Wondering how to scan qr code squares you see on posters, menus and packages? Open the Camera app on your phone, point it at the code, and tap the link that pops up. That works on most recent iPhone and Android phones, and you do not need to install anything. If you also want to make a code of your own, you can use the free QR Code Generator.
This guide shows the exact steps for both phone types, what to try when a code will not scan, and how to stay safe when you open a link from a code you do not know.
How to scan a QR code on an iPhone
The iPhone Camera app reads QR codes by itself. Here is the quick way:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point the back camera at the QR code. Keep the whole square inside the screen.
- Wait a moment. A small banner appears near the top or bottom of the screen, often showing the website name.
- Tap the banner to open the link.
If nothing happens, move a little closer or farther away and hold the phone still for a second or two.
On most recent iPhones there is also a code scanner button in Control Center. You can add it in Settings, then swipe down to open Control Center and tap it.
How to scan a QR code on Android
Most recent Android phones can scan a QR code with the normal camera too. The steps are almost the same:
- Open the Camera app.
- Aim at the code and keep it steady.
- Tap the link or button that appears on the screen.
Some Android phones show the result right away. Others need you to tap a small Google Lens icon or a scan option in the camera menu first. Many phones also have a QR code scanner tile in the quick settings panel, which you reach by swiping down from the top of the screen.
Why will my QR code not scan?
When a code refuses to scan, the cause is usually simple. Try these fixes in order:
- Check the light. Dim light and strong glare both cause trouble. Move to a brighter place or tilt the phone to avoid reflections.
- Change the distance. Too close makes the code blurry. Too far makes it too small. Start about a hand length away and adjust.
- Clean the camera lens. A smudge on the lens is a very common reason for a blurry picture.
- Look at the code. If it is torn, wet, faded, folded, or printed very small, the phone may not be able to read it.
If you made the code yourself and nobody can scan it, the fault may be in the print. Make it larger and print it dark on a light background. The tips in our guide on how QR codes work, How QR Codes Work and How to Create Your Own for Free, explain why size and contrast matter.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot or a photo?
Yes, in many cases. If the code is on your own phone screen, you cannot point the same camera at it. Take a screenshot or save the picture, then open it in your Photos app or in Google Lens. On many recent phones, the Photos app or Google Lens can read a code inside a saved image and show you the link.
How to scan a QR code safely
A QR code is only a way to store text, and that text is often a web link. The code cannot tell you whether the link is safe. A few habits protect you:
- Read the link preview before you tap. Your phone shows the web address on the banner. If the address looks strange, misspelled, or has nothing to do with the place where you found the code, do not open it.
- Beware of stickers. Someone can stick a fake code over a real one on a poster, parking sign, or table card. If a code looks like a sticker placed on top of another print, skip it.
- Do not enter passwords after scanning an unknown code. If a code leads to a page that asks you to log in, pay, or share personal details, close it. Go to the real website by typing the address yourself.
- Short links hide the destination. If the preview shows a short link, you cannot see where it leads until you open it. Take extra care with those.
Do I need a QR scanner app?
For most people, no. The built-in camera does the work and does not add another app to your phone. An app can help on an older phone whose camera does not read codes, or if you want a scan history. We explain when an app is worth it, and how to pick one, in QR Scanner App: Do You Need One and How to Choose.
What happens after you scan a QR code?
That depends on what the person who made the code stored in it. The most common choices are a website link, plain text, a phone number, an email address, a Wi-Fi network, or contact details. If you want to learn more about the black and white squares themselves, read How QR Codes Work and How to Create Your Own for Free. QR codes are one kind of 2D code, and you can read about the others in 2D Code Creator: QR Code, Data Matrix and Other 2D Barcodes.
Make a QR code and test it with your own phone
The best way to learn scanning is to make a code and scan it. With the free QR Code Generator, you enter a link, a piece of text, or contact info, generate the code, and download it. No sign-up is needed. Then test it with your phone before you print it. If your own phone reads it fast, other phones will most likely read it too. For more, see QR Barcode Maker Online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scan a QR code without an app?
Open the Camera app, point it at the code, and tap the link that appears. This works on most recent iPhone and Android phones without any extra app.
Why does my iPhone camera not scan QR codes?
Check that your phone is up to date and that the camera is clean. Also look in Settings, under Camera, to make sure the option to scan codes is turned on. Then hold the phone still, about a hand length from the code.
Can I scan a QR code on a computer screen?
Yes. Point your phone camera at the screen, just as you would with a printed code. If the screen is very bright or has glare, lower the brightness a little or change the angle.
Is it safe to scan a QR code?
Scanning alone is low risk, but the link inside can lead to a bad page. Read the web address on the preview before you open it, and never enter passwords or payment details after scanning a code you do not trust.
Can a QR code stop working?
A static code, which stores its data inside the pattern, does not expire. It can only fail if the print is damaged or the page it points to is removed.
More free tools
Ready to make your own code? Open the QR Code Generator and create one in a minute. If you work with barcodes on products, read Barcode Scanner: How It Works and How to Scan With Your Phone next. You can find every Hawaa Hub tool on the free tools page.