How to Scan a QR Code — Complete Guide
Learn how to scan QR codes on iPhone, Android, and desktop. Troubleshooting tips for QR codes that won't scan.
Scanning on iPhone
On iPhone (iOS 11 and later), simply open the Camera app and point it at a QR code. A notification banner will appear at the top — tap it to open the link. No third-party app is needed. If it doesn't work, go to Settings > Camera and make sure "Scan QR Codes" is enabled. You can also use the built-in Code Scanner from Control Center.
Scanning on Android
Most Android phones (Android 9+) can scan QR codes directly from the camera app. Open your camera, point at the QR code, and tap the link that appears. On Samsung devices, you can also use Bixby Vision or the Quick Tile QR scanner. For older Android phones, download Google Lens from the Play Store — it's free and works reliably.
Troubleshooting Tips
If a QR code won't scan, check the lighting — too much glare or shadow can prevent recognition. Make sure the code isn't blurry or too small. Clean your camera lens. Try holding your phone further away if you're too close. If the QR code is on a screen, increase the brightness. Damaged or partially covered QR codes may still scan thanks to error correction, but codes with more than 30% damage will fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my phone not scanning QR codes?
Check that QR scanning is enabled in your camera settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, Camera, and enable Scan QR Codes. On Android, check your camera app settings. Also ensure adequate lighting, a clean camera lens, and that you are not too close to the code.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot or image?
Yes, on iPhone use the Live Text feature or Google Lens. On Android, Google Lens can scan QR codes from saved images. Some camera apps also allow importing images for QR scanning.
What is the maximum distance for scanning a QR code?
The maximum scanning distance depends on the QR code size. As a rule of thumb, divide the code width by 10 to get the maximum reliable scanning distance. A 10cm QR code scans from about 1 meter away.