Test QR Codes: How to Get Started

QR codes on websites and mobile apps enhance user experience by providing quick access to content, streamlining navigation, and facilitating seamless interactions. They enhance marketing by linking flyers and posters to special offers, driving user engagement. In retail, QR enables quick, secure digital payments via smartphones, increasing convenience.

By connecting the offline and online worlds, QR codes create a seamless experience. Therefore, it’s important to test QR codes to ensure they work perfectly, are secure, and maintain user trust.

What Are QR Codes?

QR codes (or Quick Response codes) are barcodes containing black squares on a white background. Along with these squares, a lot of markers are also present that do not represent any shape but are readable by a reading device such as a camera.

This arrangement of squares and markers embeds information encoded in the form of numerics, alphanumeric, binary, or kanji. A popular example of a QR code is embedding URL information to open a website by scanning the code.

Here are some of the key characteristics of QR codes:

• QR codes are free to generate and require a scan to fetch the information.
• QR codes do not require additional software in normal or SQRC to encrypt or decrypt the information.
• QR codes can store up to 7089 characters, representing a vast memory sink.
• QR codes are customizable and offer flexibility for further modifications.
• QR codes with defects can still be interpreted with its in-built error correction mechanism.

Why Are QR Codes Important?

From file-sharing links to payment-linked methods, QR codes have captured most domains that require sharing information, especially on a large scale.

Let’s look at why QR codes are so popular.

• Provide instant access to a wide range of information, from product details and website links to contact information and social media profiles.
• Simplify accessing information and create a more seamless and engaging user experience.
• Offer a contactless way to share information, make payments, or access services.
• Provide a cost-effective way to reach customers through marketing materials.
• Store various types of data such as text, URLs, location, contact details, and images.

How to Test QR Codes?

Testing QR codes is important to ensure they are accurately readable and redirect users to the intended information or action without errors. This helps enhance user experience and prevent potential issues. Testing QR codes involves several steps to ensure their functionality and readability.

In this section, we will look into some standard steps to test QR codes.

1. Ensure the QR code is perfect: The first step of testing is to ensure that the QR code is valid.
2. Scan for verification: The next step is to start the scanning process on a higher level. The main aim at this level is to ensure that the data integrated into the QR code can be retrieved successfully. The testers can make use of a smartphone camera to pass this basic level.
3. Scan for errors: Many things can go wrong while scanning a QR code. Sometimes, the Internet connectivity is unpredictable, or the link is broken. Such errors should be handled by the team of testers and developers so that the user gets clarification on why things did not work.

While it is true that everything cannot be handled at the end of the application, whatever is in the team’s hands should be made available. For instance, the link scanned through the QR code can be lightweight, i.e., not include the actual web page in the code as they are often heavier. Instead, make a different page that could redirect to the original page once the user has landed.

4. List down metrics: Once the primary check is completed, the tester needs to dive into the depth of QR code testing and list down all the metrics to be tested for performance. The metrics depend on the final aim of the QR code and its business association.

However, there are some generic metrics such as “response time” i.e., time a QR code takes to respond to the scan. This has to be as quick as possible and depends on the structure of the QR code. Similarly, how far the QR code can be scanned should lie well below the threshold limit expected from the users.

5. Choose diverse scanning devices: Next, we need to diversify the scanning devices. This includes selecting different operating systems with different installed versions and from various manufacturers. If there can be scenarios where the QR code can be scanned with other devices such as tablets, televisions, or QR code scanners, then their different forms must also be included.

Remember that an Android X device differs from Android X + 1. QR code scanning includes elements such as pop-ups, in-screen views, web views, browsers, and a lot more. If there has been a deprecation in any of them, the scanning won’t work. Therefore, it is important to consider each type of device as unique and a potential threat to the software if left untested.

6. Track performance metrics: The performance metrics should be tracked now against all the selected devices. The metrics should be analyzed, and if there are any issues, they should be reported back to the developers.
7. Test the QR code associated with the backend: The QR code is also related to the backend of the mobile application. For instance, some QR codes are involved in data metrics where a data processing engine takes note of how many QR codes were scanned, from which geographical locations, and whether the conversion occurred or not. This helps businesses optimize their future strategies and make new strategies accordingly.

A QR code tester needs to ensure that such systems are synchronized and that the data is reflected correctly. If the data is corrupted or there are issues with QR code association, the patterns may provide false results, taking businesses in a different direction.

8. Ensure the security of the setup: Two security holes can exist in QR codes. First, it is incorporated into the code for authentication purposes in which only select devices can access complete data. Second, the application infrastructure is associated with the QR code on the server side.

QR codes can sometimes act as open doors to this infrastructure, inviting infiltrators to breach data or perform injections. The security of the QR code is one of the top priorities in QR code testing, especially when user data, such as personal or financial data, is involved.

9. Keep QR code tests in regression: Working in Agile methodology may mean we have limited time to complete many things. When things get congested close to the deadline, some testing areas have to be sacrificed, and QR codes can easily be a soft target in such scenarios.

But that does not mean new software updates on browsers or OS won’t affect a QR scan even if there have been no changes in QR-related infrastructures. To avoid this, the best thing to do is to include QR tests in regression or separate automation cycles.

This way, even if you miss testing QR codes manually (which are equally important), we will always know that basic in-depth testing has been performed successfully. However, this step will require the help of a testing platform that also supports automation and QR code testing.

Users might not worry about the QR code type they scan, but testers must understand the type, its usage, and its impact on user experience while testing QR codes.

• Basic model QR codes: The original model 1 stored 1,167 numerals, while model 2, with a maximum size of 177 x 177 modules, stores up to 7,089 numerals. QR codes come in 40 versions, with version 40 being the densest, sustaining more damage without losing information.
• Micro QR codes: These are compact and store up to 35 characters or 128 bits. They may not be readable by standard QR code scanners and are used mainly in labeling, like on printed circuit boards. Micro QR codes have a single position detection pattern compared to the three in basic QR codes.
• Rectangular Micro QR codes (rMQR): Introduced in 2022, rMQR codes are designed to save space by being rectangular rather than square, making them useful for large packages with limited space. They function similarly to standard QR codes but are less common.
• Secret QR codes (SQRC): These QR codes encrypt sensitive information. Only devices with the correct cryptography key can access the encrypted data. A special type, face-authenticated SQRC, uses facial recognition for access.
• FrameQR codes: This modern QR code allows images and illustrations in the center, offering a flexible and creative way to share information.

Each QR code type serves a specific purpose, and testers must ensure that the QR code type matches its intended use and functions correctly in all scenarios. For example, FrameQR should work with added illustrations, and SQRC should keep information secure from unauthorized devices.

Ease Your QR Code Testing With LambdaTest

QR codes require a camera, which makes it harder to find a platform that supports this feature. Moreover, it is important to have a better hardware response with the inclusion of automation to conduct testing efficiently. Otherwise, all we are left with is procuring hundreds of devices and performing each test manually on each.

LambdaTest stands out as a platform that provides a camera injection feature to test QR codes on a real device cloud of Android and iOS devices. The platform uses sensor instrumentation that facilitates hardware use in applications such as cameras. This can be done by enabling image injection for the session.

The screenshot below shows an Image Injection toggle that you can enable to test QR codes manually.

You can even automate your QR code tests using app test automation on LambdaTest. For more information, check out this documentation on QR code testing using Camera Image Injection.

Best Practices to Test QR Codes

This blog on how to test QR codes already talks about what a perfect QR code looks like and the parameters we need to consider to ensure our QR code shines out. However, there is a small checklist to keep handy so that the essential points are not missed, and the tester is assured that all the test scenarios are covered before release.

• Consider all age groups: When testing a QR code, it’s crucial to consider all age groups to ensure everyone can scan it. Different age groups perceive QR codes differently. A tech-savvy teenager might scan out of curiosity, while an older person might need a reference point and clear expectations. Testers must ensure a smooth scanning process for all users.
• Consider all devices: Devices vary in hardware and software configurations, making it hard to predict potential issues. Testing the QR code feature on a wide range of real devices is essential. Using online platforms like LambdaTest can reduce costs while providing accurate testing metrics.
• Consider environmental factors: QR codes can be scanned in various environments, from shops to billboards. Factors like poor lighting can affect scans. Testers must ensure QR codes work smoothly in different conditions, as users expect a seamless experience regardless of environmental challenges.
• Think like a user: To improve QR code testing, testers should adopt an end-user perspective, identifying potential issues and creating a comprehensive list of test scenarios. This approach minimizes the chance of failures post-release.

Conclusion

QR codes are widely recognized and used by all end-users, therefore, it is expected to function flawlessly across all compatible web browsers and mobile devices. This is where QR code testers play a crucial role. They must ensure that each QR code fulfills its intended purpose.

Although this task can be challenging, our guide provides a step-by-step approach for effective QR code testing and best practices to ensure accuracy. Successful testing requires skill, keen observation, and platforms like LambdaTest, which allow you to test QR codes remotely without needing physical devices.