Android’s QR code scanner, powered by Google Play Services, is starting to more widely roll out a “scan from photo” button to let you scan a QR code that’s within an image in your gallery. Tapping the button opens the Photo Picker.
This feature was first mentioned in the January 2023 Google System Updates changelog as rolling out with version 23.02.23 of Google Play Services. However, we think many users only recently started to see it. (I still don’t see it on any of my Pixels).
The QR code scanner Quick Setting tile was added to AOSP in Android 13, and on GMS Android devices, it’s powered by Google Play Services. Soon, Pixel phones will be able to access the QR code scanner from a lock screen shortcut as Google showed off at I/O.
The new lock screen shortcut customization feature is part of AOSP so OEMs can enable this experience as well. (The Wallpaper & Styles app is proprietary, but the app it’s based on, ThemePicker, is in AOSP. Plus the SystemUI-side changes are also in AOSP.)