Qr scanner Apple iPhone. How Do You Scan a QR Code on An iPhone? A Step by Step Guide

How Do You Scan a QR Code on An iPhone? A Step by Step Guide

A revolutionary new way to add information to printed material, QR codes now appear everywhere, from billboards to social media to candy wrappers. These codes may be scanned by a smartphone to immediately access various online resources, such as websites, apps, and text messages.

Interestingly, some stores now accept payment via QR codes, and many eateries and bars have already switched to using them instead of paper menus. With QR codes becoming so ubiquitous, you know you’re missing out if you don’t use your smartphone to take advantage of this new technology.

But, the question is, “How do you scan a QR code on an iPhone?” Let’s find out all about it.

An Important Consideration about Scanning QR Codes

If you haven’t used QR codes before, you should do so once you become familiar with its security risks as well.

Quick Response codes have been around since 1994 when they were created to keep track of individual auto parts. Over time, the technology expanded into new fields, but it had a hard time catching on with regular consumers. In recent years, smartphones have embraced this technology, making it easier for users to complete actions or acquire more information.

However, QR codes have a lot going for them as an attack tool. Codes can be sent in emails as an alternative to hyperlinks or attachments. Regular usage of this will cause the recipient to be taken directly to a new web page or to initiate some other type of interaction with a designated piece of hardware or software.

Common phishing techniques are also employed in QR code assaults. For example, a call to action is included in an email sent to targets to convince them to scan the QR code. On the consumer end, this might involve features like delivery monitoring and payment, as well as freebies and contests. Invoices and other time-sensitive paperwork may also be utilized in attacks against businesses, as these are recognizable targets.

While the usefulness and convenience of QR codes cannot be denied, it’s important to remember that cybercriminals have caught on to their potential and are actively seeking ways to exploit them. But, if you know how to be on the safe side, let’s talk about how to start scanning QR codes using your iPhone.

How to Use iPhone to Scan QR Codes

With a variety of applications and a powerful operating system to back them, iPhone becomes an ideal solution for so many tasks. Its applications range from entertainment to navigation to communication. The device is just as capable of reading two-dimensional QR codes to help make things easier for you.

Getting Started

Scanning QR codes with an iPhone is simple. To get started, all you have to do is open the camera app and point it at a real-world code. You can quickly scan the QR code and open a link on your screen.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

• The first step is to open the camera app from the main menu, the lock screen, or the settings menu.
• The second step is to switch to the rear-facing camera.
• Keep your device still for a few seconds, so the QR code is visible in the camera app’s viewfinder.
• Hold off till the QR code is read by your iPhone. A notification in the form of a yellow square will show up on the screen.
• Tap the pop-up notice to visit the URL associated with the QR code.

How Do You Scan QR Codes from Photo Album?

While you can scan codes from various sources, the camera on your iPhone will not be able to read a QR code displayed on your screen. over, you’ll need a third-party QR code scanner to read a QR code from an image or a website. The App Store is rife with useful apps for this purpose, like QR Code Barcode Scanner, Qrafter – QR Code Reader, and NeoReader.

Here are the steps to follow to scan from your photo albums:

• Simply open the picture in Photos, and wait for a second or two for a bracketed symbol to show in the picture’s lower right corner, indicating that the software has detected a QR code.
• In the image’s bottom right corner, you’ll find a bracketed icon; tap it.
• You can choose to open the link on YouTube, Safari, or another supported browser.

Using Third-Party App to Scan a QR Code in an Image on Your iPhone

If you frequently need to scan QR codes from images, installing a dedicated QR reader is a great solution. It’s possible to get things done by downloading a free program called Simple QR Code Reader. You can use this app to view the results of a QR scan performed on any photo in your gallery.

• To begin, you should get the free program Simple QR Reader and install it on your iPhone.
• Launch the app by tapping the QR Scanner icon on your iPhone’s main screen.
• Select Scan from the device’s bottom menu.
• Tap the photo album icon (found in the top right of the app).
• Choose the image with the QR code you wish to scan.
• The image you select will expand to fill the entire screen. Select Choose in the lower right corner to bring the image inside the app.
• After scanning the QR, the contents will appear on the Result screen.

Many alternative applications are available in the Apple App Store if this one doesn’t suit your needs. You may find a variety of QR Code Readers in the App Store by simply searching for the term. Bear in mind that not all iPhone apps support scanning QR codes from the Camera Roll.

Scanning a QR Code on iPhone via Wallet App

The camera on your iPhone isn’t the only way to read QR codes. If you need a QR reader, you can also do it through the Wallet app.

• Launch the application
• Navigate to the “Passes” section
• Select the “” button at the top of the “Passes” section
• From there, select the “Scan Code to Add a Pass” option

For the limited set of items that Wallet recognizes as “passes,” such as tickets, boarding passes, coupons, and loyalty cards, this is the place to scan their corresponding QR codes. The scanner will give an error warning if you try to read any other QR code.

How to Scan QR Code using the Control Center Scanner

The Camera app does not have a dedicated QR scanner mode that can be toggled on or forced into use. If you’re using an iOS device, you may, however, add a QR code scanner shortcut to the system’s Control Center.

All that this button does is read a QR code. It has no camera functions whatsoever. This might assist if you have been unsuccessfully trying to scan a QR code with your iPhone’s camera. Here’s how to activate it:

• Start the Settings app by touching the gear symbol.
• Simply navigate to the camera selection and select it.
• Turn on/off the capability to scan QR codes.
• Once the switch is in the green position, QR codes can be scanned.

Why QR Code Scanner May Not Work on Your iPhone?

Using a QR code scanner on your iPhone is pretty straightforward, but sometimes, it just refuses to work. Here are a few issues and quick fixes.

You May Not be in Photo Mode

The Camera app on the iPhone does not include a dedicated setting or switch for scanning QR codes. However, the built-in scanner will only identify and scan the QR code if you are in PHOTO mode.

The camera won’t recognize the QR code in other shooting modes, such as Time-Lapse, Portrait, Video, Slow-Mo, or Pano. All you have to do is swipe left or right to enter the camera mode. After that, you can easily scan a QR code by pointing the iPhone at it.

You May Not be Pointing the Camera Correctly

A well-lit, well-readable QR code should be easily recognized and read by the iPhone Camera app.

Sometimes, though, the QR code you’re trying to scan will be too blurry or small to read clearly. You can try zooming in on a screen if the QR code is on a screen. You may also find that increasing the screen’s brightness (which displays the QR code) aids your efforts.

If you’re scanning a paper QR code, experiment with where you point the camera. Try moving the iPhone close by, a little farther away, etc. The scan ought to work after a couple of tries at most.

You May Be Keeping it Inactive for Too Long

When it’s working in the background, it’s common for QR code apps to stop functioning. If your iPhone’s QR code scanner is malfunctioning, try force quitting and relaunching the Camera app.

You can access the list of running programs by double-pressing the “Home” button or by using the swipe gesture at the bottom of the screen. Then, to dismiss the Camera app card, simply drag it to the top of your screen. It’s best to wait around 5 seconds and then open the Camera app again while pointing it at a QR code.

You May Have Meddled with the Settings

It means what you do with your phone’s basic settings may be the reason why your built-in QR code isn’t working. If you haven’t rebooted your device in a while, you may find that certain functions no longer work as expected. Just turn off your iPhone and turn it on after waiting 30 seconds. After that, your iPhone scanner issues should be resolved.

How Do You Scan a QR Code on An iPhone? A Step by Step Guide FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How is a QR code different from a barcode?

The primary distinction between QR codes and barcodes is a matter of physical dimension. Barcodes are read in a straight line. Therefore, information is restricted to what can fit within that particular stripe. However, QR codes allow for yet another plane upon which data can be recorded and read.

My settings seem fine but my iPhone fails to read some QR codes. Why?

Some QR codes may only be readable within the right apps. If a payment app creates a QR code, for instance, only that app (or apps that support it) will be able to read it. It’s possible that the iPhone camera won’t add a highlighted border or even recognize such a code if you point it. Only a dedicated app will resolve this issue.

Why can’t I find the right options to activate QR scanning on my iPhone?

If the issue results from a software flaw, updating to the most recent version of iOS should fix it for your iPhone. To obtain and install the most recent version of iOS for your iPhone, navigate to Settings; General; Software Update. Remember, Apple’s A9 mobile CPU is required for iOS 13 and later, meaning the iPhone SE and iPhone 6s series are the company’s oldest devices compatible with this operating system.

Is it possible to save a QR code for later use?

Yes, it is. While they seem different, QR codes are nothing more than standard image files. Therefore, you can save them to your computer or iPhone just as you would save any other picture.

Why can’t I get the QR code scanned in the first attempt?

While your iPhone can quickly pick QR codes from an external source, it’s still a good idea to remember the following two points.

Your camera’s auto-FOCUS feature may become confused by patterns on a rug, tablecloth, or wall, preventing you from successfully scanning the code. You could attempt scanning a product’s code again after transferring it to a smooth surface if the first scan failed because of the product’s location on a patterned background.

Stop touching it with your bare hands!

Make sure the product with a QR code is placed on a flat, stable surface. Your phone’s camera may have difficulty focusing if you’re shaking it around too much. In addition to putting your elbows on the table, you can use your hands to stabilize the phone.

About the Author

Sarah Linn

Sarah Linn has a flair for technical writing and covers topics in the realms of gaming, science fiction, cryptocurrency, cyber security, and consumer electronics. She always seems to have something insightful to say, whether it’s about the latest Apple gadgets or gizmos from the past. Sarah’s interests outside of writing include spending time with family, reading, and exploring the globe.

How to fix camera QR code scanner not working on iPhone or iPad

The built-in camera app on iPhone running iOS 11 or later can automatically detect, highlight, and scan a QR code. However, if your iPhone camera isn’t able to recognize, read, or scan QR codes, here are the quick solutions that will fix the issue in no time.

Enable QR code scanner

By default, the Quick Response (QR) code scanner is enabled on iPhone and iPad. However, if you or someone with access to your iPhone turned it off, follow these steps to enable the QR scanner again from the camera settings.

Here’s how to turn on the built-in iOS QR code scanner:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Scroll down and tap Camera.
• Enable Scan QR Codes.

From now on, when you point your iPhone camera at a QR code it will read the code and show you the prompt to take the proper action (usually it’s visiting a website).

Be in Photo mode

There is no special mode or toggle inside the iPhone Camera app to scan QR codes. However, you must be in PHOTO mode for the built-in scanner to detect and scan the QR code. If you’re in Portrait, Video, Time-Lapse, Slo-Mo, Pano, or any other mode, the camera won’t identify and scan the QR code.

Simply swipe left or right and make sure you’re in Photo mode. After that, point the iPhone towards a QR code and it will scan it in a couple of seconds.

Point the camera properly

The iPhone Camera app should have no problem identifying and reading a QR code that’s big, bright, and clear. However, at times, the QR code you try to scan may be unclear, blurred, or tiny. In these cases, try to zoom the QR code if it’s on a screen. Turning up the brightness of the screen (with the QR code) should also help.

If the QR code is printed on paper, try a few different positions while scanning it. For example, take the iPhone near, a bit far, etc. In a couple of tries, the scan should be successful.

Important: Sometimes, you may not see the button or link to take action on the camera viewfinder. However, if you tap the tiny code scanner button, it will show you various relevant options.

Not all codes can be scanned

There can be some QR codes that can only be scanned inside the appropriate apps. For example, if there is a QR code generated by a payment app, then most likely only that app (or ones supported) can scan that QR code. When you point your iPhone camera on such a code, it may not add a yellow highlighted border or detect the code.

Force quit the Camera app and reopen it

If the iPhone QR code scanner is not working, closing and reopening the Camera app from the background should help.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or double press the Home button to see all open apps. Next, drag the Camera app card all the way up to close it. After waiting for about 5 seconds, open the Camera app again and point it towards a QR code.

Restart your iPhone

Sometimes certain things may not work correctly simply because you haven’t restarted your device in a long time. If your iPhone Camera QR code isn’t working, go ahead and switch off your iPhone. After waiting for about 30 seconds, switch it on. Once that’s done, the scanner problems should be fixed on your iPhone.

Use the Control Center QR code scanner

As mentioned, there is no toggle in the Camera app to enter QR scanner mode, nor can you force it to scan one. However, you can add the QR code scanner button to iOS Control Center. The sole purpose of this button is to scan a QR code. It doesn’t take pictures or anything. So, if you repeatedly fail to scan a QR code using the iPhone camera, this should be helpful.

Here’s how to add QR code scanner to the Control Center:

• Open the Settings app on iPhone or iPad.
• Tap Control Center.
• Select the green plus button for Code Scanner.

Open the Control Center and choose the code scanner button to scan a QR code successfully. Tap the flashlight icon if the light around the QR code is insufficient.

Update your iPhone

Updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS will take care of the problem if it’s caused due to existing software bugs. Go to iPhone Settings General Software Update to download and install the most recent version of iOS available for your iPhone.

Reset all settings

Finally, if nothing works for you (and you have tried a few different QR codes), that means there is a bigger problem. Go ahead and reset all iPhone settings, which should fix the QR code issues.

Check out next:

How to scan a QR code on iPhone

After years of failing to find a foothold, QR codes have become quite popular and knowing how to scan a QR code on iPhone is incredibly useful. Many restaurants, parking facilities and other businesses have adopted the confusing-looking code blocks as the preferred method for whisking users to their website or app without having to enter a URL.

If you’ve found yourself wondering how to scan a QR code then you aren’t alone. The good news is that Apple has made this quite easy on your iPhone with two methods that take just a few seconds.

How to scan a QR code on iPhone with the camera app

iOS 11 first introduced the ability to scan a QR code directly from the preinstalled camera app, so this method will work for any iPhone going back to the iPhone 5s. As you probably are already used to opening your camera quickly to avoid missing any great photos, this is going to be the easiest method for most people.

Here’s how to scan a QR code on iPhone using the camera app:

• Open the Camera app
• Align your camera with the QR code until it is in FOCUS
• Tap on the URL or prompt that appears on your screen

That’s it! Depending on whether the QR code was for a website, app or Wi-Fi network it may prompt you to download the app or join the Wi-Fi network, but you should be on your way.

How to scan a QR code on iPhone with the hidden Code Scanner app

iOS 14 introduced another integrated way to scan a QR code on iPhone. This means this method will work for any phone going back to the iPhone 6s (assuming you have updated to iOS 14). This is an app that is simply called Code Scanner. Don’t think you have it? Well, you do, Apple just hid it from you.

Here’s how to scan a QR code on iPhone using the Code Scanner app:

• Swipe down from the middle of your screen to bring up Search
• Tap in the search bar
• Type Code Scanner
• Tap on Code Scanner in the first box
• Align your camera with the QR code until it is in FOCUS
• Tap on the URL or prompt that appears on your screen

What are the advantages of using Code Scanner over the Camera app? Code Scanner uses a built-in browser, which is nice so you don’t have one-off visits like a menu or parking cluttering up your Safari tabs.

Code Scanner also adds some fun animations to the scanning process. First, it shows a capture of the QR code. From there, it shows an icon for what the link is taking you to. For example, the Wi-Fi QR Code that I used as my example produced a Wi-Fi icon. If you’re going to a website, it will show a Safari icon before opening it. Nothing crucial, but it’s a nice contained experience that is supported on almost every iPhone so give it a shot next time you need to scan a QR code.

How to add Code Scanner to Control Center on iPhone

If you find that you do prefer Code Scanner you can make it more easily accessible by adding it to Control Center. Just go to Settings Control Center and then tap on the green plus icon next to Code Scanner and now it will be available in Control Center when you swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone.

How to scan QR codes on iPhone and iPad

It’s easy to use your iPhone to scan QR codes. Simply launch the camera app and aim it towards a code in the real world to get started. When your iPhone scans the QR, a link will appear for you to tap.

Launch the camera app from the home screen, lock screen, or control centre

Select the back-facing camera.

Hold your device for a few seconds so the camera app’s viewfinder shows the QR code.

Wait until your iPhone recognises the QR code. A yellow square notification will appear.

To view the URL linked to the QR code, tap the pop up notification.

However, a QR code on your iPhone screen cannot be scanned with your phone’s camera.

To scan a photo of a QR code or a QR code that appears on a website, you need to use a third-party QR code scanner. Countless apps can help with this on the App Store.

How to enable QR code scanning on my iOS devices?

iPhones that are compatible with iOS 11 or later will be able to scan QR codes directly from the camera app.

How to activate QR Code scanning from the iPhone settings?

• Launch the settings app by tapping the settings icon
• Scroll through and tap on the camera option
• Toggle the option to scan QR codes.
• QR code scanning is enabled when the toggle switch is set to green

Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 11 and above?

Apple introduced iOS 11 in June 2017, which is compatible with 64-bit devices. This means the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and any other iPhone below does not support the software.

iOS 11 and 12 are compatible with the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 5S,
• iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus
• iPhone SE
• iPhone 7, 7 Plus
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus
• iPhone X, XS, XSMax
• iPhone 11, 11pro, 11pro max
• iPhone 12, 12 pro, 12pro max
• iPhone 13, 13 pro, 13pro max

iOS 13 and above only supports iPhones with Apple’s A9 mobile processor or a more recent chip, which makes the iPhone SE and iPhone 6s lines the oldest Apple smartphones able to handle this version of iOS.

How to scan QR codes from Photo Album

Reading QR codes from your photo album requires a third party application. You cannot use the native camera app to read QR codes from screenshots, photos or saved files. The best QR code applications are thankfully cost-free and quite simple to use.

For iOS, here are steps to scan QR codes from your photo album:

• Open the photo in Photos.
• After a split second, a bracketed symbol will appear in the lower right corner of the image when the software recognizes that a QR code is present.
• Tap the bracketed symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the image.
• You will be given the option to launch the URL in the appropriate app, such as YouTube, Safari, etc.

For Android, you can use apps such as Google Lens or Google Photos to scan QR codes in your photo album.

Why my iPhone won’t scan QR code?

A variety of things can cause a QR code to be unreadable by your iPhone. Here are some possible reasons:

• iOS 11 or later is not installed on your Apple device. You can install a third-party app to read QR codes if your device cannot run iOS 11 or later.
• The brightness of your screen is too dim. The QR code must be visible to the camera; thus, it must be bright enough.
• Your camera cannot read the QR code because of a smudge on the lens.
• Your phone is not upright or is slanted in some other way.
• The QR code may be too near or far from your iPhone. The camera can identify and scan QR codes at a certain range, usually when the perfect 10:1 ratio is reached.
• Not enough time has been given to the camera to pick up the QR code.

How To Scan A Qr Code On iPhone From Screenshot Or Picture

There are several ways to scan a QR code from a screenshot on your iPhone. Here are some options:

• You can scan a QR Code from screenshots or pictures using Siri shortcuts on your iPhone.
• Using third-party apps, you can scan a QR Code from a screenshot or a picture.
• The Google app widget available on iOS 14 and above provides a Lens button that can be used to scan screenshots or pictures on your iPhone.

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Making your very own QR Code to share your contact details is easier than you think. Learn more about how you can set up an electronic business card with Blinq.