Every modern smartphone can scan QR codes without downloading an app. Point your camera, tap the notification, done. Here is exactly how to do it on iPhone and Android, plus what to try when it does not work.
Quick Answer
iPhone: Open Camera app, point at QR code, tap the yellow notification.
Android: Open Camera or Google Lens, point at QR code, tap the link that appears.
How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
iPhones running iOS 11 or later (2017 onwards) can scan QR codes natively through the Camera app. No extra apps needed.
iPhone Steps
Open the Camera app
Use the default Camera app, not a third-party camera.
Point at the QR code
Hold your phone steady so the code fills a good portion of the screen.
Tap the yellow notification
A banner appears at the top showing the link. Tap it to open in Safari.
Enable QR Scanning on iPhone
If nothing happens when you point at a QR code, the feature might be turned off. Here is how to enable it:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap Camera
- Toggle on Scan QR Codes
You can also use the dedicated Code Scanner from Control Centre. Go to Settings > Control Centre and add Code Scanner for quick access.
How to Scan a QR Code on Android
Android phones running Android 9 (Pie) or later can scan QR codes through Google Lens, which is built into most camera apps and the Google app.
Android Steps (Google Lens)
Open Google Lens
Find it in your Camera app (look for a Lens icon), the Google app, or Google Photos.
Point at the QR code
Centre the code in the viewfinder. It should be recognised instantly.
Tap the link or button
A chip or button appears showing the URL. Tap to open in your browser.
Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy phones have multiple ways to scan QR codes:
- Camera app: Open Camera, tap the QR code icon (if visible), or just point at the code
- Quick Settings: Swipe down, tap the QR scanner tile
- Bixby Vision: Open Camera, tap Bixby Vision, point at the code
Other Android Brands
Most Android phones from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and others include QR scanning in the camera app. Look for a Lens or Scanner icon in the camera interface, or try the Google app.
Scan a QR Code from a Screenshot or Image
You can scan QR codes from photos, screenshots, or images saved on your phone. This is useful when someone sends you a QR code digitally.
iPhone
- Open the image in Photos
- Tap and hold on the QR code
- Tap "Open in Safari" from the menu
Requires iOS 15 or later
Android
- Open the image in Google Photos
- Tap the Lens icon at the bottom
- Tap the detected link
Or use Google Lens app directly
Scan QR Codes Online
Use our free web-based scanner. Works on any device with a camera, no app required. You can also upload an image to scan.
Open QR ScannerTroubleshooting: QR Code Not Scanning
If your phone is not recognising the QR code, work through these common fixes:
Too far away or too small
Move closer so the QR code fills at least a quarter of your screen. If the code is printed very small, you may need to be within 10-15cm.
Poor lighting
QR codes need decent lighting to scan. Avoid harsh shadows or glare. If scanning a screen, increase the display brightness. Try turning on your phone's flashlight.
Damaged or blurry code
QR codes have error correction, but severe damage, blur, or obstruction can prevent scanning. If the code is scratched, faded, or partially covered, it may not work.
Camera focus issues
Tap on the QR code in your camera viewfinder to force focus. Make sure your camera lens is clean. On very old phones, autofocus may struggle with close-up objects.
QR scanning disabled
On iPhone: Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes (toggle on). On Android: the feature is usually always on, but try Google Lens if your camera app does not support it.
Low contrast colours
QR codes need contrast between the dark modules and light background. Codes with low contrast (like light grey on white) may not scan reliably. This is a design problem, not your phone.
QR Code Security Tips
QR codes are just links in visual form. The code itself is not dangerous, but it can point anywhere. Before you tap:
- Check the URL preview: Your phone shows the destination before you tap. Does it look legitimate?
- Be wary of stickers: Malicious codes are sometimes stuck over legitimate ones in public places.
- Avoid codes from unknown sources: Random flyers, unsolicited mail, or suspicious posters.
- Look for HTTPS: Secure sites start with
https://. Avoid entering personal data on HTTP sites.
For more on staying safe, see our QR code security guide.
Alternative Scanning Methods
If your default camera app does not work, try these alternatives:
Google Lens
Available on Android and iOS via the Google app. Reliable QR scanning plus object recognition.
Code Scanner (iOS)
Add to Control Centre for quick access. Opens instantly, scans fast, no camera app needed.
Web Scanner
Use linkscan.org/scan in any browser. Works on desktop too. Upload images or use your camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an app to scan a QR code?
No. iPhones (iOS 11+) and Android phones (Android 9+) can scan QR codes using the built-in camera app. Just point your camera at the code and tap the notification that appears. Older phones may need a free QR scanner app.
Why won't my phone scan the QR code?
Common issues include: the code is too small or too far away, poor lighting, a damaged or blurry code, or QR scanning is disabled in settings. Try moving closer, improving lighting, or enabling QR code scanning in your camera settings.
How do I enable QR code scanning on iPhone?
Go to Settings > Camera and ensure 'Scan QR Codes' is toggled on. Then open the Camera app and point it at any QR code. A notification will appear that you can tap to open the link.
How do I enable QR code scanning on Android?
Most Android phones have it enabled by default. Open Google Lens (via the camera app or Google app) and point at the QR code. On Samsung, you can also use Bixby Vision or the Camera app directly.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot or image?
Yes. On iPhone, open the image in Photos, tap and hold on the QR code, then tap 'Open in Safari'. On Android, open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon, or upload the image to a web-based scanner.
Is it safe to scan QR codes?
QR codes themselves are safe, but they can link to malicious websites. Always check the URL preview before opening. If the destination looks suspicious or unfamiliar, do not proceed. Avoid scanning codes from untrusted sources.
What if my camera app doesn't recognise QR codes?
Try using Google Lens (Android) or the Code Scanner in Control Centre (iPhone). You can also use a web-based scanner like the one at linkscan.org/scan, which works in any browser.
Summary
Scanning QR codes is built into every modern smartphone. On iPhone, use the Camera app. On Android, use Google Lens or your camera app. No download required.
If a code will not scan, move closer, improve lighting, and check your camera settings. For codes in images, use the Photos app (iPhone) or Google Lens (Android).
Need to scan right now? Try our free web-based QR scanner. Works on any device with a camera.