How-to

How to Scan a QR Code on Android and iPhone (2026)

Your phone camera already scans QR codes. Here are the quickest ways on Android and iPhone, how to scan a code in a screenshot, and what to do when a code won't scan.

By MakeMyQROnline team Published 3 min read

Key takeaway

Open your phone's camera, point it at the QR code for a second and tap the link that appears. iPhones scan with the Camera app or the Code Scanner in Control Center. On Android, use the Camera app, Google Lens or the "Scan QR code" quick-settings tile. No separate app is needed.

How to scan a QR code on iPhone

  1. Open the Camera app and point it at the code (rear camera).
  2. Hold steady for a moment until a yellow link button appears.
  3. Tap it to open the website, join the Wi-Fi network or save the contact.

Prefer a dedicated scanner? Add Code Scanner to Control Center and open it from there. If the camera ignores QR codes, check that Scan QR Codes is turned on under Settings → Camera.

How to scan a QR code on Android

  • Camera app: most Android phones (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, vivo, OPPO and others) scan QR codes in the normal photo mode. On some models you turn it on in the camera settings ("Scan QR codes").
  • Quick settings tile: swipe down from the top and tap Scan QR code (add it by editing the tiles if you don't see it).
  • Google Lens: open the Google app or Lens, point at the code, and tap the link.

How to scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo

  • Android: open the image in Google Photos or your Gallery and tap Lens, or use Google Lens and choose the image from your gallery. On phones with Circle to Search, long-press the home button or navigation bar and circle the code.
  • iPhone: on recent iOS versions, open the image in Photos and touch and hold the code, or tap the Live Text button to see the link.
  • On a computer: in Chrome, right-click the image and choose Search with Google Lens.

QR code not scanning? Try these fixes

ProblemFix
Nothing happensMove back a little so the whole code, including its white border, is in view. Clean the lens.
Glare or reflectionsTilt the phone or the paper slightly; avoid direct light on glossy prints.
Too small or far awayMove closer. Printed codes should be about one-tenth as wide as the scanning distance.
Low contrast or inverted coloursSome phones struggle with light codes on dark backgrounds — try Google Lens.
"No usable data found"The code may be damaged or badly made. Ask the owner for the link.

Scan safely

Before you tap, read the link your camera shows and check it's the website you expect. Never enter a UPI PIN to receive money, and be careful with codes stuck on top of other codes. Read our guide to QR code scams and quishing.

Want to make your own?

You can create a QR code for a link, Wi-Fi network, contact card or payment in under a minute — free, with no signup — or use our Android app to create codes on the go.

Make yours now — free, no signup

Live preview, your colours and logo, PNG / SVG / PDF download.

Create a QR code free

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an app to scan QR codes?

No. Modern iPhones and Android phones scan QR codes with the built-in Camera app or Google Lens.

How do I scan a QR code that is on my own phone screen?

Take a screenshot, then open it with Google Lens (Android) or in Photos and touch and hold the code (iPhone).

Can I scan a QR code on a laptop?

Yes. In Chrome, right-click an image of the code and choose Search with Google Lens, or use your laptop's webcam with a scanner app.

Why won't my camera scan a QR code?

Make sure QR scanning is enabled in camera settings, that the whole code is in frame, and that there's no glare. Very small or low-contrast codes may need Google Lens.