QR Scanner (PFA)

Name: QR Scanner (PFA)
Rating: 4.508772 (874 reviews)
Author: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

By: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

QR-Scanner and generator with history and minimal permissions

This app was removed from Google Play Store on 2025-06-06

Features & Capabilities

QR Scanner (PFA) is a privacy-focused QR code scanner and generator developed by the SECUSO research group at Technische Universität Darmstadt. It requires only minimal permissions, ensuring user privacy by avoiding unnecessary access to contacts or call logs. This app supports scanning various QR code types and barcodes, making it versatile for everyday use.

A standout feature is its ability to assist users in detecting potentially malicious links by highlighting domain names and prompting confirmation, helping to avoid phishing and malware threats. Ideal for users who value privacy and security, QR Scanner (PFA) combines functionality with safety, all while maintaining a minimal footprint on your device. Learn more at secuso.org/pfa.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App

By:

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

Downloads:

176,523

Rating:

4.51

(874)

Version:

4.6.12 Last updated: 2025-02-25

Version code:

Creation date:

2014-09-11

Permissions:

android.permission.CAMERA Very high risk
com.secuso.privacyFriendlyCodeScanner.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION

Size:

6.95MB

Email:

co*****@secuso.org

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Google Play Store

Data ingested on:

2025-06-06

Compare stats and ranking:

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Android app. Please use these information below to contact the Android app developer.

Developed by:

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.secuso.privacyFriendlyCodeScanner

Email:

co*****@secuso.org

Website:

https://www.secuso.org/

User Reviews

Users appreciate the QR Scanner (PFA) app for being free, open source, ad-free, and privacy-friendly with minimal permissions. It reliably scans various barcode types and provides control over scanned content. However, common issues include an unremovable beep on scanning, occasional focusing difficulties, limited features for saved codes, inability to scan from gallery images, and some instances of app crashes or freezing.

Pros

Free and open source with no ads or privacy intrusion.
Lightweight and requires minimal permissions.
Scans various barcode types accurately, including QR codes and barcodes.
Provides control over scanned content without automatic redirection.
Simple and straightforward user interface.

Cons

Beep sound on scan cannot be disabled despite settings.
Difficulty focusing and scanning QR codes sometimes requires multiple attempts.
Limited functionality in handling saved codes and viewing them fullscreen.
Lack of feature to scan codes from existing images or gallery.
Occasional app crashes or freezing after scanning and proceeding.

Recent reviews

Ecactly what I was looking for: Does the scan, shows the content and allows to content to clipboard.

Ro*****, 2024-12-10

Thank you! Scans different barcode types as well. Only thing missing is micro QR codes. This is the old style of "free software": High quality, no ads, no bait, no privacy infiltration - just a blessing for the world. 💚