On iPhone
- Open the Camera app (iOS 11 or later).
- Point the rear camera at the QR code and hold steady for a second.
- Tap the yellow link or notification that appears.
Alternative: add the Code Scanner to Control Center (Settings → Control Center) for a dedicated scanner that's quick to reach.
From a screenshot or photo: open the image in the Photos app and touch and hold the QR code, or tap the Live Text button, on recent iOS versions.
On Android
- Open the Camera app. Many phones scan QR codes automatically; on some, you need to tap a Lens or scan icon.
- Point it at the code and tap the link that appears.
Other ways: use Google Lens (in the Google app or search bar), or the Scan QR code tile in Quick Settings on newer Android versions. Samsung phones also have a QR scanner in the camera and in Quick Settings.
From a screenshot or photo: open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens.
On a computer, or from any image
Use our free scan QR code from image tool. Upload, drag or paste a screenshot, and it shows what's inside — and where a link goes — without opening anything automatically.
QR code won't scan?
- Clean the lens and add more light. Avoid glare on glossy surfaces.
- Move closer or further so the code fills about a third of the screen.
- Hold the phone straight, not at a steep angle.
- Check your settings: on some Android phones, QR scanning must be turned on in the camera settings.
- Try Google Lens or a scanner app if the camera won't react.
- The code may be faulty — too small, too low-contrast, or missing its blank margin. See our size guide.
Scan safely
Look at the link preview before tapping it. Be cautious with codes on stickers in public places, codes asking you to log in or pay, and any code that claims you need to scan to receive money. More in QR code scams and how to avoid them.