To scan a QR code on an iPhone or iPad, open the Camera app, point it at the code in Photo mode, and tap the link that appears at the bottom of the screen. No extra app is needed. Apple says you can also scan with the Scan Code button in Control Center.
These steps come from Apple’s Scan a QR code with your iPhone camera guide and its support article Scan a QR code with your iPhone or iPad.
How to Scan a QR Code With the Camera App
- Open Camera. Apple says you can open it from the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or Control Center.
- Stay in Photo mode and position your iPhone so the QR code appears inside the camera frame.
- Tap the link that appears at the bottom of the screen.
The website, app, ticket, or other content opens. You don’t need to take a picture. Just let the camera see the code.
How to Scan From Control Center
- Open Control Center. On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner. On iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom.
- Tap the Scan Code button.
- Position your iPhone so the code appears on the screen.
The scanner reads the code and shows the link. Tap the flashlight if you need more light.
If the Scan Code button is missing
Open Control Center, touch and hold the background, tap Add a Control, then tap the Scan Code control. Tap anywhere to go back to Control Center.
Other Ways to Scan a QR Code
- From a photo or screenshot: Open the image in Photos, tap the Live Text icon, then tap the QR code to open, copy, or share the link.
- On a web page in Safari: Touch and hold the code, then choose Open QR Code.
- In Wallet: to add a ticket or boarding pass, tap + in Wallet, then Scan Code to Add a Pass.
- With the Camera Control: on supported iPhone models, Apple says you can also use the Camera Control to scan QR codes.
Chrome also has a QR code scanner. Touch and hold the Chrome app icon and tap Scan QR Code. If it can’t open the camera, see how to give Chrome camera access on iPhone.
Nothing Happens When You Point the Camera?
- Check the setting. Make sure Scan QR Codes is turned on in Settings > Camera.
- Help it focus. Tap the screen where the code is, or move a little closer or farther away.
- Add light. Use the flashlight in the Control Center scanner, but don’t shine it straight at the code, to avoid glare.
- Check the code. Scratches, smudges, or faded print can stop a code from scanning.
- Use the right method. A code already on your screen, such as in a text or email, needs the Live Text or Safari method rather than the Camera.
Be Careful With QR Codes
Look at the link preview before you tap it. Scam QR codes are easy to print and stick over real ones, so scan codes only from sources you trust and keep your iPhone updated. Don’t enter passwords or payment info on a page you reached from a QR code on a random sign or sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an app to scan QR codes on iPhone?
No. Apple says the built-in Camera app and the Scan Code control in Control Center both scan QR codes.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes. Open the screenshot in Photos and use Live Text, as described above.
On Android instead? See how to scan a QR code on Android.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are checked step by step against the device or app maker’s own documentation and tested on his own devices whenever he has the hardware or software, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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