How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later can scan QR codes using the built-in Camera app. No download, no third-party app. Here's how — plus troubleshooting tips if it doesn't work.
3 Steps to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
Open the Camera App
Swipe left from your lock screen, or tap the Camera icon on your home screen. You don't need to take a photo — just open the camera in regular photo mode.
Point at the QR Code
Hold your iPhone so the QR code is fully visible in the viewfinder. Keep it steady — your phone needs a second to recognize the code. You'll see the camera auto-focus on it.
Tap the Notification Banner
A yellow notification will appear at the top of the screen showing the link or action. Tap it to open the website, join a WiFi network, save a contact, or whatever the QR code contains.
Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips
Make sure QR scanning is enabled
Go to Settings → Camera and ensure "Scan QR Codes" is toggled on. On most iPhones this is enabled by default, but it can be accidentally turned off.
Try the Code Scanner from Control Center
If the Camera app isn't detecting the code, try the dedicated Code Scanner. Go to Settings → Control Center and add "Code Scanner" if it's not already there. Then swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the Code Scanner icon. This tool uses a flashlight automatically in low light and is more reliable for difficult-to-scan codes.
Lighting and distance
QR codes need decent lighting and the right distance. If the code is too close or too far, the camera can't focus. Try holding your phone about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the code. In dim environments, the flashlight can help — tap the lightning bolt icon in the Camera app.
Damaged or low-contrast codes
QR codes have built-in error correction, so minor damage is fine. But if the code is heavily faded, torn, or printed with low contrast (like light gray on white), it may not scan. If you're generating QR codes for print, always use dark colors on a light background for maximum scannability.
Which iPhones Can Scan QR Codes?
Any iPhone running iOS 11 or later can scan QR codes natively with the Camera app. That includes iPhone 6 and newer (released 2014 onward). If you have an iPhone 5s or older, you'll need a free third-party QR scanner app from the App Store.
What Types of QR Codes Can iPhone Scan?
iPhones can scan all standard QR code types: website URLs (opens in Safari), WiFi credentials (offers to join the network), contact cards or vCards (offers to save to Contacts), email addresses (opens Mail), phone numbers (offers to call), and plain text (displays the text on screen).
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Create Free QR Code →Scanning QR Codes on Android
Most Android phones from 2018 onward can also scan QR codes using the built-in camera app. Open your camera, point it at the code, and a link will appear. If your Android phone doesn't detect QR codes automatically, try the Google Lens feature (available in the Google app or Google Photos) — it works on virtually all Android devices.
Safety Tips When Scanning QR Codes
QR codes are generally safe, but it's worth being cautious. Before tapping a link from a scanned QR code, check the URL that appears in the notification. If it looks suspicious or doesn't match what you expected, don't open it. Be especially careful with QR codes in public places like stickers on poles or ATMs — scammers sometimes place fake QR codes over legitimate ones. If a QR code asks you to download an app or enter personal information, verify the source first.