How to Scan QR Codes on iPhone & Android (2026 Guide)

Scanning QR Codes on iPhone (iOS)

Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later can scan QR codes directly from the Camera app — no extra app required.

Open the Camera app
Point the camera at the QR code — keep it steady within the frame
A notification banner will appear at the top with the QR code content (usually a URL)
Tap the banner to open the link or take action

If it doesn't work, go to Settings → Camera and make sure "Scan QR Codes" is enabled.

Using the Code Scanner (Control Center)

iOS also includes a dedicated Code Scanner in Control Center. Add it via Settings → Control Center → Code Scanner. This scanner opens links automatically and works better in low light since it activates the flashlight.

Scanning QR Codes on Android

Most Android phones running Android 9 (Pie) or later support QR code scanning from the camera, though the experience varies by manufacturer.

Samsung Galaxy

Open the Camera app
Point at the QR code
A popup will appear with the link — tap to open

If it doesn't work: Open Camera → tap the Settings gear icon → enable "Scan QR codes".

Google Pixel / Stock Android

Open the Camera app
Point at the QR code
A chip/link will appear on screen — tap it

Alternatively, use Google Lens: open the Camera, tap the Lens icon, and point at the QR code.

Other Android Phones

Most brands (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei) support camera-based QR scanning. If your camera doesn't detect QR codes automatically, open Google Lens from the Google app or download a dedicated scanner like Scan & Generate.

Quick Scan from Lock Screen

iPhone: Swipe to open the Camera from the lock screen and point at a QR code — it works without unlocking
Android (Pixel): Long-press the QR code tile in Quick Settings (Android 13+)
Samsung: Add the QR scanner shortcut to Quick Settings for instant access

What If the QR Code Won't Scan?

Common reasons and fixes:

Too far or too close: Hold your phone 10–30 cm from the code. Fill about 60–80% of the viewfinder
Poor lighting: Use the flash or move to a brighter area. Avoid glare on glossy surfaces
Damaged or blurry code: If the code is scratched, faded, or partially obscured, it may not have enough intact data for scanning
Low contrast: QR codes need clear contrast between dark modules and light background
Camera focus: Tap the screen to refocus if the camera is struggling to lock on
Very dense codes: QR codes with lots of data (long URLs, vCards) may need a higher-resolution camera or closer positioning

Scanning QR Codes from Screenshots & Images

You can also scan QR codes from saved images:

iPhone: Open the image in Photos, use Live Text (iOS 15+) — it detects QR codes in images
Android: Open the image and share it to Google Lens, or use a scanner app with image import
Scan & Generate app: Supports scanning from gallery images, screenshots, and files