How to Scan QR Code on iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Scanning QR codes on your iPhone is easier than ever. Whether you're accessing a restaurant menu, connecting to Wi-Fi, or making a payment, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to scan QR codes on any iPhone model running iOS 11 or later.

The fastest 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 that appears at the top of your screen

That's it! Your iPhone's built-in camera can scan QR codes without any additional apps. Keep reading for detailed instructions, alternative methods, and troubleshooting tips.

The Camera app is the simplest and most convenient way to scan QR codes on your iPhone. This feature works on all iPhones running iOS 11 or later.

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone

   • Find the Camera icon on your home screen or swipe left from the lock screen
   • Make sure you're in Photo mode (the default camera mode)

2. Position the QR code in the viewfinder

   • Hold your iPhone steady
   • Make sure the entire QR code is visible within the frame
   • The QR code should be well-lit and not blurry

3. Wait for automatic detection

   • Your iPhone will automatically recognize the QR code
   • A yellow notification banner will appear at the top of the screen
   • The notification will show a preview of the QR code's content

4. Tap the notification to open

   • Tap the yellow banner to perform the action
   • This might open a website, add a contact, connect to Wi-Fi, or perform other actions

• Ensure good lighting for faster detection
• Hold your phone 6-12 inches from the QR code
• Keep the camera steady to avoid blur
• Clean your camera lens if having trouble scanning

iOS includes a dedicated QR code scanner in the Control Center that offers additional features and a more focused scanning experience.

1. Open Settings > Control Center
2. Scroll down to find Code Scanner under "More Controls"
3. Tap the green + button to add it to your Control Center
4. You can drag to rearrange its position in Control Center

1. Open Control Center

   • iPhone X and later: Swipe down from the top-right corner
   • iPhone 8 and earlier: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen

2. Tap the Code Scanner icon (looks like a QR code)

3. Scan your QR code

   • The scanner opens with a focused viewfinder
   • Position the QR code within the frame
   • The scanner will automatically read and process the code

4. Follow the action prompt

   • The scanner will display the content and ask for confirmation
   • Tap to proceed with the action

• Works even when your phone is locked
• Dedicated interface with better focus
• Built-in flashlight toggle for dark environments
• Shows scan history (recent scans)

Did you know you can scan QR codes that are already saved in your Photos app? This is perfect for screenshots or photos containing QR codes.

1. Open the Photos app
2. Find the photo containing the QR code
3. Press and hold on the QR code in the image
4. Tap the action that appears in the popup menu

1. Open the photo with the QR code
2. Look for the Live Text icon (square with lines) in the bottom-right
3. Tap it to activate Live Text
4. The QR code will be highlighted - tap to perform the action

While the built-in options are sufficient for most users, some third-party apps offer additional features:

• QR Code Reader by Scan: Simple interface with history tracking
• QR Reader for iPhone: Fast scanning with batch processing
• Scanbot: Advanced features including document scanning

• Need to scan multiple codes quickly
• Want detailed scan history and analytics
• Require advanced features like batch scanning
• Need to generate QR codes on your device

If your iPhone isn't scanning QR codes, try these solutions:

Sometimes QR scanning might be disabled. Here's how to check:

1. Go to Settings > Camera
2. Make sure Scan QR Codes is turned ON (green toggle)
3. Restart the Camera app and try again

• QR scanning requires iOS 11 or later
• Go to Settings > General > About to check your version
• Update if necessary: Settings > General > Software Update

• Better lighting: Move to a well-lit area or turn on the flashlight
• Clean the lens: Wipe your camera lens with a soft cloth
• Steady hands: Rest your phone or elbows on a surface
• Distance: Try moving closer or further from the QR code

• Ensure the QR code isn't damaged or partially obscured
• If it's on a screen, increase the screen brightness
• For printed codes, ensure they're not too small or blurry

If all else fails:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
3. This won't delete your data but will reset system settings

Create automated workflows triggered by QR codes:

1. Open the Shortcuts app
2. Create a new shortcut with QR scanning as the trigger
3. Add actions to perform when specific QR codes are scanned

• Long-press QR codes on websites to scan them directly
• Safari can generate QR codes for any webpage (Share menu > Create QR Code)

For users with visual impairments:

• VoiceOver announces QR code content before opening
• Zoom feature helps with small QR codes
• Speak Screen can read QR code content aloud

Your iPhone can automatically handle various QR code types:

• Opens directly in Safari or your default browser
• Shows preview of the website URL before opening

• Automatically fills in network name and password
• One tap to connect without typing credentials

• Adds contact details directly to your Contacts app
• Includes name, phone, email, and address

• Creates events in your Calendar app
• Includes date, time, location, and description

• Opens Mail app with pre-filled recipient, subject, and body

• Opens Messages app with number and text ready to send

• Works with Apple Pay and other payment apps
• Always verify the recipient before confirming payment

• Opens specific apps or the App Store for download

While QR codes are generally safe, follow these best practices:

• Check the notification preview before tapping
• Be suspicious of shortened URLs or unfamiliar domains
• Look for HTTPS (secure) websites

• Only scan QR codes from trusted sources
• Be cautious with QR codes in public places
• Verify payment QR codes show the correct recipient

• Unexpected download prompts
• Requests for personal information
• Login pages that look suspicious
• Payment requests from unknown sources

• Keep iOS updated for latest security patches
• Use Face ID/Touch ID for payment confirmations
• Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts

Yes! Since iOS 11, all iPhones can scan QR codes using the built-in Camera app. No additional apps are required for basic QR code scanning.

The most common reasons are: QR scanning is disabled in Camera settings, poor lighting conditions, dirty camera lens, or the QR code is damaged. Check Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes is enabled.

Yes, use the Control Center Code Scanner which has a built-in flashlight toggle. Alternatively, turn on your iPhone's flashlight before using the Camera app.

Open the screenshot in Photos, press and hold on the QR code, then tap the action that appears. This works on iOS 15 and later with Live Text feature.

Be cautious with unknown QR codes. Always preview the destination before opening and avoid scanning codes that lead to suspicious websites or request personal information.

The built-in scanner processes one QR code at a time. For batch scanning, you'll need a third-party app designed for multiple code scanning.

QR code scanning works on iPhone 5s and later models running iOS 11 or newer. Older devices need to update iOS or use a third-party app.

Yes, Safari can create QR codes for any webpage (use the Share button), and many third-party apps allow creating custom QR codes for various purposes.

Now that you know how to scan QR codes on your iPhone, why not create your own? MetricQR lets you generate dynamic QR codes that you can track and update anytime.

Benefits of MetricQR:

• Create QR codes for websites, Wi-Fi, contacts, and more
• Track how many times your codes are scanned
• Update destinations without reprinting codes
• Customize designs to match your brand
• Free to start with powerful analytics

Create Your First QR Code Free and see how easy it is to bridge the physical and digital worlds with MetricQR.

Scanning QR codes on your iPhone is incredibly simple with the built-in Camera app or Control Center scanner. Whether you're accessing menus, connecting to Wi-Fi, or making payments, your iPhone has all the tools you need built right in.

Remember these key points:

• The Camera app is the quickest method for most situations
• Control Center scanner offers additional features like flashlight
• You can scan QR codes from photos and screenshots
• Always preview QR destinations for security
• Keep your iOS updated for the best scanning experience

With these methods and tips, you'll be scanning QR codes like a pro in no time!