Though they’ve been around since the ’90s, quick response codes didn’t truly catch on until the rise of smartphones and widespread mobile internet access. A turning point came in 2017 when Apple’s iOS 11 update introduced native QR code scanning – no third-party app required. Today, scanning one takes just a few seconds straight from your iPhone’s built-in Camera app.
You’ll find QR codes everywhere from product labels and restaurant menus to event tickets, coupons, and workplace equipment instructions – it’s worth mentioning that native scanning is available on any iPhone running iOS 11 or later. But the Live Text feature (which lets you scan QR codes from existing images) requires iOS 15 or newer. With iPhones accounting for roughly 64% of all QR code scans globally according to Scanova, it’s clear that iPhone users are leading the charge – so learning how to scan faster and more efficiently is a legitimately helpful skill. Let’s get started on how to scan QR codes on your iPhone.
What Is a QR Code?
A QR code is a type of barcode that’s easy for online devices to scan. Their classic square, pixelated design lends itself to some attractive designs. Unlike standard barcodes, which only scan horizontally, QR codes are more helpful and functional because users can scan them in any orientation – this two-way design also gives QR codes the benefit of storing more information than traditional barcodes. QR codes are also helpful because they are still legible even if up to 30% of the code gets damaged.
QR code usage has grown. According to Statista, approximately 89 million smartphone users in the US scanned a QR code in 2022, a number that was expected to surpass 100 million by 2025. iPhones account for a large share of that activity – Scanova reports that 64.49% of total QR code scans come from iPhones, helped in large part by Apple adding native QR code scanning to the built-in Camera app with iOS 11 back in 2017. If you’ve run into any issues after updating, check out common iOS 16 problems and how to fix them.
With all their flexibility and slick appearance, you’ll find QR codes all over the place, like the following.
- Restaurants: Many restaurants and bars place QR codes on their tables so diners can access menus online, making it easy for restaurants to update their food and drink offerings without reprinting anything.
- Products: Want to see more detailed specs or nutrition info on the item you’re buying? Scan the QR code.
- Ads: Instead of telling users to type in a long web address to buy or learn more, invite them to scan the code.
- Coupons, tickets and memberships: Pull any of these up on your phone, and you may get a QR code to show the scanner. Some QR codes can add passes and tickets directly to the Wallet app.
- Business identification: From warehouses to medical facilities, many businesses use QR codes to identify and track products, devices and equipment.
QR codes open websites. But they can also launch an app you have installed, store contact information, or enter numbers into a system. On iPhones running iOS 15 or later, Apple’s Live Text feature even lets you scan QR codes directly from images in your photo library. If you’re thinking about upgrading to take advantage of the latest features, read our guide on whether you should buy a new iPhone.
How to Scan a QR Code
If you have an iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later, scanning QR codes is as easy as opening your camera app — this feature has been native to Apple devices since Apple introduced it with the iOS 11 update in 2017, so you don’t have to download any extra apps or tools.
Scanning a QR Code From the Camera App
Let’s look at how to scan a QR code on an iPhone or iPad.
- Open your camera app. If you don’t have it on your Home Screen, you can access it from the Control Center. A faster way to access the camera is via the camera icon on your Lock Screen.
- From the rear-facing camera, put the QR code in view. Don’t click the shutter. The device should recognize the QR code and display a preview of where it leads, such as a website URL, app, coupon, or ticket.
- Click the link that appears. Tap the yellow preview banner and it will open in your default browser, such as Safari or Google Chrome.
You’ll need a mobile signal or Wi-Fi for this to work.
Scanning a QR Code From Photos
You can also scan a QR code from a static image. You might want this if you can’t get the code to scan the usual way, don’t have internet access, or want to save the code for later. Remember that this is going to need iOS 15 or newer, as it relies on Apple’s Live Text feature.
Let’s look at how to scan a QR code from a photo on iPhone.
- Take a photo of the QR code: Snap a picture of the QR code from the Camera app. To scan a QR code displayed on your iPhone screen, such as one shown on a website or in an email, screenshot it and follow these next steps.
- Open the photo in the Photos app: You can open Photos from the icon on your Home Screen, the image thumbnail in the bottom left of the Camera app, or the phone’s search bar.
- Select the Live Text icon: This circular button appears in the bottom right corner and displays a rounded square with lines inside it.
- Click on the QR code: Tap the code and a preview should appear telling you where the code leads. Tap that banner to open it.
Scanning a QR Code From the Control Center
Another way to scan a QR code is through Apple’s dedicated Code Scanner — it works in the same way as the camera app but opens the linked content automatically and has a bigger viewfinder.
Before you can use Code Scanner, you’ll need to add it to your Control Center.
- From the Settings app, tap Control Center and tap the “+” button next to Code Scanner. This adds the feature to your Control Center, which you can access by swiping down from the top right-hand corner of the screen – or swiping up from the bottom on older models with a Home button. You can also find it by swiping down on your Home Screen and searching for it in Spotlight.
- Select Code Scanner from the Control Center or Spotlight. Open the Control Center and tap Code Scanner, which appears as a miniature QR code icon.
- Scan the QR code. Center the code within the square viewfinder that appears. You can also tap the flashlight icon to improve visibility in low light. The code will open automatically once the device recognizes it.
Other Ways to Scan QR Codes With an iPhone
Some other ways to scan a QR code include the following.
- Third-party scanning apps: You’ll find plenty of scanning apps on the App Store. Some are no-frills, and others offer additional features like saving and sharing codes and syncing them with iCloud and other devices.
- Live Text: If you have an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, you can use the Live Text feature to scan a QR code directly from a photo or image saved on your device. Simply open the image in your Photos app, tap the Live Text icon, and interact with the QR code that appears.
- Other apps: Many apps you might already use can scan QR codes, too. For example, Snapchat uses QR codes as “ID cards,” so users can scan someone’s QR code to add them as a friend. Retailer apps may also allow you to scan a QR code from a printed mailer to add coupons to your account.
Getting the Most of Your iPhone With QR Codes
iPhones are virtually synonymous with quick, easy-to-use features, and QR code scanning is no exception. Since Apple’s iOS 11 update in 2017 introduced native QR code scanning, iPhones have become one of the most popular devices for scanning – with Scanova reporting that 64.49% of all QR code scans come from iPhones. Whether you want to get more info on a product, add a ticket to your Wallet, or pull up a menu, you can use whatever strategy you like. The iPhone’s Camera and Code Scanner apps are easy built-in options, and you can also scan directly from third-party apps. Just keep in mind that native scanning is going to need iOS 11 or later. But the Live Text feature – which lets you scan QR codes from existing images – is going to need iOS 15 or newer. Now that you know how to use them, keep an eye out for QR codes to see just how helpful they can be.