Almost every modern phone can scan a QR code with the built-in camera — no app needed. The tricky cases are codes inside screenshots, codes on a computer screen, and codes that simply refuse to scan. Here's how to handle all of them.
Scan a QR code on iPhone
- Open the Camera app.
- Point it at the QR code and hold steady for a second.
- Tap the yellow link banner that appears.
Nothing happening? Go to Settings → Camera and make sure Scan QR Codes is on. You can also add the Code Scanner to Control Center for one-swipe access.
Scan a QR code on Android
It depends on the phone, but one of these always works:
- Camera app — most Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi and OPPO phones read QR codes directly in the camera.
- Google Lens — open the Google app and tap the camera icon in the search bar.
- Quick Settings — swipe down from the top; many phones have a "Scan QR code" tile.
Scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo
Someone sent you a QR code in a message. How do you scan it when it's already on your phone?
- iPhone: open the image in Photos, then long-press the code and tap the link.
- Android: open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens.
- Any device: upload the image to RubyQR's online QR scanner — it reads codes from images right in the browser.
Scan a QR code on a computer
Laptops don't have a rear camera, but you still have options:
- Use your webcam with the browser-based QR scanner.
- Or take a screenshot of the code and upload the image instead.
QR code won't scan? Try this
- Wipe the lens. A fingerprint smudge is the #1 cause.
- Move closer or further away. The whole code must fit in the frame.
- Fix the light. Avoid glare; tilt the phone if the code is printed on glossy material.
- Try a different app. If the camera fails, try Google Lens.
- The code may be broken. Printed too small, low contrast, or missing the white border — no app can read it. See our guide to QR code sizes for print.
Be careful with unknown QR codes
A QR code can lead to a phishing page that looks exactly like your bank. After scanning, check the web address before typing anything, and never enter passwords or one-time codes from a QR code stuck on a public wall.
Want to make your own? Create a free QR code for a link, WiFi network, business card and more.