How Do I Scan AR Codes?

AR Code Tech | Monday 13th of March 2023 10:07:26 AM |

This tutorial will guide you through the process of scanning AR Codes on both iOS and Android devices. Depending on your device's operating system and web browser, AR Codes offer distinct Augmented Reality rendering. By following these instructions, you can obtain the best possible AR rendering results.

For more information about AR QR Codes, check out our article: QR Code vs. AR Code: Key Differences Explained

AR Code compatibility across devices

It's estimated that over 2 billion smartphones are compatible with AR Code technology.

Scanning AR Codes on iPhone, iPad, or iPod: A Comprehensive Guide

Apple devices with iOS 13.0 or later support immersive AR rendering, while those using iOS versions <13.0 offer only WebAR rendering capabilities.

iOS ≥ 13.0 (Immersive AR)

To scan an AR Code, open the camera app and point it towards the code. You'll see a prompt to open the associated link. Once opened, the AR content will be detected and displayed within your surroundings. The background Safari web page provides the 3D experience and its licensing details. If the AR view doesn't start automatically, tap the dedicated button. The WebAR button lets you explore a basic AR view hovering above the code.

Immersive ARKit experience

iOS < 13 (WebAR)

iOS versions below 13.0 don't support immersive AR rendering, but they do offer WebAR rendering, allowing users to view and interact with 3D content in AR through a web browser.

To experience WebAR, open the camera app, point it at an AR Code, and tap the pop-up link. Grant camera access to see the 3D experience floating above the AR Code.

iOS WebAR experience

Android Devices: How to Scan AR Codes and Enjoy AR Experiences

Android smartphones and tablets vary in their ability to display immersive AR experiences, depending on the brand and OS version.

Most Android devices can display WebAR experiences, which allow users to view and interact with 3D content in AR through a web browser. The AR Code platform supports both immersive AR and WebAR, enabling users to create and share AR experiences across various devices, regardless of their individual capabilities.

Android OS ≥ 9.0

WebAR rendering is accessible on all devices. For immersive AR rendering, ensure "Google Play Services for AR" and the "Chrome" or the "Firefox" web browser are installed on your device. Launch the camera or QR Code scanner, point it at an AR code, and follow the pop-up link using Chrome. The AR view will start automatically.

If the AR immersive view doesn't start automatically, tap the dedicated "Immersive AR" button to display the Augmented Reality rendering.

Some Android versions from specific brands may have disabled "Google Play Services for AR" or camera scanning by default. If that's the case, try installing the AR service manually and scan the AR Code using a QR Code scanner app.

Immersive ARCore experience

4.4 ≤ Android OS < 9.0

For these Android versions, the AR experience will be available through WebAR rendering technology only. Launch the camera, point it at an AR code, follow the suggested link, grant access to your camera, and enjoy the AR experience floating above the AR Code.

Android WebAR experience

Scanning AR Codes on Other Devices: A Quick Guide

Computers

For MAC or Windows PCs, you'll need to download an app to scan a QR Code. Scanning the AR Code will display a web page containing the 3D content. This will grant you access to a WebAR rendering view. Simply click on the WebAR button, allow access to your camera, and bring the AR Code near your computer's camera. The AR experience will appear hovering above the code.

Alternatively, you can scan the code using a smartphone and share the experience URL link with your PC.

Augmented Reality Glasses

As various AR glasses are being developed and introduced to the mass market, we continuously adapt our technology to support these new devices. To scan an AR Code with AR glasses, you'll need a compatible QR Code scanner app for the glasses. Currently, WebAR is the most widely compatible rendering technology for AR glasses, allowing users to view and interact with 3D content in AR using a web browser.

As the landscape of AR-capable devices continues to evolve, we will keep updating our platform to ensure compatibility and offer the best possible AR experience across all devices.

Frequently asked questions

How can I enable immersive AR on my Android device if it doesn't display the AR experience?

To enable immersive AR, make sure you have "Google Play Services for AR" and "Chrome" web browser installed. Some branded Android versions may have these services disabled by default, so manually install the AR service and use a QR Code scanner app to scan the AR Code.

Can I use AR Codes with augmented reality glasses?

Yes, you can scan an AR Code using a compatible QR Code scanner app on your AR glasses. WebAR is the most widely compatible rendering technology for AR glasses, allowing users to view and interact with 3D content in AR through a web browser.