Scan a QR code with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to use the built-in camera on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to scan a Quick Response (QR) code for links to websites, apps, tickets, and more.

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QR codes allow quick access to websites without needing to type or remember a web address. You can conveniently utilize the Camera app to scan a QR code.

Currently, QR codes can be found everywhere, from candy wrappers to billboards. Scanning these modern barcodes with your smartphone enables you to swiftly open a web page, download an app, send a text message, and much more. Numerous restaurants and bars have started replacing their menus with QR codes, and some stores now allow payment through QR codes, minimizing contact. Here’s how you can scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android device and troubleshoot if you encounter issues.

How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone

To scan a QR code on your iPhone, simply open the Camera app and aim it at the QR code. Confirm that the QR code is within the box displayed on your screen, and then tap the pop-up banner or the yellow QR code icon located in the bottom-right corner.

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone. You can swiftly launch the camera app by swiping left from the lock screen or swiping down from the middle of the home screen to search for 'Camera' in the search bar.
2. Point your iPhone at the QR code to scan it. There’s no need to fill the whole screen, but ensure that all four corners of the QR code are visible in the viewfinder. Once the QR code is scanned correctly, a pop-up banner will appear, with a yellow QR code icon showing up in the bottom-right corner.
3. Tap the pop-up banner or the QR icon in the bottom-right corner. This action will take you directly to the respective website, app, or execute another function, so be mindful of what the banner does before tapping it.

If the banner or QR icon isn’t visible, ensure that the 'Scan QR Codes' feature is enabled. You can check this by navigating to Settings > Camera and toggling the slider next to 'Scan QR Codes' to green.

If you still can’t see the pop-up banner or QR code icon, consider taking a picture of the QR code and viewing it in the Photos app. Tap on the Live Text icon, which appears as three lines within a box in the bottom-right corner, then tap on the QR code to see the pop-up banner.

For additional guidance on capturing a screenshot on an iPhone, check out our step-by-step guide here.

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How to Scan a QR Code on an Android

If your device runs Android 8 or later, you can scan a QR code by opening the camera app, pointing it at the QR code, and tapping the pop-up banner. If the banner doesn't show up, you can alternatively use the Google Lens app to perform the scan.

1. Open the Camera app on your Android. Access the camera app by swiping up from the bottom of your screen or tapping on the search bar on your home screen and typing 'Camera.'
2. Position your Android device at the QR code to scan it. Ensure all four corners of the QR code are visible in the viewfinder, and if you’re using Android 8 or later, a pop-up banner should appear.
3. Tap the pop-up banner. This action will direct you to the site, open the app, or perform another intended action, so be cautious of what the banner relates to before tapping.

If the banner doesn’t appear, consider using Google Lens instead. You might find the Lens icon (a circle within a broken box) on your screen. Alternatively, tap Modes (or More) in the bottom-right corner and choose Lens. Place the QR code within the white lines and tap the magnifying glass icon to scan.

Some phones allow you to access Lens by pressing and holding the QR code on your screen until a multi-colored spinning wheel appears, then tap the pop-up banner once it shows up above the QR code.

If Google Lens isn't functioning within your camera app, check your settings. You can explore camera settings within the app or overall settings on your Android device to enable Google Lens suggestions.

You can also download the Google Lens app from the Google Play Store. Once opened, align the QR code in the center of the viewfinder and tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen to scan it.

If you have Android 7 or earlier, your device might not support the app, although the Google Lens feature could still be available. You can press the Home button until the Google Assistant appears and then tap the Google Lens icon or tell it to 'open Google Lens.'

Lastly, if everything else fails, take a photo or screenshot of the QR code, access the Google Photos app, and tap the Google Lens icon under that image.

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