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How to scan a QR code on iPhone and Android

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Open your phone's camera and point it at the code. A link or button appears on the screen. Tap it. You do not need a special app on most phones.

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On an iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Use the back camera. Point it at the code.
  3. Hold still for a moment. A yellow link or button shows up.
  4. Tap it to open the link.

You can also use the Code Scanner. Open Control Center and tap the QR code button. If it is not there, you can add it in Control Center settings. (Source: Apple’s support page “Scan a QR code with your iPhone or iPad”.)

On an Android phone

Phones differ, but one of these will work:

  1. Open the Camera app and point it at the code. Most new Android phones show a link on the screen. Tap it.
  2. If nothing shows, look for a Google Lens button in the camera, or open the Google app and tap the camera icon.
  3. Some phones also have a QR scanner in the quick settings panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen to look.

If your camera does not read codes, check its settings. Some phones have a “Scan QR codes” switch.

On a computer

Computers often have no camera pointed the right way. Some easy options:

  • If the code is on a web page, right-click it in Google Chrome and choose to search the image with Google. Google Lens can read the code.
  • Or take a photo of the screen with your phone.

Look before you tap

When the link appears, read it first. Make sure it goes where you expect. If it looks odd, do not open it. See Are QR codes safe?

What different codes do

Not every code opens a web page. A phone may offer to:

  • join a Wi‑Fi network (it shows the network name),
  • save a contact,
  • start a call, text or email (you still have to press Send),
  • add an event to your calendar,
  • show some text.

The phone always asks first. Nothing happens until you tap.

Nothing happens?

  • Clean the camera lens.
  • Move a little closer or farther away.
  • Make sure there is enough light and no glare.
  • Try Google Lens or the iPhone Code Scanner.

Still stuck? Read Why is my QR code not scanning?

The code is in a photo or screenshot

You can still read it, without a second phone. See How to scan a QR code from a screenshot.

Make your code

QRVivid is free, with no sign-up. Your code is made on your device, and the link goes straight into the code, so it never expires.

Make a QR code to try

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