How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone or Android: Best Guide

by Suresh · Published October 22, 2023 · Updated March 25, 2024

How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone or Android Phones

QR codes, or quick response codes, are barcodes that easily store various information, such as website URLs. You can quickly scan from your smartphone. We quickly accessed it by scanning the QR code. There is a QR code scanner, which helps users get specific information. It is also becoming crucial to know how to scan a QR code.

Table of Contents

What Is QR Code?

Every user wants to know what is QR code. QR codes are convenient because they allow users to quickly find information without typing in a long web address. It is also secure to use a QR code scanner because the user must physically scan the code to access the information. With QR codes, users can quickly and securely access information without having to type in a web address. It is a handy way to store and access data.

In this article, we will discuss the proper method for how to scan QR codes on iPhone or Android, so you can easily get information on how do I scan a QR code.

From candy wrappers to billboards, QR codes are everywhere. You can open a web page, download an app, send a text message, and more by scanning these modern-day barcodes with your smartphone. Restaurants and bars are now leveraging QR codes instead of traditional menus. A QR code can also be used to pay at some stores, so you don’t need to touch anything. Here’s how to scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android phone and what to do when it doesn’t work.

How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone Device

You can scan QR codes on your iPhone by opening the Camera app and pointing your phone at them. On your screen, you can check or make sure the QR code is inside the box. Now you can see the yellow QR code icon or pop-up banner in the bottom-right corner that needs to be tapped. Let us check out the below steps for how to scan QR code iPhone.

Open the Camera on Your iPhone

By swiping left on the lock screen, you can quickly open the camera app. At the top of your screen, you can swipe down and type “Camera” in the search bar.

Scan QR Code

To scan the QR code, point your iPhone at it. Make sure you can see all four corners of the QR code in the app, even if you don’t fill in the entire screen. Upon scanning the QR code correctly, a pop-up banner and yellow QR code icon will appear in the bottom right corner.

Finally, You can tap the QR icon or pop-up banner (these are mentioned) in the right of the bottom corner of the device App. Be sure to understand what the banner does before tapping it. Using it, you can quickly navigate to the website, open the app, or perform another action. Make sure you have the Scan QR Codes feature enabled if you don’t see the banner or QR icon. Scan QR codes can be accessed by going to Settings > Camera. When it is green, you will know it is on.

Taking a picture of the QR code and opening it in the Photos app shows the pop-up banner or QR code icon. You can access Live Text by tapping the three lines on the box icon in the bottom-right corner. You can also see a pop-up banner after tapping the QR code.
It is crucial to use the above steps for how to scan a QR code on an iPhone. Following every step is necessary.

Method to Add the QR Code Scanner Shortcut to Your iPhone

There is a dedicated QR code scanner. You can quickly open a QR code, because it has a built-in button for scanning the code, unlike the Camera app. Therefore, it is often more convenient to scan a QR code on a physical sheet. Here’s how to add this QR code shortcut to your iPhone if you don’t see it:

You can add the QR code icon to your Control Center on iOS by navigating to the Settings app.
You can access the Control Center by clicking here.
Under More Controls, you will find the code reader.
To add it, simply tap on the green plus icon.
By swiping up from the bottom of the screen, you can access it directly from the iOS Control Center whenever you need it.

How to Scan a QR Code on an Android Phone or Device

You can also use the QR code scanner on your Android phone. Here you can get the proper steps for how to scan a QR code Android.
Open the camera app on Android 8 or later to scan a QR code. To do this, point your phone at the QR code and tap the pop-up banner. You can scan the QR code instead if you don’t see the pop-up banner.

Open the Camera on your Android Phone

You can access the Camera app on your Android phone by opening the app. From the bottom of your screen, swipe up to open the camera app. On your home screen, tap the search bar and enter “Camera.” Once the Camera app appears in the search results, you can tap it to open the app. Alternatively, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to access the app launcher and select the Camera app from there.

Scan the QR Code with your Android Phone Device

You can simply indicate your Android phone with the QR code to scan it. The QR code scanner is easily visible from all four corners of the viewfinder. You can see a pop-up banner if you run Android 8 or later. The phone’s camera uses an algorithm to identify and decode the data embedded in the QR code. Once the data is decoded, it is automatically parsed, and the information is displayed in the form of a pop-up banner.

Click on Pop-Up Banner

In the final step, tap the pop-up banner. Tap on the banner to open the app, go to the website, or perform another action immediately. This step is necessary to complete the user’s action, as it is the only way for them to access the app, website, or other action.

Use Google Lens

Google Lens can be used instead if the banner does not appear. There is a lens icon on your screen (which looks like a broken circle inside a broken box). You can also choose Lens by tapping Modes or More in the bottom-right corner of the app. Tap the magnifying glass icon after placing the QR code scanner in the white lines.
On some phones, a multicolored spinning wheel appears when you tap and hold the QR code. A pop-up banner will appear above the QR code. Tap it.

You can enable Google Lens in your camera settings if you don’t see it in your camera app. The app or the general settings on your Android can be used to check your camera settings. To get the most out of Google Lens, turn on its suggestion feature. This option will provide you with helpful recommendations based on what it identifies through the lens.

The Google Lens app can also be downloaded from the Google Play Store. To begin using the app, position the QR code in the center of your camera viewfinder. This will allow the app to scan and access the information it needs to get started. To scan it, tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of your screen.

Your phone might not be compatible with the app if it runs Android 7 or earlier. Google Lens is already available on your Android device. You can find out by pressing the Home button (or the line at the bottom of your screen) until you see the Google Assistant appear. Next, select the microphone icon and say, “Open Google Lens.” Now you can quickly scan the QR codes because all the above points are imperative for how to scan a QR code on Android.

Final Words

You can quickly check the above steps for how to scan a QR code on an iPhone or Android phone. It is imperative to follow all the steps properly, so you can quickly check the QR code scanner. There is a need to follow all the steps accordingly. This type of QR code-based malware is rare, but it is possible, so you should always scan QR codes carefully.

Don’t let anyone scan your code if you don’t trust them, and cancel any download if you don’t expect it. You can approach QR codes with common sense, just like anything else on the internet.