QR codes have become a part of daily life—whether you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, accessing a restaurant menu, making digital payments, or visiting a website. The good news is that you don’t need to install any third-party apps to scan QR codes on your iPhone. Apple already provides built-in tools that make scanning quick, secure, and hassle-free.
In this guide, you’ll learn every method to scan QR codes on an iPhone, how to enable the feature, and what to do if it’s not working.
Why You Don’t Need QR Code Apps on iPhone
iPhones come with QR code scanning baked directly into:
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The Camera app
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The Control Center (via Code Scanner)
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Photos app (for scanning saved images)
These built-in tools are fast, safe, and work instantly—no ads, no extra downloads.
Method 1: Scan QR Codes Using the Camera App (Fastest Method)
This is the default and most convenient way.
Step-by-step:
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Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
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Point the camera at the QR code.
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Hold your phone steady for 1–2 seconds.
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A notification banner will appear at the top of the screen.
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Tap the banner to open the link, Wi-Fi network, contact info, or action attached to the QR code.
Tip: The QR code doesn’t need to fill the whole screen—just make sure it’s clearly visible.
Method 2: Use the Built-In Code Scanner from Control Center
iPhones also include a special Code Scanner tool designed just for scanning QR codes.
Here’s how to access it:
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Open Settings → Control Center.
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Scroll down and tap the + next to Code Scanner to add it.
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Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up on older iPhones) to open the Control Center.
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Tap the Code Scanner icon.
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Point your camera at the QR code and scan.
Why this method is useful:
It opens a dedicated scanning interface with better readability and a cleaner view.
Method 3: Scan QR Codes from Photos Stored on Your iPhone
If someone sent you a QR code via WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, or email, you can scan it directly from the Photos app.
Steps:
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Open the Photos app.
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Select the image containing the QR code.
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Look for the yellow detection brackets around the QR code.
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Tap the Scan QR Code or link that appears at the bottom.
This method is perfect for digital tickets, online coupons, and saved QR code images.
Method 4: Use Live Text to Scan QR Codes
Apple’s Live Text feature can detect QR codes just like it detects text.
How to use it:
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Open Camera or Photos.
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Hover over or open the image containing the QR code.
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Tap the Live Text icon (looks like three lines in a box).
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Select the QR code action that appears.
How to Enable QR Code Scanning on iPhone (If It’s Not Working)
If your camera isn’t scanning QR codes, the feature may be disabled.
Turn QR scanning ON:
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Open Settings.
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Scroll down and tap Camera.
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Turn on Scan QR Codes.
Once enabled, scanning should work instantly.
Troubleshooting: QR Code Not Scanning? Try These Fixes
If your iPhone still won’t scan QR codes, try the following solutions:
✔ Improve lighting
Poor lighting makes the QR code harder to read.
✔ Clean your camera lens
A smudged lens can prevent auto-focus.
✔ Hold the phone steady
Pause for a moment until the camera detects it.
✔ Make sure the QR code isn’t damaged
Try scanning another one to test.
✔ Restart the Camera app
Swipe up and re-open it.
✔ Update iOS
Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I scan QR codes without opening the Camera app?
Yes, by using Control Center → Code Scanner.
2. Does iPhone scan QR codes automatically?
Yes. The Camera app will detect a QR code without pressing anything.
3. Can iPhone scan QR codes on a computer screen?
Absolutely. Point the camera at the screen—it works the same.
4. What iPhones support QR code scanning?
All iPhones running iOS 11 or later support it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need any extra apps to scan QR codes on an iPhone. Whether you use the Camera app, the Photos app, or the built-in Code Scanner, the process is fast, secure, and incredibly easy.
