How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
Three built-in ways to scan a QR code on iOS — no app needed.
Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later can scan QR codes natively — there is no need to download an app. You can use the Camera for physical codes, the Control Center scanner, or decode a QR code already saved in your Photos. Here is how to do all three.
Open the Camera app
Launch the built-in Camera and select the rear-facing Photo mode.
Point at the QR code
Frame the code in the viewfinder and hold steady. A yellow notification banner appears at the top.
Tap the banner
Tap the notification to open the link or take the suggested action, such as joining a Wi-Fi network.
No banner? Enable scanning
Go to Settings → Camera and turn on "Scan QR Codes", then try again.
Scan a QR code from a photo or screenshot on iPhone
If the QR code is already saved in your Photos, open it in the Photos app and look for the Live Text QR icon, or tap and hold the code to reveal a link option.
When that does not work — or the code is a screenshot inside another app — upload or paste the image into a browser-based scanner to decode it instantly.
Try it now
Frequently asked questions
- Why won’t my iPhone scan a QR code?
- Make sure "Scan QR Codes" is enabled in Settings → Camera, clean the lens, improve lighting, and hold the phone steady so the whole code is in frame.
- How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot on iPhone?
- Open the screenshot, or upload/paste it into an online scanner. The image is decoded without needing the camera.