📱 TRICK #3: Built-In QR Scanner — Safe, Fast & Secure Way to Scan UPI Codes Without Third-Party Apps

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QR codes are everywhere today — from tea stalls to shopping malls, from home deliveries to petrol pumps.
But many people still download random QR scanner apps without realizing that most of those apps:

  • Show excessive ads
  • Track data
  • Install unnecessary background services
  • Can collect personal information
  • May expose you to malware

This is why your smartphone’s built-in QR scanner is not only faster but safer and far more privacy-friendly.

🔹 Why You Should Avoid Third-Party QR Scanner Apps

Apps available on Play Store often include:

  • Ad trackers
  • Location access
  • Contacts access
  • Excessive permissions
  • Camera misuse risks
  • Hidden data collection

Many fake scanner apps were caught stealing:

  • UPI payment data
  • Phone metadata
  • Clipboard content
  • Contact lists

Your phone’s default QR scanner protects you from all this.

🔹 Where Built-in QR Scanner Is Useful

⭐ UPI Payments

Scan shopkeeper QR codes safely.

⭐ FASTag Recharge

Quickly scan toll documents.

⭐ Insurance Renewal QR

Scan policies from LIC, HDFC, SBI, etc.

⭐ Aadhaar/PAN Verification QR

Verify identity securely.

⭐ Bill Payments

Electricity, water, gas, broadband.

⭐ Online Shopping

Track parcels, scan product codes.

⭐ Boarding Passes

Airline QR codes open instantly.

🔹 Why Built-in QR is More Secure

Your phone’s built-in scanner:

  • Does NOT share data with anyone
  • Uses system-level security
  • Blocks malicious links
  • Prevents phishing
  • Works offline
  • Has zero ads
  • Uses official camera app only

Third-party apps can’t match this level of security.

🔹 How to Use Built-in QR Scanner

On Android:

Open Camera → Point at QR → Tap link
Or
Use Google Lens built into the camera.

On iPhone:

Open Camera → Scan QR → Tap notification

🔹 Hidden Feature: Scan Images from Gallery

You can also scan QR codes from screenshots or photos:

  • Open photo
  • Tap “Scan with Lens”
  • QR opens instantly

This is extremely useful when saving:

  • Payment screenshots
  • Flight boarding passes
  • Delivery info
  • Insurance documents

🔹 Final Word

Your phone already has the most secure QR scanner built-in — fast, private, and ad-free.
Stop downloading unnecessary scanner apps.
Use your default camera for safer UPI and daily scanning.

Also Read:

What Is the Essel Group?

Key Business Verticals & Companies

Here are some of Essel Group’s major business arms and subsidiaries:

  1. Media / Entertainment
    • Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL): One of Essel’s biggest and most visible businesses — they run TV channels, produce content. Wikipedia+1
    • Zee Media Corporation: News broadcasting vertical. Wikipedia
    • Essel Vision Productions: Produces TV shows (reality, drama, etc.). Wikipedia
  2. Packaging
    • Essel Propack: A big name in specialty packaging — especially plastic / laminated tubes. IndianCompanies.in
  3. Infrastructure & Utilities
    • Essel Infraprojects Ltd: Works in infrastructure, integrated utilities, green solutions, etc. IndianCompanies.in
    • One of their solar projects: Jalaun Solar Power Project (50 MW) in UP. Wikipedia
    • Real estate arm: E-City Real Estate runs malls under the brand Fun Republic. IndianCompanies.in
  4. Education
    • Zee Learn: This includes pre-schools (Kidzee), K-12 schools, and youth education (ZICA, ZIMA). IndianCompanies.in
  5. Leisure / Theme Parks
    • EsselWorld and Water Kingdom (in Mumbai) used to be a big part of their amusement business. IndianCompanies.in+1
    • However, Essel World was shut down in April 2023. Wikipedia
  6. Other / Previously Owned Businesses
    • They had Playwin, an online lottery business. Wikipedia
    • They also had financial services (Essel Finance) and mutual fund business, but some parts were sold. Wikipedia+1

Key Milestones & History

  • The business started out in food grain trading in 1926. Wikipedia
  • Over time, it diversified: in the 1970s, they ventured into packaging with Lamina Packers, which became Essel Packaging. Wikipedia+1
  • In the early 1990s, they entered media: Zee Telefilms (now ZEEL) was founded and launched Zee TV in 1992 — one of India’s first satellite TV channels. Wikipedia
  • Its amusement park, EsselWorld, launched later but was notably unprofitable in some years, and eventually shut down. Wikipedia

Challenges & Financial Issues

  • The group has faced debt issues. For example, there were reports of raising US$ 400 million to refinance promoter debt. mint
  • It has sold stakes in some of its businesses to manage liabilities (e.g., in packaging, infrastructure). mint
  • According to employee reviews (AmbitionBox), while many people rate the group positively (4.1/5), there are concerns over career growth. AmbitionBox

Social / Philanthropic Activities

  • To mark 90 years of business in 2017, Essel (led by Subhash Chandra) launched the DSC Foundation. PR Newswire
  • The foundation aims to support entrepreneurs and education. Media Infoline+1

Recent Updates

  • There have been reports and controversies: like political funding — in recent years, data showed Essel (or its mining arm) among significant political funders via the “electoral bonds” system. Reuters
  • With its amusement park business, Essel World is shut (as of 2023). Wikipedia

Significance in India

Its business diversification (media, infrastructure, education) makes it a major player in multiple sectors.

The Essel Group is historically one of India’s most influential media conglomerates (especially because of Zee).

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