How to Scan a QR Code With Your Phone Camera (iPhone & Android)

Scanning a QR code is quick once you know where to look. On most modern phones you do not even need a separate app, your built-in camera does it for you. This guide shows you how to scan a QR code on iPhone and Android, how to scan one from a photo or screenshot, and what to do when a code refuses to scan.

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone

Apple built QR scanning right into the Camera app.

Step 1: Open the Camera

Launch the default Camera app. You do not need any extra download.

Step 2: Point at the code

Hold your phone so the QR code is centered in the frame. Keep it steady for a moment.

Step 3: Tap the banner

A notification banner appears at the top of the screen. Tap it to open the link or action.

If nothing happens, go to Settings, then Camera, and make sure Scan QR Codes is turned on.

How to Scan a QR Code on Android

Most recent Android phones scan QR codes from the camera too.

Step 1: Open the Camera app

Open your default camera and point it at the code.

Step 2: Use Google Lens if needed

If the camera does not react, open Google Lens (or tap the Lens icon in the camera or Google app) and point it at the code.

Step 3: Tap the result

Tap the link or pop-up that appears to open the destination.

How to Scan a QR Code From a Photo or Screenshot

Sometimes the QR code is already on your screen, in a message, email or saved image.

On iPhone: open the image in Photos, then use Live Text or the Lens icon to detect the code and tap it.

On Android: open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon to read the code.

Any phone: take a screenshot of the code, then scan that screenshot the same way.

This is the trick a lot of people miss: you can scan a QR code that is on the very phone you are holding, without a second device.

You Usually Do Not Need a Separate App

Because scanning is built into iPhone and Android cameras, you rarely need a dedicated QR reader app. Built-in scanning is safer and faster. If your phone is older and the camera cannot scan, a trusted QR reader app is a fine fallback.

Stay Safe When Scanning QR Codes

A QR code is just a link, so treat it like one.

Preview the link: most phones show the URL before opening it. Check it looks genuine.

Avoid random codes: be cautious with codes stuck over posters or in unexpected places.

Why a QR Code Might Not Scan

If a code will not scan, the problem is usually the code or the conditions, not your phone.

For a full breakdown and fixes, read our guide on why a QR code will not scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I scan a QR code without an app?

On most iPhones and Android phones, just open the built-in Camera app and point it at the code, then tap the link that appears.

Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?

Yes. Open the saved image in Photos or Google Photos and use Live Text or Google Lens to read the code.

Why will my camera not scan a QR code?

Check that QR scanning is enabled, that there is enough light and contrast, and that the code is large enough and not damaged. Google Lens often helps when the camera alone does not.

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