How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone and Android

The quick version

On almost every modern phone you scan a QR code with the built-in camera — no app needed. Open the Camera, point it at the code, and tap the link that pops up. Here's how it works on iPhone and Android, plus how to scan from a saved photo.

How to scan a QR code on iPhone

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point it at the QR code — keep the whole code in the frame.
3. A banner appears at the top; tap it to open the link, Wi-Fi, contact or whatever the code contains.

This works on iOS 11 and later (any iPhone from the last several years). You can also add a "Code Scanner" toggle to Control Center.

How to scan a QR code on Android

1. Open the Camera app (or Google Lens).
2. Point it at the code and hold steady.
3. Tap the link or prompt that appears.

Most Android phones (Android 9 and up) scan from the camera automatically. If yours doesn't, open Google Lens — built into the Google app and many cameras — and point it at the code, or install a free QR scanner.

How to scan a QR code from a photo or screenshot

Already have the code saved as an image?

• iPhone: open the photo and long-press the QR code, or use the Live Text lookup to open the link. You can also open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon.
• Android: open the image in Google Photos, tap the Lens icon, and it detects the code.

Why won't a QR code scan?

If nothing happens, the code may be too small, low-contrast, damaged, or the link may be dead. See our guide on why QR codes don't scan and how to fix them.

Make your own QR code

Want to create a code others can scan? Use our free QR code generator — add your logo and colors and download in seconds, or browse all QR code types.