iOS users can scan QR codes without installing any iPhone QR code scanner applications. iPhones and iPads come with a built-in QR code scanner, and you can also use the default camera app to scan QR codes. 

Here’s all you need to know about scanning QR codes on iPhones and other iOS devices.

Scan a QR code using the built-in iPhone QR code scanner

iPhones come with a built-in QR code scanner. Here’s how to open the scanner and scan a QR code:

• Unlock your iPhone and swipe down from the right. 

• Click on the QR code icon to open the Code Scanner app.
• Point the camera towards the QR code. You’ll receive a notification to open the URL.

• Click on the notification to open the QR code URL in the browser app. 

If you don’t see the Code Scanner icon in the swipe down menu, follow these steps to enable it:

• Go to Settings and open the Control Center

•  Scroll down to Code Scanner. 

• Click on the “+” icon beside Code Scanner. 

The Code Scanner icon will be added to the swipe-down menu, and you’ll be able to access the Code Scanner from there.

Note: Apple recommends scanning QR codes using the Code Scanner. 

Scan a QR code using the camera app

After the iOS 11 update, iPhone users can scan a QR code directly from the camera app. Here’s how to do that:

• Open the Camera app on your iPhone. 
• Select the rear camera, and point the camera towards the QR code. Ensure that the QR code appears fully on the screen for optimum scanning.

• The camera will read the QR code and send a notification. 

• Click on the notification to open the QR code URL in the browser app. 

Scan a QR code using a third-party iPhone QR code scanner

You can also download another QR code scanner app to scan QR codes on your iPhone. Many QR code scanner apps are available on the App Store. 

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

• Install a QR scanner app on your device. 
• Give all the needed permissions to the app.
• Open the app and point the camera towards the QR code. 
• Depending on the app, you may see a push notification or a clickable link on the screen.
• Click on the link or notification to open the URL in the browser app. 

Scan a QR code using specific apps

Some QR codes might need to be scanned using specific apps. For example, if you want to scan a PayPal QR code to make a payment, you’ll need to scan the QR code from the PayPal app. Follow these steps to do that:

• Open the PayPal app and log into your account.
• Click on “Scan and Pay” and then on “Allow.” The camera will open. 
• Point the camera towards the payment QR code. 
• Confirm the transaction to complete the payment.

Note: These steps are only applicable for scanning QR codes using the PayPal app. The process will be different for other apps. 

Conclusion

iPhone and iPad users can scan a QR code using the built-in Code Scanner or the default camera app. You can also use a third-party app to scan QR codes. That said, Apple recommends scanning QR codes using the Code Scanner for higher security and convenience.