Scanning a QR code is now one of the most common things we do with our phones: to see a restaurant menu, join a WiFi network, pay, get into an event or download an app. Even so, many people do not realize they do not need to install anything, or do not know how to read a QR code someone sent them as an image. In this guide we explain every way to scan a QR code on Android and iPhone, and how to solve the most common problems.
Scanning with the iPhone camera
Since iOS 11, the iPhone camera recognizes QR codes natively:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point it at the QR code, without taking a photo.
- Wait a second or two until a yellow prompt appears on the screen.
- Tap the prompt to open the link or perform the action.
If nothing appears, go to Settings > Camera and check that Scan QR Codes is turned on.
The Control Center scanner
The iPhone also includes a Code Scanner you can add to Control Center from Settings > Control Center. It is handy because it opens the scanner directly and shows the content before opening it.
Scanning with an Android phone
On Android the process depends on the manufacturer, but almost every current model can do it without installing anything:
- System camera: open the camera and point it at the code. On Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola or Google Pixel phones a prompt with the link will appear.
- Google Lens: open the Google app or the camera and tap the Lens icon. Lens recognizes the code and shows its content.
- Quick settings: many Android phones include a “Scan QR code” button in the panel you pull down from the top of the screen.
If your camera does not recognize it, look in its settings for an option called “Scan QR codes” or “Google Lens” and turn it on.
Scanning a QR code from an image or screenshot
Sometimes you receive a QR code via WhatsApp or email, or see it on a website on your phone. You cannot point the camera at your own screen, but you can read it from the image:
- iPhone: open the image in Photos, press and hold the QR code and choose to open the link. It also works with Live Text.
- Android: open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens. The code will be recognized automatically.
- On a computer: you can use Google Lens in Chrome by right-clicking the image and choosing “Search image with Google”.
What a QR code can do
Depending on the type of code, your phone will suggest a different action:
| Code type | What happens when you scan |
|---|---|
| URL | The web page opens in the browser |
| WiFi | The phone offers to join the network |
| vCard | A card opens so you can save the contact |
| A chat opens with the message typed | |
| An email opens with recipient and subject | |
| Location | The map opens with the point marked |
Why your phone will not scan a QR code
If the code is not recognized, check these common causes:
- Dirty lens: wipe the camera with a soft cloth.
- Poor lighting: move closer to a light source or turn on the flashlight.
- Too close or too far: step back a little until the code fills about a third of the screen.
- Reflections: tilt the phone slightly if the code is on a glossy surface or behind glass.
- Damaged or poorly designed code: if it has low contrast, inverted colors or no white margin, it may not be readable.
- Feature turned off: check your camera settings.
Scan safely
Before tapping the link, look at the address shown in the prompt. If you do not recognize the domain, if it looks like an imitation of a bank or a well-known company, or if the code is a sticker placed over another one, do not open it. Never enter passwords or payment details on a page you reached through a QR code you do not trust.
Tips to scan faster
If you scan codes often, these tricks will save you time. Add the code scanner to your lock screen or quick settings panel so you can open it with a single gesture. Hold the phone still a few centimeters farther away than you think you need to: the camera focuses better when the code does not fill the whole screen. If the code is on a screen, lower its brightness slightly or tilt your phone to avoid glare. And if you will scan lots of codes in a row, for example at a trade show, avoid battery saver modes while you do it, because some of them reduce camera performance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need internet to scan a QR code?
To read the code, no. But if the code contains a web address, you will need a connection to open the page. WiFi, vCard or text codes work offline.
Are scanner apps safe?
Native cameras are the safest option. If you install an app, choose a well-known one and be wary of apps that ask for unnecessary permissions or show lots of ads.
Can I see a history of scanned codes?
The native camera does not keep a history. Some scanner apps do.
Conclusion
Scanning a QR code is as easy as opening your camera and pointing it, on both iPhone and Android. If you receive the code as an image, Photos or Google Lens will read it without trouble. And if something goes wrong, the cause is usually lighting, distance or a low-contrast design. Want to create codes that always scan first time? Do it for free with the QRcrea QR code generator.
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