Every modern smartphone can scan a QR code without installing anything. iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixels, and pretty much every other Android phone have the scanner built right into the camera. The process takes about two seconds once you know where to look.
This guide covers exactly how to scan QR codes on every major platform, including how to scan codes saved as screenshots, what to do when a code will not scan, and how to stay safe while scanning codes in public.
How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
Apple added native QR code scanning to the iPhone Camera app starting with iOS 11 (released September 2017). If your iPhone runs iOS 11 or later -- which covers every iPhone from the iPhone 5s onward -- you already have everything you need.
Method 1: Use the Camera App (Fastest)
- Open the Camera app. You can do this from the lock screen by swiping left, or by tapping the Camera icon on your home screen.
- Point your camera at the QR code. You do not need to take a photo. Just hold the phone steady so the QR code is visible in the viewfinder.
- A notification banner will appear at the top of the screen showing the content of the QR code (usually a URL). Tap the banner to open it.
That is it. There is no button to press and no mode to switch to. The Camera app automatically detects QR codes in the frame and presents the result as a tappable notification.
If scanning does not work, confirm that QR code detection is enabled: go to Settings > Camera and make sure Scan QR Codes is toggled on. It is enabled by default, but check it if you have never scanned a code successfully.
Method 2: Control Center QR Scanner
iOS also includes a dedicated QR code scanner accessible from Control Center. This is useful when you want a focused scanning interface instead of the full camera.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom (on iPhone 8 and earlier) to open Control Center.
- Tap the QR code icon (a square with a viewfinder shape). If you do not see it, go to Settings > Control Center and add Code Scanner to your included controls.
- Point the scanner at the QR code. It will automatically read the code and either open the link or display the encoded content.
The Control Center scanner includes a flashlight toggle, which is helpful when scanning QR codes in dimly lit environments like restaurants or parking garages.
Method 3: Scan a QR Code from a Photo (iOS 15+)
Starting with iOS 15, you can scan QR codes that exist in photos already saved on your phone. This uses Apple's Live Text feature.
- Open the Photos app and navigate to the image containing the QR code.
- Long-press (tap and hold) on the QR code within the photo.
- A menu will appear with options based on the QR code content. For a URL, you will see Open in Safari. For a phone number, you will see options to call or message.
This works with screenshots, saved images from messaging apps, downloaded files, and any photo in your camera roll that contains a visible QR code.
How to Scan a QR Code on Android
QR code scanning on Android varies slightly by manufacturer, but most phones running Android 9 (Pie) or later include built-in scanning through the Camera app or Google Lens. Here is how it works on the major Android brands.
Google Pixel
Pixel phones have had native QR scanning in the Camera app since launch. The process is straightforward:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point it at the QR code.
- A link or action chip will appear on screen. Tap it to open.
On Pixel phones running Android 13 or later, you can also scan QR codes directly from the Quick Settings panel. Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to expand Quick Settings, then tap the QR code scanner tile.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung phones running One UI 2.0 (based on Android 10) and later support QR scanning directly in the Camera app:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point it at the QR code. Samsung's camera automatically detects QR patterns.
- Tap the link or popup that appears to open the content.
If QR scanning does not trigger, open Camera settings (tap the gear icon) and make sure Scan QR codes is enabled. On older Samsung phones, you may need to use Bixby Vision instead: open the Camera, tap More, then select Bixby Vision and point at the QR code.
Other Android Phones (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.)
Most Android phones from major manufacturers now include QR scanning in their default Camera app. The behavior is similar: open the camera, point at the code, and tap the result. If your phone's camera does not detect QR codes natively, use Google Lens.
Google Lens (Works on All Android Phones)
Google Lens is a visual search tool built into most Android phones. It can scan QR codes, read text, identify objects, and more. Here is how to access it:
- From the Camera app: Many Android cameras have a Google Lens icon (a small square or lens shape) within the camera interface. Tap it, then point at the QR code.
- From the Google app: Open the Google app or Google Search widget, then tap the Lens icon (camera shape) in the search bar. Point your camera at the QR code.
- From Google Photos: Open any photo containing a QR code, then tap the Lens icon to analyze it.
If your phone runs an older version of Android (below Android 9) and the Camera app does not support QR scanning, download Google Lens from the Play Store. It is free and works on Android 6.0 and above.
Scan a QR Code from a Screenshot or Saved Image
Sometimes you receive a QR code as an image -- in a text message, an email, a document, or on a website. You cannot point your camera at your own screen, so you need a different approach.
On iPhone (iOS 15 and Later)
- Save the image containing the QR code to your Photos library (take a screenshot or save the image).
- Open the Photos app and find the image.
- Long-press on the QR code in the image. iOS will recognize it using Live Text and present action options.
- Tap Open in Safari (for URLs) or the relevant action for other content types.
On Android (Using Google Lens)
- Save the image containing the QR code to your phone.
- Open Google Lens (through the Google app, the Camera app, or Google Photos).
- Instead of pointing the camera, tap the gallery/image icon to select a photo from your library.
- Choose the image with the QR code. Google Lens will detect and decode it automatically.
You can also open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen. Lens will scan everything in the photo, including any QR codes.
What Happens When You Scan a QR Code
The result of scanning a QR code depends entirely on what data is encoded inside it. QR codes are not all the same -- they trigger different actions based on their content type. Here is what to expect:
- URL: Your default browser opens the encoded web address. This is the most common type of QR code. You will see a URL preview before the browser opens, giving you a chance to verify the link.
- WiFi credentials: Your phone prompts you to join the encoded WiFi network automatically. On most devices, you just need to tap "Join" or "Connect." No need to manually type the password. Create a WiFi QR code here.
- vCard (contact info): Your phone's Contacts app opens with the encoded name, phone number, email, company, and address pre-filled. You tap "Save" to add the contact to your address book.
- Phone number: Your phone's dialer opens with the number pre-filled, ready for you to tap "Call." It does not call automatically -- you always have to confirm.
- Email: Your default mail app opens a new message with the recipient, subject, and body pre-filled based on the encoded data.
- SMS: Your messaging app opens with a pre-filled recipient number and message text.
- Calendar event: Your calendar app prompts you to add the event with the date, time, title, and location filled in.
- Plain text: The encoded text is displayed on screen. No app is opened or action is triggered.
In every case, your phone shows you the content or asks for confirmation before taking action. Scanning a QR code never silently installs anything or performs an action without your knowledge.
QR Code Not Scanning? Troubleshooting Guide
If a QR code refuses to scan, the problem is almost always one of these six things. Work through the list to identify and fix the issue.
1. Dirty or Smudged Camera Lens
This is the most common cause of scan failures, and the easiest to fix. Wipe your phone's camera lens with a soft cloth. Fingerprints, grease, and pocket lint create a haze that prevents the camera from focusing on the fine details of a QR code.
2. Wrong Distance
If you are too close, the camera cannot focus. If you are too far away, the QR code is too small in the frame to decode. Start about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) away from the code and move slowly closer or farther until your camera locks focus. For large QR codes on posters or signs, step back far enough that the entire code fits in the viewfinder with some margin.
3. Poor Lighting
QR codes need adequate, even lighting. Direct glare from overhead lights or sunlight reflecting off a glossy surface can wash out parts of the code. Shadows falling across the code have the same effect. Adjust your angle to reduce glare, or use your phone's flashlight (the Control Center scanner on iPhone has a built-in toggle for this).
4. Damaged or Low-Quality QR Code
If the QR code is scratched, torn, faded, partially covered, or printed at very low resolution, it may be beyond the error correction threshold. QR codes have built-in error correction that allows them to survive minor damage (up to 30% depending on the error correction level), but severe damage will make any code unreadable.
5. QR Code Is Too Small
A QR code smaller than about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) on a side is difficult for most phone cameras to resolve, especially if the code is dense (contains a lot of data). If you are the one printing the code, make sure it is at least 2 cm x 2 cm for close-range scanning.
6. Low Contrast
QR codes rely on a strong contrast difference between the dark modules and the light background. A dark gray QR code on a medium gray background, or a colored code on a similarly colored surface, can be nearly invisible to a scanner. The best scanability comes from black on white. If you are creating a QR code, avoid light foreground colors like yellow, light green, or pastel shades.
Quick fix checklist: Clean lens, adjust distance, fix lighting, check for damage, verify size, confirm contrast. If none of these work, the QR code itself may be corrupt or improperly generated.
QR Code Safety Tips
QR codes are fundamentally just a way to encode text. They cannot install malware or access your data on their own. However, they can link to malicious websites, just like any clickable link. Here is how to protect yourself:
Check the URL Preview Before Tapping
Both iPhone and Android show you a preview of the encoded content before you take action. For URL QR codes, you will see the web address before your browser opens it. Take one second to read the domain. If it looks suspicious, misspelled, or unfamiliar -- do not tap it. A legitimate business QR code should point to a recognizable domain, not a string of random characters.
Watch for Sticker Overlays
A known attack vector is placing a fraudulent QR code sticker on top of a legitimate one. This is common on public parking meters, transit signage, restaurant table cards, and community bulletin boards. Before scanning, look closely at the QR code. If it appears to be a sticker placed on top of another code, or if the edges of a sticker are visible, avoid scanning it. Report tampered codes to the business or venue.
Be Cautious with Public QR Codes
Treat unknown QR codes the same way you would treat an unknown link in an email. If someone hands you a flyer with a QR code, or you see one posted in an unexpected location, think before scanning. QR codes posted in trusted locations (a restaurant's own table, a product's official packaging, a verified event ticket) carry much less risk than random codes on street poles or anonymous handouts.
Never Enter Credentials After Scanning
If a QR code takes you to a page asking you to log in to your bank, email, or social media account, stop. Close the page immediately. Legitimate services rarely ask for authentication through a randomly scanned QR code. This is a classic phishing technique sometimes called "quishing."
Do I Need a QR Scanner App?
No. You do not need to download a third-party QR scanner app. This is one of the most common misconceptions about QR codes.
Every iPhone running iOS 11+ (2017 and later) and virtually every Android phone running Android 9+ (2018 and later) can scan QR codes using the built-in Camera app or Google Lens. That covers the overwhelming majority of phones in active use today.
Third-party QR scanner apps were useful a decade ago when phone cameras lacked native QR support. Today, they are unnecessary for most people, and many of them come with significant downsides:
- Ads and upsells: Most free scanner apps are ad-supported. You will see banner ads, interstitials, and prompts to buy a premium version for features your phone already has for free.
- Tracking and data collection: Some scanner apps collect data about your scanning activity, location, and browsing habits. Your phone's built-in scanner shares none of this data with third parties.
- Unnecessary permissions: Scanner apps often request access to your contacts, storage, and location. The native Camera app already has only the permissions it needs.
The only scenario where a third-party app might be useful is if you have a very old phone running Android 8 or earlier and Google Lens is not available. In that case, download Google Lens from the Play Store rather than a random scanner app.
Create Your Own QR Code
Now that you know how to scan QR codes, you might want to create one yourself. Our free QR code generator lets you create QR codes for URLs, WiFi networks, contacts, phone numbers, email, SMS, WhatsApp, UPI payments, events, and plain text. Everything runs in your browser -- no account needed, no data sent to a server, and no expiration on the codes you create.
Here are some popular starting points:
- Create a URL QR code -- link to any website or landing page
- Create a WiFi QR code -- let guests connect to your network instantly
- How to create a QR code -- step-by-step guide covering all QR types
For businesses that need scan tracking, analytics, and the ability to update QR code destinations after printing, ElkQR offers dynamic QR codes with real-time scan data, geographic insights, device breakdowns, and branded short links.