DEVICE GUIDE

How to scan a QR code on iPhone

Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later can scan a QR code without downloading another app. Use the Camera app for a code in front of you, or choose a photo-based option for a code already saved on the phone.

Use the Camera app

Open Camera in Photo mode and point it at the QR code so the whole square is inside the frame. A banner appears with the decoded link or action. Tap the banner to continue; you do not need to take a photo or press the shutter button.

Use Control Center

For frequent scanning, add the Code Scanner control in Settings ? Control Center. Open Control Center, tap the Code Scanner icon, and point the iPhone at the code. It opens a focused scanner without using the full Camera app.

Scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo

When the code is in an email, message, or screenshot on the same iPhone, the camera cannot point at it easily. Open the image in Photos and try Live Text, which can recognise a clear QR code. If you want to review the decoded address before opening it, upload the screenshot to scan QR instead.

If scanning is not working

Check that Scan QR Codes is enabled in Settings ? Camera. Clean the lens, use even lighting, and hold the phone steady with the code taking up a good part of the screen. If it still fails, take a sharper photo and upload the clearest copy you have.