Honor 8A (model JAT-LX1/LX2/LX3) still remains a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face the problem: how to scan a QR code, if in the basic firmware no built-in scanner? In this article we will look 5 working methods from standard functions EMUI 9.0/9.1 to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working on Honor 8Awhere, due to limited resources (2 GB RAM, processor Helio P35), some methods may be slow.

QR codes today they are used everywhere: from payments in stores to authorization in Wi-Fi networks. On newer models Honor (for example, Honor 10X Lite) the scanner is built into the camera by default, but on 8A you will have to act differently. We tested all methods on firmware EMUI 9.0.1.156 i 9.1.0.210 - the results are summarized comparison table below. If your smartphone works on Magic UI (after updating), some of the instructions will also remain relevant.

1. QR code scanner in a standard camera Honor 8A: myth or reality?

Many users mistakenly believe that Honor 8A you can scan QR codes through the standard camera - like on flagships Huawei. In fact, in EMUI 9.0/9.1 for this model the function is disabled by default. However, it can be activated through hidden settings:

  1. Open the application Camera.

  2. Go to mode Additional (icon with three dots or stripes).

  3. Tap on Settings (gear in the upper right corner).

  4. Scroll down and find the item Scan QR code - move slider to the right.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Honor 8A (especially for the Chinese market) this item may be missing. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

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If after activation the camera still does not recognize QR codes, try clearing its cache in Settings → Applications → Camera → Memory → Clear cache.

After enabling the function, simply point the camera at the QR code - after 1-2 seconds a notification will appear asking you to follow the link. Disadvantage of the method: works only with “clean” codes (without damage) and requires good lighting.

2. Application "Huawei Lens" (AR Lens) - hidden tool

The Honor 8A application is preinstalled Huawei Lens (in international firmware - AR Lens), which can scan QR codes, but few people know about this function. Here's how to use it:

  1. Launch Huawei Lens (icon with the letter "A" in a rainbow circle).

  2. Allow access to the camera if prompted.

  3. Point the lens at the QR code - the application will automatically recognize it and show the contents.

Pros of the method:

  • 🔹 Works without Internet (recognizes codes offline).
  • 🔹 Supports dynamic QR codes (for example, for Wi-Fi with a password).
  • 🔹 Can save scanning history.

⚠️ Attention: V Some regional firmware Honor 8A application AR Lens may be disabled. To get it back, update the services Huawei Mobile Services via AppGallery.

What to do if "Huawei Lens" is missing?

If the application is deleted or hidden, try:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes and find AR Lens.

2. Download APK from the official website Huawei (only for your region!).

3. Use alternative methods from this article.

3. Google Lens: universal scanner for Android

If standard methods do not work, install Google Lens (Google Lens) - it is integrated into Google Photos i Google Assistant. Instructions:

  1. Download Google Lens from Play Market (if it is not installed).

  2. Open the application and allow access to the camera.

  3. Point the camera at the QR code - a button will appear Open link or text content.

Advantages:

  • 📱 Recognizes even damaged or blurred codes.
  • 🌐 Translates text from QR codes into 100+ languages.
  • 🔍 Can search for similar images on the Internet.

📌 Important: On Honor 8A with 2 GB of RAM Google Lens may slow down. Close background applications before scanning.

📊 How do you scan QR codes most often?
Standard camera
Huawei Lens
Google Lens
Third-party applications
I do not scan

4. Third-party applications: top 3 for Honor 8A

If the built-in tools are not suitable, install one of the specialized applications. We tested them on Honor 8A taking into account limited resources:

Application Size (MB) Offline work Additional. functions Rating
QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play) 4.2 ✅ History, code generator 4.7
Kaspersky QR Scanner 12.5 ✅ Checking links for viruses 4.5
Barcode Scanner (ZXing Team) 3.8 ❌ Support for all formats 4.3

Recommendations for selection:

  • 🛡️ For security: Kaspersky QR Scanner (checks phishing links).
  • 📱 To save memory: Barcode Scanner (3.8 MB in total).
  • 🔄 For generation codes: QR & Barcode Scanner.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid applications with a rating below 4.0 - they may contain advertising or collect data. Before installation, check the permissions in Play Market.

☑️ Preparing to scan the QR code

Done: 0 / 4

5. Scanning a QR code through a browser (without installing applications)

If you do not want to download additional apps, use web scanner via a browser. For example, the service WebQR:

  1. Open a browser (Chrome or Huawei Browser).

  2. Go to the website webqr.com.

  3. Allow access to the camera.

  4. Point the camera at the QR code - the result will be displayed on the screen.

Pros: does not require installation, works on any device. Cons: a stable connection is needed, delays may occur due to low performance Honor 8A.

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For regular scanning of QR codes on Honor 8A it is optimal to use Huawei Lens or Google Lens —they consume less resources than browser-based solutions.

6. Alternative methods: scanning from a photo and via NFC

If the QR code is static (for example, a sticker on a product), you can take a photo of it and recognize it later:

  1. Take a photo of the standard code camera.

  2. Open the photo in Google Photos.

  3. Tap on the icon Google Lens (at the bottom of the screen) - the application will read the code.

💡 Life hack: If the QR code is linked to NFC tag (for example, in bank cards), Honor 8A it can be read through the app NFC Tools (NFC support is required in your smartphone modification).

⚠️ Attention: Not all models Honor 8A are equipped with an NFC module. Check the specifications of your device in Settings → About phone → Model.

Frequent errors and their solutions

When scanning QR codes on Honor 8A users encounter typical problems:

  • 🔴 The camera does not focus: Wipe the lens, turn on Macro mode in the camera settings.
  • 🔴 The application freezes: Close all background processes via Settings → Battery → Closing applications.
  • 🔴 The QR code is not recognized: Try another scanner (for example Kaspersky QR Scanner does a better job of dealing with corrupted codes).

📌 Advice: If you scan the code to connect to Wi-Fi, but the network does not appear in the list, check whether your Honor 8A frequency is supported 5 GHz (some budget models only work with 2.4 GHz).

Is it possible scan QR codes on Honor 8A without the Internet?

Yes, but only through applications with a built-in database (for example, Huawei Lens or QR & Barcode Scannerand require connection for). data processing. Google Lens require a connection to process data.

Why does the camera on Honor 8A not see the QR code, although it is clear?

Possible reasons:

  • Too close/far distance (optimally - 15–20 cm).
  • Autofocus is disabled (Camera settings → Focus → Auto).
  • QR code printed with low resolution (less than 300 dpi).

Try it use Google Lens —it copes better with non-ideal codes.

How to create your own QR code on Honor 8A?

Use the application QR & Barcode Scanner:

  1. Open the application and tap on Create.
  2. Select the type (link, text, Wi-Fi, etc.).
  3. Enter the data and click GENERATE.
  4. Save the image to the gallery.

To generate codes for Wi-Fi, specify SSID, encryption type (WPA2) and password.

Is it safe to scan QR codes? Honor 8A?

QR codes may contain malicious links. To minimize risks:

  • Use Kaspersky QR Scanner —it checks the URL for phishing.
  • Do not scan codes from suspicious sites or stickers in public places.
  • Before clicking on a link, check its preview (should be displayed below screen).

On Honor 8A you can also enable Safe browsing in Chrome (Settings → Privacy).

Why after scanning QR code nothing happens?

Possible reasons and solutions:

  • 📵 No Internet: Some codes require connection to open the link.
  • 🔄 Outdated Software: Update the firmware via Settings → System → Software Update.
  • 🚫 Browser blocking: Allow redirects to Chrome Settings → Site Settings → Redirects.

If the problem persists, try scanning the code on another device to check its functionality.