How to Scan a Barcode: Step-by-Step Guide

This updated guide explains how to Scan a Barcode through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Scanner

Find an item to scan. Most physical in-store items will have a barcode located somewhere on the packaging, so simply start by finding the item whose price you may need to know.
- Produce and bulk goods tend to be the exceptions to this rule, though both of these categories typically list their prices per pound (or kilogram) anyway.
Look for the barcode. Item barcode locations will vary, so look all over the packaging to see if you can find the barcode.
- If you can't find a barcode anywhere, it may have rubbed off or been improperly placed. Try grabbing another item, or ask a store attendant to look up the item's SKU number.
Grab a barcode scanner. Many stores have public scanners that you can use to scan an item's price. If you're working for the store or you have access to a third-party scanner, you can use the scanner provided to you instead.
- If you're scanning items using a flat scanner as used in most grocery stores, go to the scanner's location.
Scan the item. Aim the scanner's red laser at the barcode, then press the scanner's button (if necessary). If you're scanning using a flat scanner, simply swipe the barcode across the flat scanner's surface.
- Most scanners will beep once your scan has been registered.
Remove the item from the scanner area. Once the scanner beeps at you or otherwise indicates that your scan has gone through, you can move the item and/or scanner away from the scanning area.

Method 2 of 3:

Using an iPhone

Open your iPhone's
App Store. Tap the App Store app icon, which resembles a white "A" on a light-blue background.
Tap Search. It's a tab in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Tap the search bar. It's the box with "App Store" written in it at the top of the page.
Type bakodo into the search bar. A drop-down list of results will appear.
Tap bakodo. It's in the drop-down results list.
Tap GET. This option is to the right of the "Bakodo" app icon.
Enter your Apple ID password if prompted. Bakodo will begin downloading after you do so.
- If you use Touch ID, you can scan your fingerprint instead.
Open Bakodo. Tap OPEN on Bakodo's app page, or tap the barcode-shaped Bakodo app icon on your iPhone's Home Screen.
- You may have to tap Allow to let Bakodo use your iPhone's camera screen before proceeding.
Tap Not now, thanks. It's a grey button at the top of the screen. Doing so will bypass the email sign-in page and open the scanner.
Find your item's barcode. On the item that you may need to scan, find the barcode.
Center the barcode in Bakodo's frame. Do so in the rectangle that's in the middle of the screen. Once your barcode is centered and in focus, it should scan almost immediately.
Review the barcode's results. As long as the item is still on the market, you should see a list of matching results on the follow-up page.

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Android

Open your Android's
Google Play Store. Tap the Google Play Store app icon, which resembles a triangle on a white background.
Tap the search bar at the top and type barcode scanner pro. As you type, search results will filter below.
Tap Barcode Scanner Pro. It should be the top item in the drop-down menu if you spelling it correctly. Tapping it takes you to the Barcode Scanner Pro page.
Tap INSTALL and then ACCEPT. This is the green button on the far-right side of the page under the app's title. This installs Barcode Scanner Pro on your phone.
- Allow a few moments for the installation to finish.
Tap OPEN. Once finished installing, a green "Open" button will appear. Tap it to launch the app.
Find your item's barcode. For the item that you may need to scan, locate the barcode on the item or its packaging.
Center the barcode in the scanner's frame. You'll see a box in the middle of the Barcode Scanner Pro screen; center your item's barcode in the box to prompt it to scan. Once lined up and in focus, the barcode will scan almost instantly.
Review the barcode's results. You should see a list (if applicable) of matching item results after the barcode scans.
- You can tap Product Search or Web Search to search the web for matching results.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Scan a Barcode?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.