QR Code Scanner – How to Scan QR Code on iPhone

QR codes are everywhere—on menus, product packages, and event flyers. But if you’re wondering how to scan them using your iPhone, you’re not alone.

As of 2023, there are over 1.4 billion active iPhone users, yet many still don’t know how to fully utilize this feature.

Here’s a simple guide to scanning QR codes using your iPhone’s Camera, Control Center, and Photos apps.

Scan a QR code with the iPhone camera

The simplest way to scan a QR code on an iPhone is to use the built-in Camera app. There is no need to download or set up anything. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Camera app
Swipe up or tap the Camera icon.

Step 2: Point the camera at the QR code.
Hold your phone steady. Make sure the code is easily visible.

Step 3: Tap the link that pops up.
A banner will appear at the top. Tap it to open the link.

Note: QR code scanning only works in photo mode, not video or portrait mode.

This is the quickest way to scan a QR code on an iPhone. Once you try it, it becomes second nature.

Add the Code Scanner to Control Center

Sometimes you don’t want to open the Camera app or wait for a prompt. You just want to scan a QR code—fast. The Code Scanner in Control Center helps you do that. One tap, and it’s ready.

Here’s how to add the Code Scanner to your iPhone’s Control Center:

Step 1: Open Settings

Step 2: Tap Control Center

Step 3: Tap the green + next to Code Scanner

Now you can swipe down (on Face ID models) or swipe up (on Touch ID models) to access it anytime.

Note: The Code Scanner opens a dedicated tool that works faster than the Camera app. You don’t need to hold the code in frame for long.

Adding the Code Scanner gives you instant access and a faster way to operate.

Scan QR codes from photos on your iPhone

Consider that you have saved a QR code from a website, or your friend sent you a screenshot or picture of the QR code on WhatsApp. Now, how do you scan it?

Here, you can use your iPhone’s Photos app and scan it directly. To scan a QR code from a saved image, follow the steps: 

Step 1: Open the Photos app
Tap the image with the QR code.

Step 2: Tap the Live Text icon
It shows up if the phone detects text or a QR code.

Note: iPhones running iOS 15 or later have Live Text. It lets you scan QR codes in screenshots and images, but it may not detect blurry or low-quality codes.

Step 3: Tap the QR code in the image
A link will appear. Tap to open it.

Explore more: How to Scan a QR Code from the Photos App or Gallery.

Troubleshooting common issues: Scanning QR codes on iPhone

Sometimes you do everything right, and even then, your iPhone doesn’t scan QR codes. It’s annoying, especially if you are in a hurry.

Here’s how to fix some common problems while you scan a QR code on iPhone.

If the QR code isn’t scanning

Try these quick checks:

• Check the lighting
  Make sure the code is well-lit. Avoid glare or shadows.
• Look at the code
  It should be clear, not blurry or damaged. Tiny or distorted codes can fail.
• Hold your phone steady.
  Keep the QR code centered in the frame. Don’t move the phone around too much.

If no notification appears

• Turn on QR scanning
  Go to Settings → Camera → Turn on Scan QR Codes.
• Use the Code Scanner
  Open it from Control Center. It works better in some cases.
• Update iOS
  Check your iOS version. Older versions may have bugs.

If you’re using a third-party camera app, it might not support QR scanning. Use the iPhone Camera app or Code Scanner instead.

Ready to scan smarter?

QR codes open menus, join events, or sign in to tools. Knowing how to scan a QR code on your iPhone can save you time and avoid extra effort.

Your iPhone comes equipped with easy ways to do it– using the Camera app, Control Center, and images from the Photos app. There are no apps to install, no learning curve, just point and tap.

If you work with links, documents, or product labels, this isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s something you’ll use daily.

Frequently asked questions