How to scan a QR code on iPhone or Android
Use your phone's camera, built-in code scanner or Google Lens to open a QR code, fix scanning problems and avoid unsafe links.
How to scan a QR code with an iPhone
Open Camera from the Home Screen, Lock Screen or Control Center. Use the rear camera in Photo mode and position the phone so the complete square code is visible. You do not need to press the shutter. When iPhone recognizes the code, tap the link or banner that appears.
Apple also includes a dedicated Code Scanner. Open Control Center and tap Scan Code. If the control is missing, touch and hold the Control Center background, tap Add a Control and add Scan Code. The scanner includes a flashlight button for dark locations.
- Open Camera or Scan Code
- Place the entire QR code inside the frame
- Hold still and wait for the link banner
- Read the destination before tapping
- Tap the banner to continue
How to scan a QR code with Android
On a modern Android phone, start with the built-in Camera app. Point the rear camera at the full code and wait for a banner or link. Google says Android 9 or later can scan supported QR codes with the built-in camera, although the exact button names and layout vary by phone manufacturer.
Pixel phones can also use the Scan QR code button in Quick Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen, look for Scan QR code and tap it. If the button is not visible, swipe to the next Quick Settings page or edit the panel to add it. Google Lens is another built-in option on many Android devices.
How to scan a QR code shown on your own phone
A camera cannot point at the screen it is using, so save the QR code as an image or take a screenshot. On Android, open the image in Google Photos or Google Lens and select the Lens option to identify the code. Some phone galleries include their own QR or Lens button.
On iPhone, open the saved image in Photos and try touching and holding the recognized code or link. Available actions depend on the iPhone model and software version. If the image is not recognized, the reliable fallback is to display the code on another phone, tablet or computer and scan it with Camera or Code Scanner.
Why a QR code will not scan
The most common problems are poor focus, glare, low light, a dirty lens or part of the code being outside the frame. Keep the phone roughly level with the code, make sure all four corners are visible and move slowly closer or farther away until the camera focuses.
If the camera sees the code but no banner appears, confirm that QR or scan suggestions are enabled in the camera settings. On a Pixel, Google directs users to Camera settings, More settings and Camera scan suggestions. Other Android brands may place the switch under Intelligent features, Lens suggestions or a similar name.
- Clean the rear camera lens
- Increase the room or screen brightness
- Avoid glare, shadows and a steep viewing angle
- Show the full code with a small border around it
- Move back if the camera cannot focus
- Try the dedicated scanner or Google Lens
- Restart the Camera app if it is frozen
Do you need a QR-scanner app?
Usually no. Current iPhones and most modern Android phones include QR scanning in the camera or system controls. A separate app adds another company between you and every code you scan, and some scanner apps collect data or show aggressive advertising.
An older Android phone that cannot run Android 9 may need a scanner app. Use the phone maker's official app store, check the developer and permissions, and avoid an app that requests contacts, text messages, location or other access unrelated to scanning an image.
Check a QR link before opening it
A QR code can hide the destination until it is scanned. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers use QR codes to send people to convincing fake websites, steal login or payment information, or prompt unsafe downloads. Scanning the square is not a guarantee that the destination is legitimate.
Read the previewed web address before opening it. Watch for misspelled brand names, extra words, unusual domains or pressure to act immediately. If a code claims to be from a bank, delivery company, parking authority or government office, open the organization's official app or type its known website yourself instead.
- Do not enter a password or card number until you verify the domain
- Be suspicious of stickers placed over an original parking or payment code
- Avoid codes in unexpected emails, texts or packages
- Do not install an app or configuration profile from an unknown QR link
- Use the official app or website when money or account access is involved
What happens after you scan?
The phone shows an action based on the information stored in the code. A web code opens a browser link; a Wi-Fi code may offer to join a network; a contact code may offer to create a contact; and a ticket, menu or sign-in code may open its matching app or website.
Review the action before accepting it. Joining a Wi-Fi network, adding a contact or opening a page is still a separate choice—the camera should not require you to take a photograph of the code first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I take a picture of a QR code?
No. Point the camera at the full code and hold still. Tap the banner or link that appears instead of pressing the shutter.
Can an iPhone scan a QR code without an app?
Yes. Use the Camera app or the Scan Code control in Control Center.
Can Android scan a QR code without an app?
Most current Android phones can use the built-in Camera app. Many also offer a Quick Settings scanner or Google Lens.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Often yes. On Android, open the screenshot with Google Lens. On iPhone, Photos may recognize the code; otherwise display the image on another screen and scan it with Camera.
Why does my camera not detect the QR code?
Make sure the complete code is visible, clean the lens, improve the light, avoid glare and change the distance. Also check that camera scan suggestions are enabled.
Is it safe to scan any QR code?
No. Check the destination address before opening it and avoid entering sensitive information when the code came from an unexpected or unverified source.
Sources
Primary and official references used for this guide:
Published August 9, 2026 · Reviewed for clarity and source accuracy.