How to Implement Native QR Code Scanner Functionality in Your Android WebView App Built with WebViewGold

If you’re looking to provide your users with a seamless QR code scanning experience directly within your Android WebView application, implementing native QR code scanner functionality can significantly enhance your app’s user-friendliness. While WebView-based apps already offer powerful integration between web technologies and native capabilities, incorporating a native QR code scanner can elevate usability further. In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how you can integrate a native QR code scanner within your Android WebView app built using WebViewGold.

Why Use a Native QR Code Scanner?

QR codes have become an essential tool for quickly sharing information, accessing content, or even facilitating mobile payments. Although web-based QR code scanners exist, native solutions offer crucial advantages like faster performance, better camera integration, and improved user experience. With a native QR code scanner embedded in your WebView app, users can scan directly without leaving the comfort of your application.

Step-by-Step Guide to Integrate Native QR Code Scanner into Your WebView App Built with WebViewGold

1. Create Your Android WebView App Using WebViewGold

First things first, you’ll need an Android app that loads your website seamlessly. WebViewGold provides a straightforward and efficient solution for converting any website quickly into an Android app. Its ease of use, flexibility, and rich feature set make it ideal for developers and startups seeking an effortless way to bring their websites into the world of mobile apps.

2. Add the Required Permissions for Camera Access

Since QR Code scanning utilizes the camera, your Android app needs permissions to use it. Open your project’s AndroidManifest.xml file and include the following line:

<uses-permission android:name=android.permission.CAMERA />

3. Integrate a Native QR Scanner Library into Your Project

The easiest path is to use a reliable third-party library. ZXing (Zebra Crossing) is one of the most popular QR scanning libraries available. To integrate ZXing into your app, add the dependency to your module-level build.gradle file:

implementation 'com.journeyapps:zxing-android-embedded:4.3.0'
implementation 'com.google.zxing:core:3.4.1'

Then, sync your Gradle files.

4. Set Up the QR Scanner Activity

Next, create an activity that will handle the QR scanning functionality:

import android.content.Intent;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.widget.Toast;
import com.google.zxing.integration.android.IntentIntegrator;
import com.google.zxing.integration.android.IntentResult;
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity;

public class QRScanActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        initiateQRScanner();
    }

    private void initiateQRScanner() {
        IntentIntegrator integrator = new IntentIntegrator(this);
        integrator.setDesiredBarcodeFormats(IntentIntegrator.QR_CODE);
        integrator.setPrompt(Scan the QR code);
        integrator.setOrientationLocked(true);
        integrator.initiateScan();
    }

    @Override
    protected void onActivityResult(int requestCode, int resultCode, Intent data) {
        IntentResult result = IntentIntegrator.parseActivityResult(requestCode, resultCode, data);
        if(result != null && result.getContents() != null) {
            String qrData = result.getContents();
            // You can send this result back to WebView
            Toast.makeText(this, qrData, Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show();
            finish();  // Optional, close activity after scan
        } else {
            super.onActivityResult(requestCode, resultCode, data);
            finish();  // Optional, close activity if scan cancelled
        }
    }
}

5. Call the QR Scanner Activity from WebView via JavaScript Interface

To connect your WebView-based app with the native QR scanner, use JavaScriptInterface. Add the JavaScript Interface class to your WebView Activity:

public class QRCodeScannerJSInterface {

    Context context;

    QRCodeScannerJSInterface(Context context) {
        this.context = context;
    }

    @JavascriptInterface
    public void openQRScanner() {
        Intent intent = new Intent(context, QRScanActivity.class);
        context.startActivity(intent);
    }
}

Add this interface to your WebView instance in your main activity:

webView.addJavascriptInterface(new QRCodeScannerJSInterface(this), AndroidQRScanner);

6. Trigger QR Scanner from your Website

To launch the scanner from a webpage loaded in your WebView, simply use JavaScript:

<button onclick=openNativeQRScanner()>Scan QR Code</button>

<script>
function openNativeQRScanner() {
   if(window.AndroidQRScanner && typeof window.AndroidQRScanner.openQRScanner === function){
       window.AndroidQRScanner.openQRScanner();
   } else {
       alert(QR Scanner not available);
   }
}
</script>

7. Retrieve QR Scan Data within WebView (Optional)

If needed, you can send QR results back to your WebView using evaluateJavaScript method:

In onActivityResult(), call:

MainActivity.webView.evaluateJavascript(javascript:processQRData('+result.getContents()+');, null);

And inside your webpage, define:

function processQRData(qrCode) {
    alert(QR Code:  + qrCode);
}

Final Thoughts

Integrating native features like QR Code scanning enriches your WebView apps, improving their interaction and appeal. WebViewGold helps you rapidly convert websites into sophisticated Android apps, making it a top choice to expedite your development process effortlessly. Implement the steps outlined above to smoothly embed native QR scanning functionality, ensuring your users enjoy a superior and streamlined mobile app experience.