How to scan a QR code
On almost every phone, the camera is all you need. Here is how, and what to do when nothing happens.
On iPhone
- Open the Camera appIn normal photo mode. You do not need to take the picture.
- Point it at the codeFrom 15 to 30 cm, code flat and fully inside the frame.
- Tap the yellow bannerIt appears at the top of the screen with the link address. One tap opens it.
If nothing appears: Settings → Camera → Scan QR Codes must be on. iPhone also has a "Code Scanner" button you can add to Control Centre from Settings → Control Centre; it works even when the camera option is misbehaving.
On Android
Behaviour varies by brand, but two methods cover nearly every device:
- The camera — on most Android phones since version 9, pointing at the code shows the link directly. On Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO and others there may be a "QR" button or a "Scan QR codes" toggle to enable in the camera options.
- Google Lens — present on almost every Android, in the Google app, in Google Photos, or as a dedicated button in the camera. Open Lens, aim at the code, tap the result. This is the most reliable method when the camera does not react.
From an image you already have
When the QR code is in a screenshot, an attachment or a photo:
- iPhone — open the image in Photos. A button appears on the code; if not, long-press the code as if selecting text and the link option shows up.
- Android — open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon at the bottom. The code is read in place.
On a computer
A desktop PC or Mac has no simple native method. Options, quickest first:
- Photograph the screen with your phone — the most direct fix nine times out of ten.
- A browser extension — they exist, but often want access to every page you visit. Keep to extensions you trust.
- The webcam — a few sites offer a webcam reader. That means granting camera access to a third-party site; avoid it for anything sensitive.
When it will not scan
- Too far or too small. Move closer until the code fills about a third of the screen.
- Not enough light. The camera cannot lock onto a poorly lit code. Turn on a lamp or move.
- Reflection on the surface. Glass, a glossy screen or shiny plastic bounce light back. Change the angle.
- Dirty lens. A greasy lens blurs the image; wipe it.
- Warped or damaged code. A folded, wet or partly covered code may be unrecoverable, especially if it was generated with low error correction.
- Option switched off. Check the "scan QR codes" setting in the camera, or use Google Lens instead.
Take care: before opening the page, look at the address the phone shows. A QR code can lead to a phishing site, and a sticker placed over a real code on a parking meter or a kiosk is a known scam. If the address is not what you expected, do not open it.
Need to create one?
The generator below builds a QR code from a link, text, a WiFi network, a contact card or an SMS. Free, no account, and the code does not expire.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app?
No on most phones. The built-in camera on recent iPhones and on Android since version 9 (via Google Lens) is enough. An app is only useful on an old device.
Why does my phone detect nothing?
Scanning switched off, low light, code too small or too far, dirty lens, reflection, or a damaged code. Use Google Lens if the camera does not react.
Can I scan from a screenshot?
Yes. iPhone: open the image in Photos, a button appears on the code. Android: open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon.
What about a computer?
No simple native method. Quickest is to photograph the screen with a phone.
Is it risky?
The scan only shows a link or text. The risk is the content: always check the address before opening, especially for a sticker in a public place.