QR Barcode Studio

How-to

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone and Android

Scan QR codes with the built-in camera on iPhone and Android, from a screenshot or photo, and what to do when nothing happens.

· 2 min read

iPhone

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Point it at the code and hold steady.
  3. Tap the yellow link or notification that appears.

You can also use the Code Scanner in Control Center. To scan a QR code in a photo or screenshot, open it in Photos and long-press the code.

Android

  1. Open the Camera app (or Google Lens).
  2. Point it at the code.
  3. Tap the link that appears.

For a screenshot, open it in Google Photos and tap Lens.

Nothing happens?

  • Move closer or further so the code fills about a third of the screen.
  • Clean the lens and improve lighting.
  • Check that QR scanning is enabled in camera settings.
  • The code may be damaged, low contrast or too small; see our fixes for codes that won't scan.

Make it yourself in under a minute

  1. Open the generator

    The Turn any link into a QR code opens with the right content type already selected.

  2. Fill in the content

    Enter the link, network, contact or message. The preview updates instantly.

  3. Brand it (optional)

    Add your logo and colors. The scan test checks every change.

  4. Download and print

    Black codes download free as PNG. Use SVG for print with a paid plan.

Turn any link into a QR code →
Example result: a scannable Turn any link into a QR code output
End result. A real, scannable example made with the generator. Yours will hold your own content.

Quick answers

Do I need an app to scan QR codes?

No. Modern iPhone and Android cameras scan QR codes without any extra app.

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