To scan a QR code on an iPhone, simply open the Camera app and point it steadily at the QR code to capture it. When the iPhone recognizes the QR code, a notification banner will appear on the screen with the link or relevant action, which you can tap to open or execute.
How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
- Open the Camera app from the home screen, Control Center, or Lock Screen.
- Point the camera at the QR code, making sure the code is well within the camera viewfinder and in focus.
- Wait for the iPhone to detect the QR code. A yellow or white notification banner will appear at the top or bottom of the screen.
- Tap the notification to open the link or perform the associated action (such as opening a website, email address, or other data encoded in the QR code).
Enabling QR Code Scanning
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Camera.
- Toggle on Scan QR Codes to ensure the camera can detect QR codes automatically.
Alternative Method: Scanning a QR Code from Photos
- Open the Photos app.
- Select the photo containing the QR code.
- Long press on the QR code area if available, or tap the share button and use the built-in option to scan the QR code.
No additional apps are required as this functionality is built into iOS since version 11. This quick and easy process works universally on most iPhones running iOS 11 or later and is supported directly from the Camera app or Photos app for QR codes displayed on your screen or saved as images.
