4/28/2026 · 3 min read
How to Scan a QR Code (iPhone & Android)
Scanning a QR code takes seconds and, on most modern phones, needs no special app — just your camera. Here's how on iPhone and Android, plus what to do on older devices.
On iPhone and Android
Open the built-in Camera app and point it at the code. Hold steady for a second and a notification or banner appears — tap it to open the link or action.
If nothing happens, make sure the whole code is in frame, well-lit, and in focus. Most phones from the last several years support this natively.
Older phones and screenshots
On older Android phones, open Google Lens or a free QR scanner app. On iPhone, you can also scan a code saved in your photos using the Photos app's Live Text and Lookup.
To scan a code that's on your own screen, take a screenshot and open it in Google Lens (Android) or Photos (iPhone) to detect the code.
Step by step
- 1
Open the camera
Launch your phone's built-in Camera app.
- 2
Point at the code
Frame the whole QR code and hold steady.
- 3
Tap the prompt
A banner appears — tap it to open the link or action.
- 4
Use Lens if needed
On older phones, use Google Lens or a free scanner app.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I scan a QR code on my phone?
- Open the Camera app, point it at the code, and tap the banner that appears. No separate app is needed on most modern iPhones and Androids.
- Why won't my QR code scan?
- Make sure the full code is in frame, well-lit, and in focus. On older phones, use Google Lens or a free QR scanner app.
- Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
- Yes — open the screenshot in Google Lens (Android) or Photos (iPhone) and it will detect the code.
- Do I need an app to scan QR codes?
- Usually no — modern phone cameras scan QR codes natively. Only older devices may need a scanner app.
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