How to scan a QR code
By Prabhneet Singh Narula, founder of RelyQr · Updated
Short answer
To scan a QR code, open your phone's camera and point it at the code; a link or button appears, and you tap it to open. iPhones have done this since iOS 11, and most Android phones do it in the camera app or with Google Lens. You can also scan codes in photos and screenshots without pointing a camera.
On iPhone
- 1
Open the Camera app
Use the rear camera in Photo mode.
- 2
Point it at the code
Hold the phone steady so the whole code is in view. You don't need to press the shutter.
- 3
Tap the yellow link
A banner shows what the code holds, like a web address or “Join network”. Check it, then tap to open.
No camera handy, or the code is in an email? Use the free online QR code scanner: upload or paste an image and it's read in your browser.
You can also add Code Scanner to Control Center in Settings, for a scanner that opens with a swipe. If nothing appears, check that Scan QR Codes is on in Settings › Camera.
On Android
- 1
Open the camera
Most Android phones read QR codes in the camera app; on some it's a Google Lens or scan mode.
- 2
Point it at the code
Keep the whole code in the frame until a link or button appears.
- 3
Tap to open
Check the address shown first, then tap it.
If your camera doesn't react, open Google Lens (in the Google app or the camera) and point it at the code. On phones with Circle to Search, you can also circle a code that's on your screen.
Scan a QR code from a photo or screenshot
- iPhone: open the photo in Photos, then press and hold the code, or tap the scan button that appears.
- Android: open the photo in Google Photos and tap Lens, or share it to Google Lens.
- Computer: in Chrome, right-click the image and choose Search with Google Lens.
If it won't scan
Move closer or farther so the code fills about a third of the screen, wipe the camera lens, and get out of glare. If it still won't scan, the code itself may be too small, low in contrast or damaged; see QR code not scanning.
Scan safely
Your phone shows what a code holds before opening it. Read that address: if it doesn't match the business, or the code is a sticker on top of another one, don't open it. More in are QR codes safe?
Questions people also ask
Do I need an app to scan a QR code?
No. iPhones since iOS 11 and most Android phones read QR codes in the built-in camera; Google Lens covers the rest.
How do I scan a QR code on my own screen?
Take a screenshot and open it in Photos (iPhone) or Google Photos with Lens (Android). On phones with Circle to Search, circle the code.
Can I scan a QR code without the internet?
Yes, the scan itself works offline. Wi-Fi, text and contact codes work fully offline; codes with links need a connection to open the page.
Why doesn't my iPhone camera scan QR codes?
Check Settings › Camera › Scan QR Codes is on, hold steady at a hand's width, and make sure the whole code is in view.
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