Open the Camera app, point it at the code and tap the link that appears. On Android, use the camera or Google Lens. A scanner app such as QR Code Scanner also shows a history, reads barcodes and can check a link before you open it.
Scan with the iPhone Camera
- Open Camera. Start the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Frame the code. Hold the phone so the full QR code is in the frame.
- Tap the banner. A banner shows the link. Tap it to open the link.
Scan from Control Center on iPhone
Add the Code Scanner control to Control Center in Settings. Then open Control Center, tap the control and point the phone at the code.
Scan with the QR Code Scanner app
Open the app and point the camera at the code. The app shows the result with the type of link. With Pro, it checks the link for phishing before you open it. Every scan is saved in your history.
Scan QR codes on Android
Many Android phones read QR codes in the camera app. You can also use Google Lens. QR Code Scanner is on Google Play and adds a history and barcode support. See the full guide: QR code scanner for Android.
When a code does not scan
- Clean the camera lens.
- Add more light, or turn on the flash.
- Hold the phone steady.
- Move closer or farther until the full code is sharp.
- Check the code. A damaged or low-contrast code can fail.
- If the code is in a screenshot, read how to scan a QR code from an image.
Before you open an unknown code, read about QR code safety.