How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone

Every iPhone since iOS 11 can read QR codes without an extra app.

Open the Camera app and point at the code

Open Camera in Photo mode and aim at the QR code. Hold steady. Within a second, a yellow notification appears at the bottom or top of the screen showing what the code contains, usually a link. Tap it to open.

You do not need to press the shutter button.

Use the Code Scanner in Control Center

If the camera notification does not appear, use the dedicated scanner. Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner), then tap the Code Scanner icon, which looks like a QR code.

If it is not there, add it: Settings, Control Center, then tap the plus next to Code Scanner.

Scan a QR code that is in a photo

Open the image in Photos. Touch and hold directly on the QR code in the image. A menu appears with the link or text the code contains. Tap Open in Safari or whichever option fits.

This also works on screenshots and in Safari on any image on a web page.

If nothing is detected. Make sure the whole code is in frame with some white space around it, and that it is not too far away. Codes on curved surfaces or under glare are harder to read; try a different angle.