To scan a QR code on iPhone, open the Camera 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 Camera 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 Control Center.
- 2
Tap the Scan Code 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 Control Center.
- 2
Touch and hold the background, then tap Add a Control.
- 3
Tap Scan Code, then tap anywhere on the screen to go back.
These steps follow Apple's support guide to scanning QR codes.
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 Google app.
- 2
Tap the Lens 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 Photos app and look for the link or the Live Text button that appears when iPhone recognises the code.
Our guide on how to scan a QR code from a picture or screenshot has the full steps for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows.
QR code not scanning on iPhone? Try these fixes
- Get the whole code in the frame. Move back until all four corners are on the screen.
- Add light and hold still. Dim light and shaky hands are the most common reasons a code is not read.
- Clean the camera lens. A smudge can make a code blurry.
- Reduce glare. If the code is on a screen or behind glass, tilt your iPhone slightly.
- Try the other scanner. If the Camera app does not react, use Scan Code in Control Center, or the other way round.
- Check the setting. On some iOS versions, Settings > Camera has a Scan QR Codes switch. Make sure it is on.
- Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update.
- The code may be the problem. A code printed too small, damaged or low on contrast may not scan on any phone. See how small a QR code can be.
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 whether QR code business cards are safe 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:
- A digital business card opens in your browser. Tap Save contact to add the person to your iPhone contacts.
- A vCard QR code opens the contact details directly, with an option to add them to your contacts.
If you meet a lot of people, the ConnectMachine app 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 QR code business card works.
iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. ConnectMachine is not affiliated with Apple.
