How to Scan a QR Code
Most phones can scan QR codes straight from the camera. Here’s how on each device, plus what to do when a code is on your own screen.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Camera app and use the rear camera.
- Point it at the code so the whole square is visible. You don’t need to take a photo.
- Tap the yellow link or banner that appears to open the content.
iPhones have read QR codes in the camera since iOS 11. If nothing appears, check that “Scan QR Codes” is turned on under Settings, Camera. You can also add the Code Scanner control to Control Center.
On an Android phone
On most recent Android phones, the camera app recognizes QR codes when you point it at one, and shows a link or button. Where it doesn’t, use Google Lens (in the Google app or the camera) or the QR scanner tile in Quick Settings. Exact names vary by manufacturer.
On a laptop or desktop computer
Open the Ziqeno QR code scanner, select Start camera and hold the code up to your webcam. If your computer has no camera, take a photo with any device and upload it to the QR code decoder.
When the QR code is on your own screen
You can’t point your phone’s camera at its own screen. Take a screenshot instead, then:
- On iPhone, open the screenshot in Photos and press and hold the code, or use the Live Text button.
- On Android, open the screenshot and select Google Lens.
- On any device, upload or paste the screenshot into the decoder.
Tips when a code won’t scan
- Move back a little; being too close stops the camera from focusing.
- Add light and tilt to avoid reflections on glossy surfaces.
- Make sure the whole code, including the blank border, is in view.
- Clean the camera lens.
- Try another scanner; some handle inverted or stylized codes better than others.
Scan safely
QR codes can lead anywhere, and scammers use them on parking meters, stickers placed over real codes, parcels and phishing emails. Before opening a link, read the address your phone shows. Be cautious if it asks you to log in, pay or install something. When in doubt, decode the code first; Ziqeno’s scanner and decoder always show the destination and never open it automatically.