The quick version
Open your phone's camera, point it at the code and hold steady for a second. A link or button appears on screen; tap it. That works on almost every iPhone and Android phone made since 2018. The rest of this guide covers the exceptions.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Camera app (rear camera, photo mode).
- Point it at the code so the whole square is on screen.
- Tap the yellow banner that appears to open the link, join the WiFi network or save the contact.
If nothing appears, check Settings → Camera → Scan QR Codes is switched on. You can also add the Code Scanner to Control Center (Settings → Control Center), which opens a dedicated scanner with a flashlight button, useful in dark restaurants.
Before you tap, look at the address shown in the banner. If it doesn't match what you expected, don't open it.
On an Android phone
Android phones differ by brand, but one of these always works:
- Camera app: most phones from Android 9 onwards read QR codes in the normal photo mode. On some Samsung, Xiaomi and other phones you switch it on in the camera settings ("Scan QR codes").
- Quick Settings tile: pull down from the top of the screen twice. Many phones have a "Scan QR code" tile; if not, tap the pencil icon and add it.
- Google Lens: open the Google app or Lens and point it at the code. It also reads codes in photos.
When the code is recognised, a link or action appears. Tap it to continue.
From a screenshot or a photo
Someone sent you a QR code in a chat, or it is on the screen you are using? You can scan it without a second phone.
- iPhone: open the image in Photos. On recent iOS versions, touch and hold the code (or tap the Live Text button) and the link appears.
- Android: open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens, or share the image to Google Lens.
- Any device: open our online QR code scanner, then upload the image or paste it with Ctrl+V / ⌘V. The image is read in your browser and never uploaded to a server.
On a laptop or desktop computer
Computers have no built-in QR scanner in the browser, but a web scanner works with any webcam:
- Open the QR code scanner.
- Allow camera access when the browser asks.
- Hold the code up to the webcam, about 15 to 30 cm away.
If your computer has no camera, take a screenshot of the code and upload it instead. Our scanner also reads product barcodes (EAN, UPC, Code 128) and Data Matrix codes.
What different codes do when scanned
| Code type | What your phone offers |
|---|---|
| Website link | Open the page in your browser |
| WiFi | Join the network, no password typing |
| Contact (vCard) | Save the contact |
| Phone number | Open the dialler with the number filled in |
| SMS, WhatsApp, email | Open the app with the message ready |
| UPI payment | Open your UPI app with the payee filled in |
| Plain text | Show the text, with options to copy or search |
When the camera won't read the code
Most failures have simple causes:
- Too close or too far. Move back until the whole code, including its white border, fits on screen, then slowly closer.
- Low light or glare. Turn on the flashlight, or tilt the phone to avoid reflections on glossy paper and screens.
- Dirty lens. Wipe the camera lens; fingerprints blur fine detail.
- Inverted or low-contrast design. Light dots on a dark background, or pale colors, defeat many phone cameras. Try Google Lens or our web scanner, which handle these better.
- Damaged or tiny print. A code smaller than about 2 cm, or with a crease through a corner square, may be unreadable. Ask for the link instead.
- The code works but the page doesn't. The code may be a dynamic one that was switched off. Why did my QR code stop working? explains how to tell.
If you made the code yourself and people struggle to scan it, run it through our scannability checker for a score and specific fixes.
Scan safely
QR codes are convenient for scammers too. A few habits keep you safe:
- Read the address before you open it. Look for misspellings, odd domains and long strings of random characters.
- Be careful in public places. Check that codes on parking meters, posters and charging points aren't stickers placed over the original.
- Never enter passwords or bank details on a page you reached through a code you didn't expect.
- For UPI and other payments, check the payee name in your app before you approve.
Not sure about a code? The QR code safety scanner shows exactly what it contains and highlights warning signs, without opening the link.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app to scan QR codes?
Usually not. The camera on iPhones (iOS 11 and later) and on most Android phones reads QR codes directly. Google Lens and our web scanner work when the camera doesn't.
How do I scan a QR code that is on my own screen?
Take a screenshot, then open it in Photos (iPhone) or Google Photos with Lens (Android), or upload it to our online scanner.
Can I scan a QR code with a laptop?
Yes. Open our online QR code scanner, allow the webcam, and hold the code in front of it, or upload an image of the code.
Why does my phone not scan QR codes?
Check that QR scanning is switched on in the camera settings, clean the lens, add light and fit the whole code on screen. Some phones need Google Lens.
Is it safe to scan any QR code?
Scanning shows you the content; the risk is opening a harmful link. Check the address and the payee name before you continue.
Can I scan a QR code without internet?
Yes. Reading the code works offline. WiFi, contact and text codes work without internet; links need a connection to open the page.