You may need to scan a QR Code on your iPhone in various situations. Say, scanning a Wi-Fi QR Code in the airport, a PDF QR Code to RSVP for an event, or a payment gateway QR Code to complete a transaction.
iPhone and other devices are launched by the smartphone manufacturer Apple and use the iOS operating system. Apple’s iOS 11 update in 2017 made native QR Code scanning possible. The process to scan a QR Code on your iPhone is the same across all iOS versions—4 to 12—and devices—iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
This article will save your frantic Google searches in these situations. Read on to learn how to scan a QR Code on your iPhone and use cases where this can be handy.
Table of contents
- How to scan a QR Code on your iPhone?
- 5 common questions about QR Code scanning in an iPhone
- How to enable QR Code scanning on an iPhone or other iOS devices?
- 6 alternative methods to scan a QR Code on an iPhone
- 10 common scenarios where you’ll need to scan QR Codes on an iPhone
- Frequently asked questions
How to scan a QR Code on your iPhone?
There are two major ways to scan a QR Code on your iPhone:
- Scan a QR Code displayed on your iPhone screen
- Scan a QR Code saved as an image on your phone
Note: Some steps might look different with Apple’s latest iOS 18 update.
How to scan a QR Code on your iPhone screen?
Step 1: Launch the Camera app.
Step 2: Point it at the QR Code to scan it.
Step 3: If it’s a URL, it’ll appear readily. You can click to open it.
Step 4: For other content types, such as phone number, PDF, or email ID, choose a relevant option from the menu.
How to scan a QR Code from a picture on your iPhone?
Step 1: Launch the Photos app.
Step 2: Choose the QR Code you want to scan and long press on the QR Code area.
Step 3: If the QR Code is recognized, a menu will appear.
Step 4: Choose the relevant action from the menu.
Answering all your questions on scanning a QR Code on an iPhone
Why scan QR Codes?
A QR Code is a modern technology that helps bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. It is an evolution of the erstwhile barcode technology. QR Codes contain more data, have better error-correction abilities, and can read data both horizontally and vertically. QR Codes found a massive user base during the COVID-19 crisis. Today, you can access any type of information with QR Codes: Wi-Fi, payment gateways, restaurant menus, phone numbers, apps, PDF or documents, social media profiles, and more.
Which devices use iOS?
iOS is the operating system used by Apple for its range of devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac computers, and others.
Which iPhone models support scanning a QR Code?
iPhone devices with iOS 11 or higher offer native QR Code scanning options. To scan QR Codes on devices below iOS 11, you’ll need to download a QR Code scanner or reader app.
Will your Apple device automatically scan a QR Code?
Apple devices with iOS 11 and later versions can automatically scan QR Codes using the camera app. If your device doesn’t have the latest version, you can download it or use a third-party app to scan QR Codes.
If you’re not sure about the version, follow these steps to check:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Check for Software Version entry.
- The number beside it is your iOS version.
Alternatively, you can check for native scanning by following the steps below:
- Open your Camera app and point it at the QR Code.
- If QR Code scanning is enabled, you’ll find a notification in the top banner.
- If QR Code scanning is not enabled, you’ll have to go to Settings to enable it.
- If you don’t find the QR Code option in Settings, you can’t scan QR Codes natively.
How to enable QR Code scanning on an iPhone or other iOS devices?
For Apple devices with iOS 11 versions and higher, the native QR Code scanning option is on by default. In case you have an older iOS version or your camera doesn’t read QR Codes, you can follow these steps:
- Open Settings from your Home Screen.
- Scroll down and select Camera.
- Find Scan QR Codes and toggle the button to green.
6 other methods to scan a QR Code on an iPhone
You can use other alternatives to scan QR Codes on your iPhone. Here are some of them:
Control Center
Don’t want to open your iPhone Camera app to scan a QR Code each time? You can use your iPhone QR Code scanner in the Control Center.
In case your QR Code reader is not added to the Control Center, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Control Center.
Step 2: Choose ‘Add a Control’.
Step 3: Choose the QR Code scanner app and add it to the list.
Scan a QR Code on your iPhone from the Control Center
Step 1: Open the Control Center.
Step 2: Tap the QR Code scanner icon.
Step 3: Point your device at the QR Code and scan it.
Step 4: Once the scanner recognizes the QR Code, the browser will automatically load the link.
Wallet App
The Wallet app lets you scan QR Codes on coupons, loyalty cards, and tickets and save them to your wallet. If you don’t have the Wallet app, you can download it from the Apple Store. Follow these steps next to scan a QR Code:
Step 1: Open the Wallet app.
Step 2: Choose ‘Scan Code’ to add a specific file.
Step 3: Tap the ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ button and select ‘Add’ next.
You’ll find the saved file in your Apple Wallet.
Chrome browser
Google Chrome comes with a built-in app, Google Lens, that allows you to scan QR Codes. Download the Google Chrome app from the Apple Store if it’s not already done. Additionally, allow camera access for it to scan QR Codes.
Here’s how to scan QR Codes on your iPhone with Google Chrome.
Step 1: On the Google homepage, choose the Google Lens icon.
Step 2: Point your camera at the QR Code, and Google Lens will scan it automatically.
Live Text
Have an image saved in your gallery? You can scan it easily with the Live Text option.
Step 1: Launch your Photo app and open the QR Code image you want to scan.
Step 2: Choose the Live Text option in the bottom right corner.
Step 3: Once your phone detects the QR Code, it’ll open a menu. Choose the relevant action you want to take.
Third-party QR Code scanners
Need to scan QR Codes quickly and often? We recommend third-party QR Code scanners and readers you can use:
- The QR Code Generator’s QR Code Scanner: You can create, save, share, and manage QR Codes with this tool. The Scan page will let you scan and read QR Codes for free.
- QR Code Reader: The Trend Micro™ QR Scanner keeps security a top priority and has a 4.7 rating.
- QR & Barcode Scanner: You can scan and sync your QR Codes across all devices via iCloud with TeaCapps’s QR Code & Barcode Scanner.
- QR Reader for iPhone: This tool by TapMedia Ltd., with a 4.7 rating, is ideal for auto-detected QR Code scanning.
6 (surprising) apps that can also scan QR Codes
Several popular apps have also included QR Codes in their functionalities for convenience. Here are some of them:
- Snapchat for adding new friends
- Facebook Messenger for adding friends and viewing your profile QR Code
- X (formerly Twitter) for sharing profiles
- LinkedIn for sharing profile QR Codes
- WhatsApp for pairing desktop and mobile versions
- Pinterest for visual discovery with its Lens feature
10 common scenarios where you’ll need to scan QR Codes on an iPhone
Now that you know how to scan a QR Code on an iPhone, next comes when this information will be handy.
You might be scanning static QR Codes or dynamic QR Codes. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is: static QR Codes will directly open the link, whereas dynamic QR Codes will open the link from a hosted URL.
Read more: Static vs. dynamic QR Code
Here are some QR Code types and use cases you may encounter:
Opening or connecting a website URL
It’s possible to embed website URLs into a QR Code. Once the user scans the QR Code, it takes them to a website or landing page. You can use website URL QR Codes to connect your retail, education, or marketing digital space.
Viewing and displaying social media accounts
Scanning a QR Code can also take you to social media accounts. Businesses and creators often use these social media QR Codes to boost their online presence and grow their audience. For instance, scanning a Facebook QR Code might take users directly to a business page, while an Instagram QR Code can make it easier for followers to find and engage with a profile instantly.
Opening and connecting mobile apps
You can use QR Codes to download and navigate mobile apps from the store. You can also use them to promote your mobile apps and boost downloads.
Viewing and sharing PDF files
You can view PDF files after scanning a QR Code on your iPhone. Alternatively, you can embed PDF files in QR Codes to share information.
Viewing and sharing business digital cards
You can scan QR Codes on your iPhone device to view and share business cards. This makes contact management and networking convenient.
Send and receive calls, text messages, or emails
You can create call, text, or email QR Codes to send and receive communication. All of this by scanning a QR Code!
Connecting to Wi-Fi
You can scan QR Codes at airports or events to connect to Wi-Fi.
Viewing and sharing images and videos
It’s easy to share various kinds of content and information through images and videos embedded in QR Codes. For example, an Image QR Code displayed at an art exhibition can let visitors scan and instantly view a high resolution version of the artwork on their phones, which makes it easy to zoom in on details or save the image for later.
Viewing and ordering from restaurant menus
You must have scanned a QR Code to view a contactless menu at restaurants or cafes. As business owners, you can also use QR Codes to attach menus and share them.
Managing event bookings
You can download and register for events by scanning a QR Code. As event managers, you can also add QR Codes to your event brochures and flyers for smooth scanning and booking.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I scan a QR Code on my iPhone without an app?
Yes, you can scan a QR Code on an iPhone without an app by using the built-in QR Code scanner in the Camera app, provided your iOS version is above 11.
2. Why isn’t my iPhone scanning QR Codes?
It can be because your iOS has not been updated to the latest version or QR Code scanning is not enabled. Alternatively, the QR Code may be damaged, the lighting may be insufficient, or your camera’s focus is not adjusted.
3. Is it safe to scan QR Codes?
QR Codes are usually safe to scan. To avoid falling prey to malicious QR Codes, ensure that you:
- Scan QR Codes from a trusted sender.
- Inspect the QR Code before scanning to identify any signs of tampering.
- Verify the URL by checking for a HTTPS protocol.
- Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information.
4. Are there any settings adjustments needed for scanning QR Codes on iPhone?
You can improve QR Code scanning abilities on iPhone with certain adjustments:
- Ensure the ‘Scan QR Codes’ option is toggled on.
- Verify if you have the latest iOS version.
- Reset camera settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Check if QR Code scanning is restricted on your phone.
5. Can I scan my QR Code through iOS devices only?
No. QR codes can be scanned on both iOS and Android devices using the built-in camera or third-party apps, as well as on platforms like Windows and macOS through specialized software.
6. Can Windows browsers scan QR codes created on iOS?
Yes, windows browsers can scan QR codes created on iOS using online or web-based QR code scanner tools that access the webcam.
7. Is QR code scanning available on macOS for iOS-generated codes without additional software?
No, macOS does not have a built-in QR code scanner, but you can use the Preview app or third-party tools to scan iOS-generated QR codes.
