How to Scan a QR Code on Any Phone (iPhone or Android)

You’re at a restaurant. The waiter points to a laminated card that says, “Scan for menu.” You fumble with your phone, unsure what to open or where to tap. Sound familiar?You’re not alone. QR codes are everywhere:  posters, packages, pay screens, and even public restrooms. But for something so common, many people still aren’t sure how to actually scan QR codes.

Most iPhones and Androids can do this without needing a third-party app. If that doesn’t work, Google Lens can help.

While scanning a QR code is simple, knowing the right method and avoiding the wrong links makes all the difference. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to scan a QR code on any device and how to stay safe while scanning.

We’ll also cover the most common QR code use cases, as well as how you can create custom, trackable codes using QR code generator software.

How does QR scanning fit into everyday life?

QR codes have become a part of the default way people navigate the world. They show up at moments when users need to act quickly: to access information, make a payment, connect to something, or move from the physical world to a digital one without slowing down.

Here’s where QR codes are most useful:

• Dining: Scan to view menus, order from your phone, or split the bill, all without touching shared menus or flagging down a server. QR codes save time and keep interactions contactless, particularly in fast-casual or high-turnover environments.
• Retail: In-store signs and product packaging often feature QR codes that link to reviews, comparison charts, or video demonstrations. They help shoppers make faster, more confident buying decisions for products that need context or explanation.
• Events and travel: Boarding passes, venue tickets, check-in confirmations, vaccine records, and QR codes make all of these accessible without the need for printing or digging through emails. One scan verifies your status and allows you to proceed through the line.
• Payments: Whether it’s a coffee shop, food truck, donation box, or parking meter, scan-to-pay options eliminate hardware, speed up checkout, and offer a more hygienic experience. In some countries, QR payments are the norm.
• WiFi access: In public spaces like hotels, coworking spots, or conference venues, QR codes let people connect without typing long passwords or asking for help.
• Advertising and packaging: Brands use QR codes to bridge offline and online experiences, like scanning a poster to watch a trailer, scanning packaging to register a product, or scanning a receipt to claim a reward. It turns static materials into clickable experiences.

How do I scan a QR code on an iPhone?

If you’re using an iPhone with iOS 11 or later, scanning a QR code is built into your everyday camera; no app, no fuss. Whether it’s a restaurant menu, product label, payment screen, or a flyer taped to a wall, all you need to do is open your camera and point.

What are the steps to scan a QR code on an iPhone?

Scanning a QR code on an iPhone is a fast and intuitive process. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Camera app from your home screen or lock screen.
2. Point the camera at the QR code, ensuring the entire code is visible in the frame.
3. Hold steady, your iPhone will detect the code automatically.
4. A yellow banner will appear on your screen.
5. Tap the banner to follow the link or complete the action.

That’s it. No need to press the shutter, no need to download a scanner app. The system uses on-device intelligence to recognize the code and prompt you to take action.

How do I scan a QR code on my Android device?

QR code scanning is built into most modern Android phones, but depending on your device and software version, the experience may vary slightly. Some phones recognize QR codes instantly through the default camera app. Others may need to use visual search through Google Lens or a browser like Chrome.

Still, the core process is simple and consistent across brands.

What are the steps to scan a QR code on Android?

1. Open the Camera app (from your home screen or lock screen).
2. Point the camera at the QR code, keeping it centered and fully in view.
3. Wait for a prompt to appear on the screen.
4. Tap the prompt to open the link, app, or action.

You don’t need to press the shutter here either. The visual recognition detects the code automatically and surfaces the correct action.

What are other ways to scan a QR code?

Sometimes you’re not scanning a printed code, you’re scanning one on a screen, in an email, or from a screenshot. If the camera doesn’t work or you’re working with saved images, these methods are reliable across devices.

1. Use Google Lens (Android or iOS)

Google Lens is one of the most accurate and flexible QR scanning tools available. It's often built directly into Android camera apps, and also accessible via the Google app and browser.

To scan a QR code using Google Lens:

• Open the Google app or tap the Lens icon in your Camera or Search bar
• Point it at the QR code or tap on a saved image
• Tap the link that appears at the bottom of the screen

On iPhone: Install the Google app to access Lens, or open Google in your browser. It's helpful if the native camera struggles with QR detection.

2. Scan from a photo or screenshot

If someone sends you a QR code digitally in a text, email, PDF, or social post, you don’t need to print it. You can scan it directly from your phone.

On Android:

• Open the image in Google Photos
• Tap the Lens icon
  
• Tap the link that appears

On iPhone (iOS 15+):

• Open the image in the Photos app
• Tap the Live Text icon (bottom right)
• If the QR code is recognized, a link will appear

This method is useful for scanning QR codes shared via screenshots or digital documents, with no second device required.

Is it always safe to scan a QR code?

Most QR codes are perfectly safe, but like any digital entry point, they can be misused. Because scanning a code automatically opens a link or triggers an action, attackers can exploit it to direct users to fake websites, phishing pages, or malware downloads. This tactic is often referred to as “quishing” or QR phishing.

You’re most at risk when scanning a code from an untrusted or public source, like a flyer, poster, or sticker in a place where anyone could swap out the original.

How to scan QR codes safely

You don’t need to avoid QR codes, just approach them like you would any unknown link. A few smart habits can protect you from scams and help you avoid bad outcomes.

Here’s how to scan QR codes safely, without overthinking it:

• Preview the link before you tap. Both iPhone and Android show a banner or notification with the destination URL before opening it. Take one second to scan the link: does it look legitimate? Watch out for misspelled domains, strange subdomains, or anything that seems off.
• Only scan codes from trusted sources. A code at your favorite restaurant is probably safe. A QR sticker randomly placed on a bus stop or power pole? Maybe not. Attackers can print fake codes and place them over real ones in public.
• Be extra cautious with payment-related QR codes. Never scan a code to “pay a bill” from an email or text you didn’t expect, even if it looks official. Fake payment pages are one of the most common forms of QR phishing.
• Don’t scan codes from suspicious emails or messages. If the message feels rushed, urgent, or off-brand, treat it like any phishing attempt. Just because it’s in QR form doesn’t make it safe.
• Use mobile security tools if you scan often. Some antivirus or mobile security apps offer QR code scanning features that detect malicious links before they open.
• If in doubt, don’t scan. When a code seems out of place or feels sketchy, skip it. There's rarely a good reason to scan something you don’t trust.

Frequently asked questions about scanning QR codes

Got more questions? We have the answers.

Q1. How do I scan a QR code on Android without an app?

If your phone runs Android 9 or later, you can scan QR codes directly through the Camera app. Just point your camera at the code and tap the pop-up. If it doesn't work, try using Google Lens, which is available in the Camera app or the Google app.

Q2. Does every phone camera support scanning QR codes?

Most newer smartphones do. iPhones running iOS 11+ and Android phones with version 9+ usually support QR scanning by default. Older models may require the use of Google Lens or other scanning tools.

Q3. Do my iPhone's settings need to be changed to scan QR codes?

Usually not. QR scanning is enabled by default on iOS 11 and up. To be sure, go to Settings > Camera and make sure “Scan QR Codes” is turned on.

Q4. Can I scan QR codes from images, screenshots, or websites?

Yes. Use Google Lens on Android or Live Text on iPhones to scan codes from saved images or screenshots. This is particularly useful for QR codes sent via email, text, or included in PDFs.

Q5. How can I verify that a QR code is trustworthy?

Always preview the URL before tapping; both iOS and Android show it on screen. Avoid scanning random codes in public or those tied to payments unless you’re sure of the source. If something looks off, don’t follow through.

Q6. What should I do if my phone camera doesn’t recognize QR codes?

Try adjusting your distance, cleaning the lens, or improving the lighting. Restart the camera app or check that QR scanning is enabled in settings. If it still doesn't work, switch to a QR scanner app.

Q7. What happens after I scan a QR code?

Usually, it opens a webpage, but it can also trigger actions such as launching an app, connecting to WiFi, playing a video, or initiating a payment. It depends on what the code was designed to do.

Q8. Do QR codes expire?

Static QR codes don’t expire; they contain fixed data. Dynamic codes can expire or be edited, depending on the generator tool used. These are better for tracking and updating campaigns.

Finished scanning?

QR codes have become second nature: scan, tap, done. But learning how they work and how to use them safely turns a passive interaction into something more confident and intentional. You’re no longer just pointing your camera and hoping it works; you understand what to expect, how to troubleshoot, and how to stay safe while doing it.

And if you ever decide to use QR codes yourself, whether for work, events, print, or product packaging, it helps to know which tools can actually deliver on customization and tracking without added complexity.

Explore the top QR code generator tools on G2 to compare features, pros, cons and user reviews.

This article was originally published in 2019. It has been updated with new information.