How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone: 4 Easy Methods (2026)

Need to scan a QR code with your iPhone? You don't need to download any apps - your iPhone has QR code scanning built right in. Here's how to use it.

This guide covers every method to scan QR codes on iPhone, including scanning from screenshots and photos in your camera roll.

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Quick Answer: Scan QR Code with iPhone Camera

The simplest way to scan a QR code on iPhone:

1. Open the Camera app
2. Point your camera at the QR code
3. Tap the notification banner that appears
4. Done - the link opens automatically

That's it. No button to press, no special mode. Just point and tap.

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Method 1: Use the Camera App (Default Method)

Your iPhone's Camera app has had built-in QR scanning since iOS 11 (2017). Here's the step-by-step:

How to Scan a QR Code with iPhone Camera

Step 1: Open the Camera app

Swipe left from your lock screen or tap the Camera icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Point at the QR code

Hold your iPhone so the QR code is visible in the camera frame. You don't need to take a photo.

Step 3: Wait for detection

Your iPhone automatically recognises the QR code. You'll see a yellow box appear around it.

Step 4: Tap the notification

A banner notification appears at the top of the screen showing where the QR code leads (e.g., "Open 'example.com' in Safari").

Step 5: Tap to open

Tap the notification to open the link. Safari launches with the destination.

Tips for Better Scanning

• Hold steady - Keep your hand stable for a second
• Good lighting - QR codes scan faster in bright light
• Right distance - About 6-12 inches works best
• Square up - Point directly at the code, not at an angle

If It's Not Working

Make sure QR code scanning is enabled:

1. Go to Settings > Camera
2. Toggle on Scan QR Codes

This is on by default, but check if you've never used it before.

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Method 2: Use the Code Scanner in Control Center

iOS includes a dedicated Code Scanner that works even better in low light.

How to Add Code Scanner to Control Center

Step 1: Open Settings > Control Center

Step 2: Scroll down to find Code Scanner

Step 3: Tap the green + button to add it

Now you have quick access to a dedicated scanner.

How to Use the Code Scanner

Step 1: Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older iPhones)

Step 2: Tap the Code Scanner icon (looks like a QR code in a viewfinder)

Step 3: Point at the QR code

Step 4: The link opens automatically - no extra tap needed

Why Use Code Scanner Instead of Camera?

The Code Scanner is faster when you need to scan multiple QR codes or when lighting is poor.

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Method 3: Scan a QR Code from a Photo or Screenshot

Got a QR code saved in your Photos app? You can scan it without printing it out.

How to Scan a QR Code from Your Camera Roll

Step 1: Open the photo or screenshot with the QR code

Step 2: Tap and hold on the QR code

Step 3: A menu appears with options

Step 4: Tap Open Link (or the specific action like "Open in Safari")

This works in the Photos app on iOS 15 and later.

Alternative: Use Live Text

For iOS 15+, you can also:

1. Open the photo
2. Look for the Live Text icon (lines in a box) in the corner
3. Tap it to make the QR code interactive
4. Tap the QR code to open the link

What If Neither Method Works?

If your iPhone doesn't recognise the QR code in a photo:

• The image might be too low resolution
• The QR code might be damaged or incomplete
• Try zooming in and taking a screenshot of just the QR code
• Use a QR code reader app as a backup (many free options in the App Store)

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Method 4: Scan QR Codes in Safari and Other Apps

Safari and many other apps can detect QR codes in images on web pages.

How to Scan a QR Code on a Website

Step 1: Find the QR code image on the web page

Step 2: Tap and hold on the QR code image

Step 3: A menu appears

Step 4: Tap Open Link to go to the destination

This works in Safari, Mail, and many third-party apps.

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Common QR Code Types You'll Encounter

QR codes can do more than just open websites. Here's what to expect:

URL/Website

Most common. Tapping opens Safari to the destination website.

Contact Card (vCard)

Opens the Contacts app with pre-filled information. Tap Save to add to your contacts.

Wi-Fi Network

Automatically connects you to a Wi-Fi network. You'll see a prompt to join.

Phone Number

Opens the Phone app ready to call the number.

Email Address

Opens Mail with a new message to that address.

App Store Link

Opens the App Store to download an app.

Digital Business Cards

Opens a profile page with contact info, social links, and more. For example, scanning a Parsley QR code opens a rich profile where you can save the person's contact with one tap.

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Scanning QR Codes for Business Cards

QR codes are increasingly popular on business cards. Here's what happens when you scan one:

Traditional Business Card QR Codes

Old-style QR codes typically contain just basic vCard data:

• Name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Company

You tap to add these details to your contacts.

Modern Digital Business Card QR Codes

Platforms like Parsley create QR codes that link to a full digital profile:

When you scan a digital business card QR code, you get a rich profile page instead of just a contact card. Much more useful for networking.

Create your own: Get a free digital business card with QR code at parsley.id

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Troubleshooting: QR Code Won't Scan

Problem: Nothing Happens When I Point at QR Code

Solutions:

1. Check Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes is ON
2. Make sure you're in Photo mode (not Video)
3. Clean your camera lens
4. Try better lighting
5. Move closer or further from the code

Problem: QR Code Is Too Small

If the QR code is tiny (like on a product label):

1. Get as close as possible while keeping focus
2. Make sure lighting is bright
3. Hold very steady
4. If still too small, take a photo and zoom in on it

Problem: QR Code Is Damaged or Blurry

QR codes have error correction built in, but there are limits:

• If more than ~30% is damaged, it won't scan
• Try different angles to reduce glare
• If printed, smooth out any wrinkles

Problem: Camera App Crashes

If your Camera app keeps crashing:

1. Force close the app (swipe up from app switcher)
2. Restart your iPhone
3. Update to the latest iOS
4. Use the Code Scanner in Control Center instead

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QR Code Security: What to Watch For

Not all QR codes are safe. Here's how to protect yourself:

Before You Scan

• Who made it? Only scan QR codes from trusted sources
• Does it look tampered with? Watch for stickers placed over original codes
• Public vs. private? Be extra cautious with random QR codes in public places

After You Scan

• Check the URL before tapping Open
• Look for HTTPS on any website asking for information
• Don't enter passwords on sites reached via unknown QR codes
• Be wary of downloads - QR codes shouldn't ask you to install apps

Red Flags

• QR code leads to a shortened URL you don't recognise
• Asks for personal information immediately
• Prompts you to download something
• URL doesn't match the expected company

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QR Codes on Your iPhone: Beyond Scanning

Now that you know how to scan QR codes, consider having your own.

Why You Might Need a QR Code

• Networking - Share your contact info instantly
• Business cards - Add a QR code linking to your profile
• Event check-ins - Many events use QR codes for tickets
• Payment - Apple Pay and many apps use QR codes

Creating Your Own QR Code

For business networking, a digital business card with a built-in QR code is the easiest option:

1. Create a profile at parsley.id
2. Add your details - contact info, links, photos
3. Get your QR code - save it or add to Apple Wallet
4. Share anywhere - show on screen, print on cards, add to email signature

Unlike static QR codes, a digital business card QR code links to a profile you can update anytime. Change your phone number? The same QR code now shows your new number.

Create your free digital business card →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I scan a QR code on iPhone without an app?

Use the built-in Camera app. Open Camera, point at the QR code, and tap the notification that appears. No app download required - this feature is built into iOS 11 and later.

Why won't my iPhone scan QR codes?

First, check Settings > Camera and make sure "Scan QR Codes" is turned on. If it's on but still not working, try cleaning your camera lens, improving lighting, or using the dedicated Code Scanner in Control Center.

How do I scan a QR code from a picture on my iPhone?

Open the photo in the Photos app, tap and hold on the QR code, then select "Open Link" from the menu. This works on iOS 15 and later.

Can I scan a QR code from my iPhone screen?

Not directly - you can't scan something on the same screen you're scanning with. Take a screenshot, send the image to another device, or use a Mac/iPad to scan the iPhone screen.

What's the best way to scan business card QR codes?

Use your Camera app as normal. If it's a digital business card (like from Parsley), you'll get a full profile page instead of just contact data. Tap "Save Contact" to add them to your contacts.

Is it safe to scan any QR code?

Not always. Scan QR codes from trusted sources only. Before opening, check that the URL looks legitimate. Be especially careful with QR codes in public places or that ask for personal information.

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Summary: Scan QR Codes on iPhone

Your iPhone makes QR code scanning effortless:

• Camera app - Point and tap for most situations
• Code Scanner - Add to Control Center for faster scanning
• Photos app - Scan QR codes from screenshots and images
• Safari - Tap and hold QR code images on websites

No app required. Works on all iPhones running iOS 11 or later.

And if you're frequently sharing your own contact info, consider getting a digital business card with a built-in QR code - it's the fastest way to network.

Get your free QR code business card →

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Last updated: January 2026