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

George El-Hage 🔗 LinkedIn

Founder, Wave Connect | 1M+ digital business cards shared via Wave

I work with QR codes every single day - they're how most people share and receive digital business cards. This guide is based on real-world testing across every iPhone model since the iPhone 5S.

Wondering how to scan a QR code on iPhone? Good news - your iPhone already has everything you need built in. No app download required. Just open the Camera app, point it at the code, and tap the notification that appears.

In this guide, I'll walk you through all four ways to scan QR codes on iPhone, including a trick for scanning codes from screenshots. I'll also cover what to do when scanning doesn't work and how to stay safe. Let's get into it.

How to Scan a QR Code with Your iPhone Camera

Open the Camera app, point it at a QR code, and tap the yellow notification banner that appears. That's it. Works on any iPhone running iOS 11 or later (iPhone 5S and newer). No extra apps, no special settings - the Camera app detects QR codes automatically and shows you the link before you tap it.

Here's the step-by-step:

1. Open the Camera app - tap the Camera icon on your home screen or swipe left from the lock screen
2. Point at the QR code - keep it centered in the frame, about 6-12 inches away
3. Wait 1-2 seconds - you'll see a yellow detection box appear around the code
4. Tap the notification banner - it'll show the URL so you can see where it goes before tapping

This is the method I use 90% of the time. It's fast, it's reliable, and you don't have to think about it. The Camera app is already right there on your lock screen and home screen.

How to Scan QR Codes from the Control Center

Add the Code Scanner to your Control Center for one-swipe access to a dedicated QR scanner - no need to open the Camera app first. This method also has a built-in flashlight toggle, which makes it better than the Camera app for scanning in low-light situations like dimly lit restaurants or parking garages.

Here's how to set it up (one-time setup):

1. Go to Settings > Control Center
2. Tap the + next to "Code Scanner" (you might need to scroll down to find it)
3. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center
4. Tap the Code Scanner icon (looks like a QR code inside a viewfinder)
5. Point at the QR code and it scans instantly

I use this when I'm already in another app and don't want to switch to Camera first. Swipe down, tap, scan, done. The flashlight button in the bottom-left corner is a lifesaver when you're trying to scan a code on a product label in bad lighting.

How to Scan a QR Code from a Photo or Screenshot

On iOS 15 and later, you can scan QR codes from any saved photo or screenshot using the Live Text feature. Open the image in Photos, and either tap the Live Text icon in the bottom-right corner or long-press directly on the QR code. Your iPhone recognizes the code and lets you open the link without pointing your camera at anything.

Two ways to do this:

Method 1: Live Text Icon

1. Open the Photos app and select the image with the QR code
2. Tap the Live Text icon in the bottom-right corner (looks like lines inside a rounded square)
3. The QR code becomes tappable - tap it and Safari opens the link

Method 2: Long Press

1. Open the photo containing the QR code
2. Tap and hold directly on the QR code in the image
3. A popup appears with the URL - tap "Open in Safari"

This is super handy when someone sends you a QR code via text message, email, or social media. Instead of holding one phone up to another phone's screen (we've all done that awkward dance), just screenshot it and scan from Photos.

For a deeper dive on this, check out our full guide on how to scan a QR code from a picture - it covers Android methods too.

How to Scan QR Codes with the Wallet App

The Wallet app can scan QR codes specifically designed for event tickets, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and membership passes. Open Wallet, tap the + button in the top-right corner, then select "Scan Code." Your iPhone scans the QR code and adds the pass directly to your Wallet.

One important thing: this only works for Wallet-compatible passes (pkpass format). It won't scan a regular website QR code or a Wi-Fi login code. For those, stick with the Camera or Control Center methods above.

I use this mostly at airports and concerts. If someone emails you a boarding pass or event ticket with a QR code, you can scan it into Wallet so it's ready to go when you need it - no digging through emails.

Lock Screen Quick Access (Bonus Tip)

You can scan a QR code without even unlocking your iPhone. Swipe left from the lock screen to open the Camera instantly, then point it at the code. The notification banner appears and you can tap it to open the link - all without entering your passcode or using Face ID first.

This is the fastest method when someone shows you a QR code to scan in person. No unlocking, no finding apps - just swipe and point. I use this probably 10 times a week at coffee shops, networking events, and trade shows.

What Happens After You Scan a QR Code

When you scan a QR code on iPhone, a notification banner shows the destination link before you tap it. Tap the banner and Safari opens the content - this could be a website, a contact card, a Wi-Fi network login, an app download, or a digital business card profile. Your iPhone handles each type of content differently depending on what the QR code contains.

Here's what happens for each type:

• Website URL - Opens in Safari (most common)
• Contact card (vCard) - Prompts you to add the person to your Contacts
• Wi-Fi network - Shows a popup asking if you want to join the network
• Digital business card - Opens a profile page in Safari where you can save the person's contact info, view their links, and connect on LinkedIn. For example, scanning a QR code on a business card opens the card owner's full digital profile - no app needed on either end
• App download - Opens the App Store to the app's page
• Calendar event - Prompts you to add the event to your Calendar

QR codes are used for a huge range of things these days. If you're curious about all the ways people use them, here's a list of practical QR code use cases beyond just opening links.

Troubleshooting: Why Your iPhone Won't Scan QR Codes

If your iPhone won't scan a QR code, the most common fix is toggling the QR scanner back on in Settings. Go to Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes and make sure it's enabled. If that's already on, the issue is usually distance, lighting, or a damaged code. Here are the six most common problems and how to fix each one.

1. QR scanning is turned off - Go to Settings > Camera and toggle "Scan QR Codes" ON. This gets accidentally turned off more often than you'd think.
2. Your iPhone is too old - QR scanning requires iOS 11 or later (iPhone 5S and newer). If your phone doesn't support iOS 11, you'll need a third-party scanner app from the App Store.
3. Poor lighting - Your camera needs decent light to read the code. Move to a brighter area, or use the Control Center scanner which has a built-in flashlight toggle.
4. Camera lens is dirty or smudged - Sounds obvious, but it's a common culprit. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth and try again.
5. You're too close or too far - Hold your phone about 6-12 inches from the code. If the code is tiny (like on a product label), move closer. If it's large (like on a poster), step back so the whole code fits in the frame.
6. The QR code is damaged or low quality - If the code is torn, faded, heavily pixelated, or partially covered, it may not scan. Try a different angle. If it still doesn't work, the code itself might be broken.

If you've tried everything and it still won't scan, restart your iPhone. A quick restart clears minor software glitches that can interfere with the camera. Hold the power button + volume down, slide to power off, then turn it back on.

QR Code Safety Tips for iPhone Users

Always check the URL preview before tapping - your iPhone shows you where the QR code leads before you open it. This is your first line of defense. If the URL looks suspicious, unfamiliar, or doesn't match what you'd expect, don't tap it. Legitimate QR codes for things like menus, business cards, and event check-ins open in your browser - they don't ask you to install anything.

• Check the URL preview - Your iPhone shows the link destination before you tap. Look for HTTPS and a recognizable domain name.
• Be cautious with random QR codes - Stickers slapped over existing QR codes in public places can be phishing attempts. If a QR code on a parking meter or poster looks like it was pasted over the original, skip it.
• Never install anything from a QR code - Legitimate businesses don't use QR codes to install software. If scanning a code triggers a download prompt, close it immediately.
• Stick to trusted sources - QR codes at restaurants, on official event materials, on professional business cards, and in stores are generally safe. Random QR codes on telephone poles or bathroom stalls? Maybe not. 😬