How to scan a QR code with the Camera app on iPhone

Quick Response (QR) codes give you quick access to websites, phone numbers, and even allow you to share Wi-Fi passwords. Using QR codes can eliminate the annoyance of having to type or remember long texts or web addresses. 

Luckily, you do not need an additional app to scan QR codes. You can use the built-in camera on your iPhone to scan a QR code for links to websites, menus, apps, and more. Here’s how to scan a QR code with the Camera app on iPhone in a few simple steps.

How to scan a QR code with the Camera app on iPhone

Learn how to scan a QR code with the Camera app on iPhone

Before attempting to scan a QR code with the Camera app on your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap Camera. Next, make sure the toggle for Scan QR Codes is enabled.

  1. Open the Camera app from the Home Screen, Control Center, or Lock Screen.
  2. Select the rear-facing camera.
  3. Next, properly hold your device and point the camera on the QR code so it appears in the viewfinder in the Camera app. Give it a few seconds.
  4. After your device recognizes the QR could, an associated link should pop up in a notification. Simply tap the notification to open the link.

While this post is centered around scanning QR codes with the Camera app on iPhone, you can follow the same steps to scan a QR code on your iPad or iPod touch.

We hope this guide helped you learn how to scan a QR code with the Camera app on iPhone. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.

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About the Author

Asma Hussain is an editor at iThinkDifferent, where she covers Apple news, streaming services, mobile gaming, and app reviews, with a particular focus on social media and consumer tech. She writes hands-on guides and app coverage drawn from day-to-day use across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Outside of writing, she's interested in digital illustration, internet culture, and the small design decisions that shape how people use technology.

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