How to scan a QR code
On most phones today you do not need an app: open the camera, point it at the code, and tap the link that appears.
On an iPhone
The built-in Camera app reads QR codes. You can also add the Code Scanner to Control Centre for a dedicated scanner.
- 1Open the Camera app and use the rear camera.
- 2Point it at the code so the whole code is on screen.
- 3Tap the yellow link that appears to open it.
On an Android phone
Most Android phones read QR codes in the camera app. If yours does not, use Google Lens, which is built into the Google app and many camera apps, or the QR scanner tile in quick settings on some models.
- 1Open the camera app, or Google Lens.
- 2Point it at the code.
- 3Tap the link or button that appears.
Scanning a code in a photo or screenshot
On iPhone, open the image in Photos and press and hold the code, or tap the Live Text button. On Android, open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens. Desktop browsers and apps such as Google Lens in Chrome can read a code on your screen too.
If nothing happens
Clean the camera lens, move a little further away so the whole code fits, and make sure there is enough light. If your phone still does not react, check that QR scanning is switched on in the camera settings. If the code is badly printed, no phone will read it; see the troubleshooting guide.
Look at the address before you open it. A code on a poster in a public place can be covered by a sticker; if the address looks odd, do not open it.