Quick response (QR) codes are an innovative means of storing information upon a scannable matrix barcode. These machine-readable optical labels can store over 7,000 alphanumeric characters, allowing users to house important information, such as product details and business directions all on a single label.
Statista estimates that 86.3% of Australians will own smartphones by 2023, meaning plenty of consumers have access to QR scanners readily built into the cameras of their devices.
While businesses have embraced this versatile technology, you may be surprised to learn that a number of Australians are using QR codes at home. This article will examine how you can create your own scannable QR labels and showcase the unique ways they are making day-to-day activities easier.
Home comforts
Thanks to the seamless integration of internet of things (IoT) devices, you can create and deploy QR codes using software programs or mobile apps like Brother iPrint&Label or P-touch Design&Print 2.
Once designed, you can send your QR codes to connected devices like the Brother P-touch Cube PT-P710BT wirelessly, in order to print your scannable labels.
Now that you’ve got your QR codes, it’s time to explore the variety of ways you can use them to reduce clutter and increase the efficiency around the home.
- Wi-Fi password: Tired of sharing your complicated Wi-Fi password? A scannable QR code makes it easy to access the internet, without ever entering a confusing series of numbers and letters. Simply store your Wi-Fi password on a scannable QR code, affix it to your router, or fridge, and forget about it! When guests visit, you can have them scan your password on the QR to allow access to your network, without having to reveal your password
- School work: If you’ve got school-age kids, you’re familiar with the amount of homework they bring home. Their worksheets or assignments can be enhanced by scannable QR codes that take children off the page for additional information. By linking further research into designated websites, QR codes can provide a fun way to interact with learning materials
- Storage boxes: What’s in the box? Eliminate the hassle of rifling through your storage bins by listing their contents on a single scannable QR code. No longer will you waste time searching through a mountain of boxes looking for that one particular item
- Save space: By reducing the number of old recipe books or user manuals lining your shelves by storing instructions and ingredients digitally. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having all the relevant information affixed directly to the modem when you need to troubleshoot, and you’ll never forget where you put the cookbook containing that one specific recipe
- Memory lane: Digitise your photo albums by using a link to your treasured memories so you can have your cloud-based photos accessible at all times. Put them on a QR labelled keychain for a thoughtful gift idea, or affix a code anywhere you find you tend to sit and reminisce
- Furry friends: Scannable QR ID tags for your pets are an easy, efficient way to protect your furry loved ones in the event they escape the sanctity of your home. Most modern QR codes don’t even require the internet to function, meaning your beloved pet can have its information accessed by anyone who discovers them, regardless of the wilderness they wander off to
How to scan QR codes (Step-by-step guide)
Scanning a QR code from your Apple or Android device is easy. Here’s how to access this convenient functionality on your smartphone:
How to scan QR codes on Android devices
1. Check to ensure that your phone supports QR scanning
2. Use Google Assistant to detect QR codes by long-pressing the Home icon or saying “Hey Google”
3. Tap the Google lens icon at the bottom right of your screen. (Certain Samsung models with Bixby capabilities can automatically detect QR codes.) Google Pixels will also open the Camera app to scan QR codes using the viewfinder, presenting a tappable link whenever a code is detected
4. In the event your Android doesn’t have this functionality, you can find an app on the Google store
5. Open your camera or connected app
6. Position the QR code in the center of the camera, and it will automatically scan
7. Click on the link that pops up, and you’ll be directed to the intended portal or website
How to scan QR codes on Apple devices
1. Open the camera app
2. If you don’t see the QR code icon in your Control Center on iOS, then simply access it from the Settings app
3, Tap Control Center
4. Find QR code reader under More Controls
5. Tap the green Plus icon to add it
6. Position your phone so the QR code is centrally located within the camera
7. The QR reader will automatically detect the code and a link to the connected portal will appear
Brother portable label printers make deploying your new QR codes effortless. With connected software applications like iPrint&Label, you’ll be generating a variety of useful labels in no time, increasing the efficiency of your day-to-day routines.
