How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone and Android (No App Needed)
Scan QR codes with the built-in camera on iPhone and Android, scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo, and fix codes that won't scan.
On iPhone and iPad
iPhones running iOS 11 or later read QR codes with the standard Camera app. Open Camera, point it at the code and hold steady for a second. A yellow link preview appears; tap it to open the link, join the Wi-Fi network or save the contact.
You can also add the Code Scanner to Control Centre (Settings > Control Centre) for a dedicated scanner that opens with one swipe.
On Android phones
Most Android phones from the last several years scan QR codes in the default camera app. On Samsung Galaxy phones, the scanner is built into the Camera; on Google Pixel phones, point the camera at the code and tap the link that appears, or use Google Lens.
If your camera does not react, open Google Lens (from the Google app, the search bar widget or the camera) and point it at the code. Quick Settings on many Android phones also has a 'Scan QR code' tile.
Scanning a QR code from a screenshot or photo
On iPhone, open the image in Photos and press and hold the QR code, or tap the Live Text icon, then tap the link. On Android, open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens. On a computer, Google Lens in Chrome (right-click the image and choose 'Search image with Google') can read QR codes too.
Why a QR code won't scan
If a code refuses to scan, the cause is usually one of these:
- Low contrast: light grey or pastel codes, or a code on a busy photo.
- Inverted colours: a light code on a dark background confuses some older scanners.
- Too small for the distance: use the 10:1 rule (code width about one tenth of scan distance).
- No quiet zone: text or graphics touching the edge of the code.
- Glare or curve: glossy laminate, glass or a code wrapped around a bottle.
- Logo too large: covering more than the error correction can recover.
- Dirty camera lens: wipe it, it fixes more problems than you would think.
Scan safely
Always read the link preview before you tap. Be cautious with QR codes stuck on parking meters, EV chargers or in unsolicited letters and emails, because fake codes are used to steal payment details. Our QR code scam guide explains what to look for.