QR Barcode Scanner Android App

Step 1

Download and install QR Barcode Scanner on your Android phone (link in Resources).

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Step 2

Open QR Barcode Scanner.

Step 3

Tap the "Scan Barcode" option on the main screen to scan the barcode using the phone's built-in camera. If you want to enter the barcode number manually, tap the "Manual Key-in" option, enter the code and tap "Search." If you select the Manual Key-in option, skip to Step 5.

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Step 4

Align the barcode in the camera's view. For best results, avoid shadows and glare when focusing on the code. The app scans the barcode immediately and redirects you to a list of products linked to it. If the code is linked to a particular Web page, that page will open.

Step 5

Tap one of the product names in the list of results to view it on the Web.

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Barcode Scanner for BlackBerry

Step 1

Download and install the Barcode Scanner app on your BlackBerry (link in Resources).

Step 2

Launch Barcode Scanner.

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Step 3

Select "Scan" on the main screen to activate the camera.

Step 4

Hover your phone over the barcode. Avoid glare and shadows on the target barcode, which can cause incomplete readings. After the app registers the scanned barcode, the linked Web page opens. If the code is linked to multiple products, however, a list of results appears.

Step 5

Scroll through the results and select the product you want to view online.

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references & resources