How to Identify LEGO Minifigures: The Complete Guide to QR Code Scanning

Are you tired of buying duplicate LEGO collectible minifigures? Or spending endless time feeling around blind bags trying to guess what's inside? The solution is simpler than you think: QR code scanning. Modern LEGO collectible minifigure series come with scannable codes that can instantly reveal which character is hiding inside the packaging.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about identifying LEGO minifigures using QR codes, including the best apps and techniques for accurate scanning.

What Are LEGO Minifigure QR Codes?

LEGO introduced QR codes (specifically Data Matrix codes) on their collectible minifigure packaging to help collectors identify the contents without opening the package. These square, pixelated codes appear on the bottom of minifigure boxes and contain encoded information that corresponds to the specific character inside.

Where to Find the QR Code

The QR code is typically located on the bottom of the collectible minifigure box, alongside the traditional barcode. Look for:

• A square 2D barcode that resembles a QR code
• Usually positioned next to or below the standard linear barcode
• Most commonly found on series 25 and newer minifigure collections

Note: Not all minifigure series have scannable codes. Only the newest series (starting with Series 25) include these codes.

How QR Code Scanning Works

The process is straightforward:

1. Identify the QR code: Locate the square Data Matrix code on the packaging
2. Use a QR code scanner: Open a dedicated minifigure scanner app or QR reader
3. Scan the code: Point your camera at the code and wait for recognition
4. Identify the minifigure: The app will display which character is inside

The scanning process takes just seconds and provides instant identification, making it perfect for collectors who want to:

• Avoid purchasing duplicates
• Find specific characters they're missing
• Complete their collections efficiently
• Verify authenticity of packages

Here is a YouTube video that shows you how the QR codes work: How to Identify LEGO Minifigures

Best LEGO Minifigure Scanner Apps

1. Minifig Scan

Platform: iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Price: Free
App Store: Download Minifig Scan

Minifig Scan is a dedicated iOS application specifically designed for LEGO minifigure identification. This app offers:

Features:

• Clean, intuitive interface
• Fast scanning capabilities
• Support for recent minifigure series
• Offline functionality (no internet required for basic scanning)
• Collection tracking features

How to Use:

1. Download and install the app from the App Store
2. Grant camera permissions when prompted
3. Launch the app and point your camera at the QR code
4. Hold steady until the app recognizes the code
5. View the identified minifigure and add it to your collection tracker

Pros:

• User-friendly design
• Reliable scanning accuracy
• No ads or in-app purchases
• Regular updates for new series

Cons:

• iOS only (not available for Android)
• Limited to newer minifigure series with codes

2. Falcon Bricks Figure Finder

Platform: Web-based (works on any device)
Price: Free
Website: Falcon Bricks Figure Finder

Falcon Bricks offers a web-based solution that works across all devices without requiring app installation.

Features:

• Browser-based scanning (no download required)
• Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, Android, desktop)
• Quick identification process
• Clean, minimalist interface
• Regular database updates

How to Use:

1. Visit falconbricks.com/figure-finder/ in your web browser
2. Allow camera access when prompted
3. Position the QR code within the camera viewfinder
4. Wait for automatic recognition and identification
5. View the results instantly on your screen

Pros:

• No app installation required
• Works on any device with a camera and browser
• Always up-to-date (web-based)
• Fast and responsive

Cons:

• Requires internet connection
• May be affected by browser limitations
• Less feature-rich than dedicated apps

3. Minifigure Scanner

Platform: Web-based
Price: Free
Website: MinifigureScanner.com

MinifigureScanner.com provides another web-based alternative for LEGO minifigure identification with a focus on simplicity and accuracy.

Features:

• Simple, one-click scanning interface
• Support for multiple minifigure series
• Mobile-optimized design
• No registration required
• Instant results display

How to Use:

1. Navigate to minifigurescanner.com on your device
2. Click "Start Scanning" and allow camera permissions
3. Focus your camera on the QR code on the package bottom
4. Hold steady for 2-3 seconds for recognition
5. Review the identified minifigure information

Pros:

• Extremely simple to use
• Fast loading and scanning
• Mobile-friendly interface
• No account creation needed

Cons:

• Basic feature set
• Web-dependent functionality
• Limited collection management tools

Pro Tips for Better Scanning

Getting good results is all about the setup. Here's what actually works:

Get the lighting right: Natural light is your friend, but avoid harsh sunlight that creates glare. If you're in a store with dim lighting, your phone's flashlight can help.

Find the sweet spot: Hold the package about 6 inches from your camera. Too close and it won't focus; too far and the code becomes too small to read.

Stay steady: This might sound obvious, but keeping both your hands steady makes a huge difference. Let your camera focus for a couple seconds before expecting results.

Clean your lens: Seriously, when was the last time you cleaned your camera? A quick wipe can dramatically improve scanning accuracy.

When Things Go Wrong

Scanner acting up? Here are the usual suspects:

• Make sure you're scanning the right code - it's the square one, not the regular barcode
• Try different angles - sometimes a slight tilt helps with reflection
• Check if your series is actually supported (more on this below)
• Restart the app if it's being glitchy

Which Series Actually Work?

Here's the thing - not all LEGO minifigure series have scannable codes. The technology is relatively new, so older series won't work no matter which app you use.

Series that work with scanners:

• Series 25, 26, 27 (the newest ones)
• Dungeons & Dragons
• Formula 1

Series that DON'T work:

• Pretty much everything before Series 25
• Many themed series (though this is changing)

If you're hunting for older series like the classic Series 1-24, you'll need to rely on the old-school "feel method" or just take your chances.

Building Your Collection

Once you start scanning, you'll probably want to keep track of what you have. Most apps let you mark figures as "owned," which is handy when you're at the store trying to remember what you need.

Some collectors go all-out with spreadsheets, but honestly, a simple note in your phone works fine too. The key is finding a system you'll actually use.

A Quick Reality Check

Before we wrap up, let's be real about a few things:

Privacy: These apps need camera access, which is fine, but stick to well-known apps and check what data they're collecting.

Store policies: Some stores don't love customers scanning packages extensively. Be respectful and discrete.

Not foolproof: Occasionally you might get wrong results due to packaging errors or code issues. It happens.

Conclusion

QR code scanning has revolutionized LEGO minifigure collecting, making it easier than ever to identify and collect specific characters without the guesswork. Whether you choose a dedicated app like Minifig Scan, a web-based solution like Falcon Bricks, or the streamlined MinifigureScanner.com, you'll be able to build your collection more efficiently and avoid costly duplicates.

The key to successful scanning is choosing the right tool for your needs, understanding proper scanning techniques, and staying updated with the latest supported series. As LEGO continues to release new collectible minifigure series with QR codes, these scanning tools will become even more valuable for collectors worldwide.

Start scanning today and take your LEGO minifigure collecting to the next level! Remember to respect retail policies and fellow collectors while using these tools, and enjoy building your complete collection with confidence.

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Do you have experience with LEGO minifigure scanning? Share your tips and favorite apps in the comments below!