How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone, Android, and From a Screenshot
Your phone is already a QR scanner. Here is where the feature hides on iPhone and Android, and what to do when the code is on the same screen you are holding.
The Scanner Built Into Your Camera
Since iOS 11 and Android 9, the normal camera reads QR codes on its own — no app to install. Point it at the code, hold steady for a second, and a link banner appears. Tap it and you are there.
If nothing shows up, the code is usually too small in the frame. Move closer until it fills about a third of the screen. On some Samsung phones you also have to switch on QR scanning once inside the camera settings.
When the Code Is on Your Own Screen
A camera cannot point at itself, so a code someone texted you needs a different move. On an iPhone, screenshot it, open the image in Photos, and tap the Live Text button to pull out the link. On Android, save the image and open it in Google Photos, then tap Lens.
Google Lens is also the reliable fallback whenever an Android camera refuses to read a code in the wild — open Lens, aim, and it decodes the code along with any text around it.
All 22 QR Code Generators
Explore all 22 specialized QR Code generators to convert websites, WiFi, vCards, documents, social media, payment links, and locations into scannable barcodes.
URL
Redirect to an existing web URL
PDF Document
Link or upload a PDF menu, brochure, or catalog
Plain Text
Encode plain text into a QR Code
Contact
Share contact information instantly
WiFi
Share WiFi credentials via QR Code
Create a pre-filled email QR Code
SMS
Create a pre-filled SMS QR Code
Phone
Make a phone call with one scan
Start a WhatsApp conversation
Social
Link to your social media profile
Location
Share a map location
Event
Create a calendar event QR Code
Crypto
Share cryptocurrency payment address
Google Form
Link to a Google Form survey
Share your Instagram profile
YouTube
Link to your YouTube channel or video
Share your LinkedIn profile
Twitter / X
Share your Twitter/X profile
TikTok
Share your TikTok profile
Telegram
Share your Telegram profile or group
PayPal
Accept PayPal payments via QR
UPI
Accept UPI payments (India)
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