How to Scan QR Code on iPhone

According to a survey by Statista, approximately 11 million households in the US alone scanned a QR Code in 2020. This depicts an increase from 9.76 million scans in 2018. QR codes are becoming a common thing now. Hence, it is essential to be updated on how to use a QR scanner iPhone.

How to enable a QR-code reader on your iPhone?

There are different ways to scan a QR code iPhone, and one of them is through a QR-code reader. To enable it on your iPhone, follow these steps;

  1. Navigate to settings and head on to the Control Center.

  2. Click on Customize Controls.

  3. Tap the plus icon next to the QR Code Reader.

  4. Get back to the Control Center, choose ‘QR Code Reader’.

  5. Finally, focus your camera on the QR Code.

  6. In case you want to add more light, tap the flashlight function.

How to scan QR code on iPhone from camera roll

Scanning QR codes on an iPhone is straightforward. You just need to open up the camera, point it towards the code, and immediately a notification that directs you to take action pops up. But what if you need to scan a code within your iPhone?

  1. Use another phone

It is possible to pull out another phone and scan the barcode to access the vital information.

  1. Use a third-party app

Here are two recommendable third-party apps that can help you;

QR Reader for iPhone- It is the best free QR code reader for iPhone. This is because it is basic, user-friendly, and reads almost every type of QR code. If you find this useful, you can get it from the Apple Store.

QR Code Reader and Barcode Scanner- It is a QR code reader that allows you to save and share QR code scans with synchronisation on iCloud. Besides, you can pair your favorite QR Codes with Apple Watch.

  1. Use Google Photos

Here are the steps to follow;

  1. Install the Google Photos app from the App Store.

  2. Open the app and permit it to access your Camera Roll.

  3. Once all the images in the app appear, select the one with the QR code. This app has an in-built Google Lens that recognizes objects such as QR codes from any photo.

Scanning QR Codes with iPhone 11,12 and 13

  • Through the camera

The following are steps on how to use a QR code on iPhone through the camera;

  1. Open the camera app on your iPhone - Locate the camera on the home page, usually at the bottom right corner of the device.

  2. Hold the camera to see the QR code reflected on the screen - Once the camera is on, hold it well to allow the QR code to be visible. However, you don't need to hit the shutter button because your iPhone will automatically recognize the QR code. You will also receive an on-screen notification. Also, have a mobile signal or connect your phone to WiFi for it to work.

  3. Tap on the notification - Tap on the notification that appears on your screen to get to the QR code destination. It can be a website, app, or your phone's feature.

However, if your iPhone camera doesn’t read QR codes, take the following steps to turn on QR code on iPhone;

  1. Open the setting app from your home screen.

  2. Scroll down and select camera

  3. Then, navigate to ‘Scan QR Codes’ and enable it by ensuring the switch is green in color.

  • Through wallet app

The wallet app allows you to scan and save particular QR codes, such as those used to get access to an event or verify boarding passes. Therefore, it is safe to scan QR codes that you need later on. To enable QR code scanning iPhone through the wallet app, follow these steps;

  1. Open the app

  2. Choose ‘Scan Code’ at the bottom of the page in blue.

  3. Focus your camera on the QR Code to ensure it fits within the square.

  4. If the QR code can’t be saved, you will receive a notification saying ‘No Pass Available for This Code’.

  5. If the code can be saved, click on the plus button at the top right of the screen and select ‘Scan Code to Add a Pass.’