How to scan a QR code on your phone

Almost every "how do I scan this" question has the same answer: open your camera and point it at the code. Modern phones read QR codes natively — the scanner is built into the camera app, not a separate download. The exact spot differs slightly between iPhone and Android.

No iPhone

Method 1 — the Camera app. Open Camera, point it at the code, and hold still for a second. A yellow notification banner appears at the top — tap it to open the link. That's it; there is nothing to enable first.

Method 2 — Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner, tap the QR code icon (a small code symbol). If you don't see it, go to Settings → Control Center and add "Code Scanner." This opens a dedicated scanner view, handy in low light.

No Android

Method 1 — the Camera app. On most Android phones (Samsung, Pixel, and others), open the camera and point it at the code. A link popup appears — tap it. If nothing happens, check the camera settings for a "Scan QR codes" toggle and switch it on.

Method 2 — Google Lens. Open the Google app or Google Lens, point at the code, and tap the shutter button. Lens reads the code and shows the link. Some phones also have a QR tile in Quick Settings (swipe down twice from the top).

When it won't scan

Nine times out of ten it's one of these:

• Too far or too close. Fill about half the viewfinder with the code, then hold still.
• Glare or shadow. Tilt the phone slightly so reflections move off the code.
• Dirty or damaged print. A smudged code may still scan — QR codes tolerate up to 30% damage at the highest error-correction level — but a torn finder pattern (the three big squares) is fatal.
• It's not a QR code. Some "codes" on packaging are barcodes or proprietary marks. A QR code always has three square positioning marks in the corners.

Do you need a scanner app?

No — and that's the honest answer even though scanner apps exist. The built-in camera handles standard QR codes, and third-party scanner apps mostly add ads and tracking. The one exception: if your phone is old enough to lack a built-in reader, any reputable scanner app will do the job.

Want to test right now? Point your camera at any code on our free scanner page — or upload a photo of a code and decode it in your browser, nothing uploaded.