# How to scan a QR code on iPhone

Below are the four ways to scan a QR code on iPhone, how to scan one from a photo or screenshot, and what to do when your iPhone will not read a code.

- Category: Digital business cards
- Reading time: 5 min read
- HTML: https://www.connectmachine.ai/blog/how-to-scan-qr-code-on-iphone/

To scan a QR code on iPhone, open the <strong>Camera</strong> app and point it at the code. A link appears on the screen; tap it to open. You do not need to download an app, and you do not need to take a photo.

## Method 1: Scan a QR code with the iPhone Camera app

1. Open the <strong>Camera</strong> app from the Home Screen, the Lock Screen or Control Center.

2. Hold your iPhone so the QR code appears in the viewfinder.

3. Tap the link that appears on the screen to open it.

Keep the whole code on the screen and hold the phone steady for a second. You do not need to press the shutter button.

## Method 2: Use the Code Scanner in Control Center

iPhone also has a built-in QR scanner that opens straight into scanning, separate from the Camera app.

1. Open <strong>Control Center</strong>.

2. Tap the <strong>Scan Code</strong> button.

3. Hold your iPhone so the QR code appears, then tap the link.

### Add Scan Code to Control Center

If you do not see the button, add it:

1. Open <strong>Control Center</strong>.

2. Touch and hold the background, then tap <strong>Add a Control</strong>.

3. Tap <strong>Scan Code</strong>, then tap anywhere on the screen to go back.

These steps follow <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/102680" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Apple's support guide to scanning QR codes</a>.

## Method 3: Scan with Google Lens on iPhone

If you use the Google app, you can scan a QR code with Google Lens:

1. Open the <strong>Google</strong> app.

2. Tap the <strong>Lens</strong> icon (the camera) in the search bar.

3. Point your iPhone at the QR code and tap the link that appears.

This is handy if you want to scan a code and search for something else in the same place, but the Camera app is enough for most people.

## Method 4: Scan a QR code on your iPhone screen, without the camera

You cannot point your camera at a code that is already on your own iPhone screen. To scan it without the camera, take a screenshot first. If the QR code is in a screenshot, a photo or a message, open the image in the <strong>Photos</strong> app and look for the link or the Live Text button that appears when iPhone recognises the code.

Our guide on <a href="/blog/how-to-scan-qr-code-from-picture/">how to scan a QR code from a picture or screenshot</a> has the full steps for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows.

## QR code not scanning on iPhone? Try these fixes

- <strong>Get the whole code in the frame.</strong> Move back until all four corners are on the screen.
- <strong>Add light and hold still.</strong> Dim light and shaky hands are the most common reasons a code is not read.
- <strong>Clean the camera lens.</strong> A smudge can make a code blurry.
- <strong>Reduce glare.</strong> If the code is on a screen or behind glass, tilt your iPhone slightly.
- <strong>Try the other scanner.</strong> If the Camera app does not react, use <strong>Scan Code</strong> in Control Center, or the other way round.
- <strong>Check the setting.</strong> On some iOS versions, <strong>Settings</strong> &gt; <strong>Camera</strong> has a <strong>Scan QR Codes</strong> switch. Make sure it is on.
- <strong>Update iOS</strong> in <strong>Settings</strong> &gt; <strong>General</strong> &gt; <strong>Software Update</strong>.
- <strong>The code may be the problem.</strong> A code printed too small, damaged or low on contrast may not scan on any phone. See <a href="/blog/how-small-can-a-qr-code-be/">how small a QR code can be</a>.

## Check where a QR code goes before you open it

When your iPhone reads a code, it shows the link before you open it. Check that the web address matches who you expect, especially for codes on parking meters, posters or in unexpected emails. Our guide to <a href="/blog/are-qr-code-business-cards-safe/">whether QR code business cards are safe</a> covers what a QR code can and cannot do.

## Scanned a business card QR code? Save the contact

Many people now put a QR code on their business card or name badge. What happens when you scan it depends on the code:

- <strong>A digital business card</strong> opens in your browser. Tap <strong>Save contact</strong> to add the person to your iPhone contacts.
- <strong>A vCard QR code</strong> opens the contact details directly, with an option to add them to your contacts.

If you meet a lot of people, the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/app/connectmachine/id6751988305" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ConnectMachine app</a> can scan the codes people show you and save each person with a note on where you met. Want people to scan yours? See how a <a href="/use-case/qr-business-card/">QR code business card</a> works.

<em>iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. ConnectMachine is not affiliated with Apple.</em>

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need an app to scan a QR code on iPhone?

No. The Camera app and the Scan Code button in Control Center both scan QR codes, with nothing to download.

### Where is the QR code scanner on iPhone?

Open Control Center and tap Scan Code. If it is not there, touch and hold the background of Control Center, tap Add a Control, then tap Scan Code.

### Why is my iPhone camera not scanning QR codes?

Usually the code is not fully in the frame, the light is poor or the lens is dirty. Move back, add light and hold still. If it still does not work, try Scan Code in Control Center and check that iOS is up to date.

### Can my iPhone scan a QR code from a screenshot?

Yes. Open the screenshot in the Photos app and tap the link or Live Text button that appears on the code. See our guide to scanning a QR code from a picture for full steps.

### Is it safe to scan QR codes with my iPhone?

Scanning only shows you a link; nothing opens until you tap it. Check that the web address looks right before you open it, and avoid codes stuck over other codes on posters or meters.

## Make a QR code people want to scan

Create a free digital business card with its own QR code. Anyone can scan it and save your details, no app needed.

[Create your free card](/tools/create-card/)