How to scan a QR Code: iOS, iPad, Android and Desktop

Scanning a QR Code takes three steps: open your phone's built-in camera app, point it at the code, and tap the notification that appears. Any iPhone running iOS 11 or later, and any Android device running Android 8 or later, can do this natively, with no separate app required. On older devices, a free scanner from the App Store or Google Play handles it. On computers and laptops, the Chrome browser does it in two clicks. This guide from Uniqode covers every device type, including how to scan a QR Code you received as a screenshot and how to tell whether a code is safe before tapping it.

How to scan a QR Code on iPhone and iPad

You can use QR Codes in a number of ways on iPhones. From payments to revealing discounts and offers, QR Codes are ubiquitous.

There are 2 ways to scan QR Codes on iPhones. You can either pull up the control center and click on the QR Code icon to scan QR Codes.

Or, you can directly open the camera app to scan QR Codes. If you are too far, you will be prompted with a message ‘Move Closer’. Once the QR Code is successfully scanned (which takes less than a couple of seconds), you will get a notification with the intended action. For instance, if the QR Code is an app QR Code, you will be prompted to open the app in the App Store.

Any iPhone or iPad operating on iOS 11 or newer versions can scan QR Codes through the built-in camera app with no separate app needed. If your device runs iOS 10 or below, download a free scanner from the App Store.

‍

Step 1: Open the camera app from your Home Screen or Lock Screen.

Step 2: Point the camera at the QR Code and hold it steady. You do not need to tap anything to trigger the scan.

Step 3: Tap the notification banner that appears at the top of the screen to open the QR Code's destination.

Control Center shortcut (for frequent scanners)

Step 1: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. 

Step 2: Tap the code-scanner icon. If the icon is not visible, go to Settings > Control Center and add Code Scanner to your shortcuts.

Camera Control button (iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models)

Step 1: Press the Camera Control button on the right side of the device to open the camera directly. 

Step 2: Point it at the QR Code and tap the notification that appears. Camera Control bypasses the lock screen, making it the fastest scanning method on supported hardware.

For five full iPhone scanning methods, including troubleshooting steps, see how to scan a QR Code on iPhone.

How to scan a QR Code on Android

Any device running Android 8 or newer versions can scan QR Codes through the built-in camera app with no separate app required. If your device runs Android 7 or below, use Google Lens or download a free scanner from the Google Play Store.

Step 1: Open the camera app.

Step 2: Point the camera at the QR Code and hold it steady. The camera detects QR Codes automatically on Android 8 and later.

Step 3: Tap the notification or pop-up that appears to open the destination.

Quick Settings tile (for faster access)

Step 1: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings. 

Step 2: Tap the QR scanner tile. If the tile is not visible, tap the pencil icon to edit your tiles, find the QR scanner, and drag it to your active Quick Settings.

Circle to Search (Android 14 and later, select devices)

Circle to Search scans a QR Code that is displayed on your own screen, such as in an email, a message, or a PDF. You cannot point your camera at your own screen, so the standard method does not work. To use it:

Step 1: Press and hold the Home button or the navigation bar at the bottom of your screen to activate Circle to Search. 

Step 2: Draw a circle around the QR Code displayed on screen. Google processes the code and shows you the destination without switching apps or requiring a second device. 

Circle to Search is currently available on select Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices running Android 14 and later.

Google Lens (Android 7 and earlier)

Step 1: Open the Google app or Google Lens.

Step 2: Tap the camera icon and point it at the QR Code. Google Lens reads the code and displays the destination.

For device-specific instructions, including Samsung Galaxy steps, see how to scan QR codes with Android phones.

How to scan a QR Code on a computer or laptop

Computers do not have a native QR Code scanner, but three methods work without installing anything.

Chrome right-click method (works on Mac and Windows)

Step 1: Right-click any QR Code image on your screen.

Step 2: Select "Search images with Google." Google Lens opens in a sidebar and displays the QR Code's destination URL before loading the page.

This method works for QR Codes in emails, documents, or web pages.

Windows 11 Camera app

Step 1: Open the Camera app. 

Step 2: Go to Settings and enable "Try new experimental features," then restart Camera. A barcode icon appears in the camera controls. 

Step 3: Tap the barcode icon, point your webcam at the QR Code, and the destination URL appears on screen.

Mac

No built-in QR scanner exists on macOS, but the Chrome right-click method works identically. Alternatively, open the Image Capture app and use a connected camera or phone as the input device.

The Chrome right-click method is the most practical option when someone sends you a QR Code by email or in a Slack message and you need to verify the destination before clicking.

Pro tip: Scanning from a photo or screenshot

On iPhone: open the image in the Photos app. Tap the QR Code that appears. iOS detects it automatically.

On Android: long-press the image in any app and select "Search with Google Lens."

Is a QR Code safe to scan?

According to the State of QR Codes 2026 report, 26.1% of marketers cite security concerns as a top QR Code adoption barrier, a signal that the risk is growing.

QR Code phishing, called quishing, is a growing threat. Attackers place a malicious QR Code sticker over a legitimate one, most often at parking meters, restaurant tables, or event stations. The camera reads the sticker, not the original.

Three things to check before scanning an unfamiliar code:

1. Look for a sticker overlay. Raised edges or visible peeling are warning signs.

2. Read the destination URL before tapping. Your phone shows the URL in the notification before you open it. An unrelated domain or random-character URL is a red flag.

3. If uncertain, use a scanner with URL preview before opening the browser.

QR Code FAQs