Use a screenshot when possible
Screenshots usually decode more reliably than photos of screens because they avoid glare, blur, and perspective distortion.
Make sure the full QR code is visible, including the blank border around it. Cropping too tightly can remove the quiet zone that readers use to find the code.
Inspect before opening
A local QR reader should show the payload as text instead of automatically opening the link. That matters for parking meters, posters, menus, payment codes, and other public QR codes where stickers or lookalike domains can be used for scams.
Short links only reveal the first hop. If the decoded result is a shortener, treat it as a warning to verify the destination more carefully.
Keep private codes local
QR codes can contain Wi-Fi passwords, contact cards, payment requests, calendar events, and private links. Browser-local decoding keeps the selected image in the current tab instead of uploading it to a server.
Reading the destination does not prove it is safe. It gives you visibility before you make the choice.