How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone, Android & Any Device [2025]

Scanning a QR code takes about 2 seconds once you know how. The good news: if your phone was made in the last 7 years, you probably don't need to download anything. Here's exactly how to do it on any device.

The Universal Method (Works on Most Phones)

1. Open your camera app (the regular one you use for photos)
2. Point it at the QR code from about 6-12 inches away
3. Wait 1-2 seconds for your phone to recognize it
4. Tap the notification that appears to open the link

That's it. If this works for you, you're done. If not, keep reading for device-specific instructions.

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone

Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later (released 2017+) can scan QR codes with the built-in Camera app.

Method 1: Use the Camera App

1. Open the Camera app
2. Point at the QR code (no need to take a photo)
3. A yellow banner appears at the top showing the link
4. Tap the banner to open it

Method 2: Use Control Center Scanner

For faster access:

1. Go to Settings → Control Center
2. Add Code Scanner to your controls
3. Now you can swipe down from the top-right and tap the QR icon anytime

Method 3: Scan from an Image

Got a QR code in a screenshot or saved image?

1. Open the image in Photos
2. Long-press on the QR code
3. Tap Open in Safari (or the relevant app)

If It's Not Working

• Check settings: Go to Settings → Camera → make sure "Scan QR Codes" is on
• Restart camera: Close and reopen the Camera app
• Clean your lens: Smudges can prevent focusing
• Try more light: QR codes scan best in good lighting

How to Scan a QR Code on Android

Android QR scanning varies by manufacturer, but most modern phones have it built in.

Samsung Phones

Quick Scan from notification shade:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen
2. Tap the QR Scanner quick tile
3. Point at the code

Or use Bixby Vision:

1. Open the Camera app
2. Tap Bixby Vision or the eye icon
3. Point at the QR code

Google Pixel & Stock Android

1. Open the Camera app
2. Point at the QR code
3. Tap the link that appears

Any Android Phone (Universal Method)

Google Lens works on virtually any Android:

1. Open the Google app (the search one)
2. Tap the Lens icon (camera with dots) in the search bar
3. Point at the QR code
4. Tap the link

Or download Google Lens from the Play Store if you don't have it.

Scan from an Image on Android

1. Open the image in Google Photos
2. Tap Lens at the bottom
3. It will detect and read the QR code

How to Scan a QR Code Without a Camera

On a Computer (Windows/Mac)

Computers don't have built-in QR scanners, but you can use online tools:

1. Take a screenshot of the QR code
2. Go to a QR reader website (like webqr.com or zxing.org/w/decode.jspx)
3. Upload the image
4. Get the decoded link

Using a Webcam

Some browser extensions let you scan QR codes using your webcam. Search your browser's extension store for "QR code scanner."

On a Tablet

Tablets work like phones:

• iPad: Use the Camera app, same as iPhone
• Android tablets: Use Google Lens or the Camera app

On a Smartwatch

Apple Watch (watchOS 10+):

1. Open the Camera app on your watch
2. Point your watch at the QR code
3. It scans automatically and shows the action

Samsung Galaxy Watch and other Wear OS watches typically require your phone to do the actual scanning, but some have camera apps that work independently.

Accessibility: Scanning with Vision Impairment

Both iPhone and Android support QR scanning with accessibility features:

• iPhone VoiceOver: The Camera app announces when a QR code is detected and reads the link aloud
• Android TalkBack: Google Lens provides audio feedback when scanning QR codes

Position the phone camera roughly toward the code, and audio cues will guide you.

What Happens When You Scan?

QR codes can do different things depending on what they encode:

Your phone shows you what the code contains before taking action, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Safety Tips for Scanning QR Codes

QR codes themselves are just data—they can't contain viruses. But they can link to malicious websites, so stay alert:

Before Scanning

• Check the source: Is this code from a trusted place?
• Look for tampering: Is there a sticker covering another code?
• Question random codes: Be wary of codes in emails or texts from unknown senders

After Scanning

• Preview the URL: Your phone shows the link before you open it
• Check for HTTPS: Legitimate sites use secure connections
• Watch for typos: Scammers use URLs like "arnazon.com" instead of "amazon.com"
• Don't enter sensitive info: If a QR code immediately asks for passwords or payment, be suspicious

Safe Scanning Rule: Treat QR codes like links in emails. If you wouldn't click a random email link, don't scan a random QR code.

Which QR Scanner App is Best?

For most people, you don't need an app. Built-in scanners are faster and safer.

If you need a dedicated app:

For iPhone

• The built-in Camera and Control Center scanner are best
• NeoReader if you need advanced features

For Android

• Google Lens (free, reliable, no ads)
• Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team (open source, minimal)

Apps to Avoid

• Anything with excessive ads
• Apps requesting unnecessary permissions (contacts, location, files)
• "QR Scanner" apps from unknown publishers

Troubleshooting: QR Code Won't Scan?

If a code refuses to scan:

1. Size: Is it big enough? (minimum 2cm × 2cm)
2. Lighting: Add more light or use your flash
3. Distance: Try moving closer or further away
4. Angle: Scan straight-on, not at an angle
5. Lens: Clean any smudges off your camera
6. Damage: Is the code scratched, faded, or partially covered?

For a complete troubleshooting guide, see Why Won't My QR Code Scan?

Where You'll Encounter QR Codes

Now that you know how to scan, here's where you'll use this skill:

Restaurants and Menus

Post-pandemic, many restaurants use QR codes for digital menus. Scan the code on your table to view the menu on your phone. Some establishments also use QR codes for ordering and payment.

Payments

Services like Venmo, PayPal, and many banking apps use QR codes for quick payments. The recipient displays their QR code, you scan it, and the payment info pre-fills.

WiFi Access

Hotels, cafes, and offices often display QR codes for guest WiFi. Scan to connect automatically without typing the password. Your phone may ask permission to join the network.

Event Tickets

Concert venues, airlines, and event organizers increasingly use QR codes as tickets. Keep the QR code on your phone screen (or printout) for scanning at entry.

Product Information

Scan QR codes on product packaging to access manuals, warranty registration, nutritional information, or authenticity verification.

Business Cards

Modern professionals share contact information via QR codes. Scan to save their details directly to your contacts without typing.

Boarding Passes

Airlines and train services send QR-based boarding passes. Save them to your phone's wallet app for easy access at the gate.

Now That You Know How to Scan...

You're seeing QR codes everywhere because they work. They're a fast, contactless way to access information, connect to WiFi, save contacts, and more.

Want to create your own QR codes? Whether you need a simple link, a WiFi login for guests, or a digital business card, you can create one in seconds:

Create QR codes for:

• Website URLs – Link to any page
• WiFi access – Let guests connect instantly
• Contact cards – Share your info with a scan
• Email links – Pre-filled email composition

All QR codes created with QR Code Maker are free for static codes, with optional tracking and editing for dynamic codes.