How to Scan QR Code on iPhone [Physical & Pictures]

Logan Miller

|

May 26, 2026

• 7 min read Listen

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One of the most loyal Apple fans on earth. He loves to explore the rarely known tricks for iOS devices, helping his followers to increase the productivity of Apple devices in their daily life.

You may come across a physical QR code or have a picture of a QR code that you need to scan. Unfortunately, since an iPhone only lets you scan QR codes via the camera app, you can only scan physical QR codes but not images. The Camera app or Code Scanner is usually the fastest place to start on a current iPhone.

This is inconvenient and begs the question, how do you check both QR codes quickly? You can use the Photo Album app, Code Scanner, or other third-party tools explained in this article. Read on for an in-depth review. That matters because saved images and live camera scans do not always work through the same iPhone tool.

For Physical Qr Codes

iPhones running on iOS 11 and later have a pre-installed QR code scanner. It is accessible via the default camera app, Control Center, and Google Lens. This inbuilt tool lets you scan physical QR codes, such as those on screens and newspapers. If you wish to check QR codes in image form on your iPhone, skip ahead to Way 4. But, if your iPhone doesn't support iOS 11, head to way 5 & 6. Readers usually get faster results once they separate live-camera scanning from photo-library scanning.

Way 1: Scan With the Camera App

As a result of the stock QR code scanner embedded in the iPhone Camera app, scanning QR codes is simple. You only need your iPhone camera. It can automatically detect and highlight the QR code you are checking. The useful distinction here is whether you are scanning a live code with the camera or reading one from an image already saved on the phone.

Steps:

1. Go to theHome Screen, Control Center,orLock Screenand launch theCamera appso the scan stays readable before you continue.

2. Select the rear camera, hold your iPhone over the QR code, and Make sure it's visible in the viewfinder. Once the iPhone recognizes the QR code, you will receive a notification. A yellow QR code icon will also appear in the bottom right corner.

3. Press the pop-up to open the link embedded in the QR code.

   

If you don't see the pop-up notification or the QR code icon, Make sure you have enabled the QR codes to feature on your iPhone. Lighting, distance, and whether the code is printed or saved as an image usually explain why one scan method works faster than another.

Steps:

1. OpenSettings > Cameraso the camera can pick up the code or page more reliably.

2. Toggle the slider next to Scan QR Codes to turn it on.

   

If the pop-up and QR code icon still doesn't show up:

1. Use theCamera appto take a photo of the QR code so the scan stays readable before you continue.

2. Open the picture in thePhotos app.

3. Tap the Live Text icon (three lines in a box) in the bottom-right corner.

4. Press the QR code. The pop-up notification will then show up.

   

Way 2: Open the Code Scanner to Scan Physical QR Codes

Code Scanner is an in-built iPhone app for checking QR codes. It provides an easy way to decode QR codes without opening the camera app each time. But, before using it, you must set it up in the Control Center.

Steps:

1. OpenSettings > Control Center > Customize Controls.

2. Under More Controls, locate QR Code Reader and tap the plus '+' symbol.

   

Once you have set it up, use the steps below to scan QR codes from the Control Center:

1. Open theControl Center.

2. Tap the QR code icon. It will automatically open your iPhone's Camera app.

   

3. Hold your iPhone over the QR code and Make sure it is wholly seen in the viewfinder.

4. Your iPhone will then offer a link leading to the content of the QR code. Tap thelink.

Tip:

You can turn on the flashlight if it is dark and you need more light to illuminate the QR code.

Way 3: Use Google Chrome

Google Chrome offers an in-built scanning feature that enables you to check QR codes using this app. If you haven't installed Chrome on your iPhone, you should do so from the App Store. There are two methods to scan QR codes using Chrome, depending on your iPhone model. That makes the scanning guide more useful because the right method often depends on where the QR code is stored.

Steps Via 3D Touch

1. Go to the Home Screen and 3D Touch (Hard Press) Google Chrome app.

2. From the shortcut menu that will pop up, press Scan QR Code.

   

3. Grant Chrome permission to access your iPhone camera, then tap OK in the resulting pop-up.

4. Place your iPhone over the QR code to scan it, and then click the linksothe document is captured clearly before you move to the next screen.

Steps Via Spotlight Search

You can use this option if your iPhone doesn't support 3D Touch.

1. Swipe down on your screen to openSpotlight Search.

2. Type 'QR code' into the search field (upper or lower case is ok).

3. The Google Chrome icon will appear with a 'Scan QR Code'. Tap the app icon and allow camera access if requested.

   

4. Place your iPhone over the QR code to scan it, and then click the linksothe document is captured clearly before you move to the next screen.

To Scan a QR Code on a Picture

iPhone doesn't offer a native app to decode QR codes from images, screenshots, or photos stored on the device. Hence, you need to use a third-party QR code scanner.

Way 4: Via Google Lens

Google Lens is an image recognition software capable of scanning QR codes from photos and images. You can check QR codes in your iPhone's camera roll. But Google Lens is only usable via Google Photos on iOS, so you must install Google Photos from the App Store.

Steps:

1. Install Google Photos and grant it access to your photos.

   

2. Open an image with a QR code via Google Photos.

3. Tap the Google Lens icon from the bottom of the screen.

4. Press the dots on your iPhone screen with the QR code to see the notification banner.

5. Tap the link to view its content.

Way 5: Third-Party Apps That Can Scan QR Codes on iPhone

Plenty of other apps built for several uses can scan QR codes. You likely already use some of them but you must know they can decode QR codes. They include:

• Shazam

• Snapchat

• WhatsApp

• LinkedIn

• Twitter

• Instagram

• Pinterest

• Facebook

How to scan a QR code on Instagram

An Instagram QR code takes you directly to a specific user's profile.

Steps to scan a QR code on Instagram:

1. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right to access your Instagram profile page.

2. Press the three stacked lines in the upper-right corner.

3. Tap theQR Code.

4. Tap Scan QR code from the bottom of the screen, then hold your camera over the QR code to capture it.

   

How to scan a QR code on WhatsApp

WhatsApp's QR code scanning provides an easy way to add a friend or family member's contact details to your WhatsApp.

Steps to scan a WhatsApp QR code image in your photo library:

1. Go toWhatsApp > Settings.

2. Press the QR code icon next to your WhatsApp name.

   

3. TapScan,then press thePhotos iconat the bottom of your screen so the camera can pick up the code or page more reliably.

4. Locate and select the WhatsApp QR code image from your photos.

5. TapAdd to Contacts.

Way 6: Download a Free QR Code Scanner

Some code scanners on the App Store are expensive and require you to subscribe to their services. But others are free but tend to show advertisements, such as QR Code Reader Scanner Pro. You can find a suitable free scanner regardless of your iOS version.

How to scan via QR Code Reader Scanner Pro:

1. If you intend to scan a QR code in a website or app, take a screenshot and save it in your photo library. Also, if you received the QR code as a photo from someone else, save it to your photo library via the Share menu.

2. Launch the QR Code Reader Scanner Pro and tap the photo library icon from the top or bottom of the scanning tab.

3. Locate and select the target image in your gallery and zoom in on the QR code where necessary.

4. QR Code Reader Scanner Pro will provide the link. You can open or copy it.

   

Note:

Some QR code decoding apps may restrict you from scanning codes in images, photos, or screenshots. Thus, carefully check the app features before installing or paying for them.

If You Can't Scan the QR Code, Do the Following:

Make sure you have updated your iOS to the latest version. If you already have, you shouldn't experience any trouble. But if it still doesn't scan, try these tricks:

• Hover your iPhone straight over the image and not at a tilted angle.

• Make sure there is enough lighting. Switch on the flashlight if there isn't.

• Scan the QR code at a distance so the camera can pick up the code or page more reliably.

• Wipe the camera for quality visibility.

Note: If your iPhone is incompatible with the latest iOS version, download and install a 3rd party QR code scanner.

Bonus Tip: Scan Coupons, Loyalty Cards, and Tickets via the Wallet App

Scanning coupons & loyalty cards when shopping online can help you save on your purchase. On the other hand, some event organizers share posters with a QR code you can scan to purchase a ticket. The Wallet app provides a straightforward way to achieve all these activities. Lighting, distance, and whether the code is live or saved as an image can change which scanning method works best.

Steps:

1. Launch theWallet appand tap the plus'+'symbol at the top of thePassessection. That helps readers know when Wallet is the right tool and when a standard QR scanner is still needed.

2. Tap Scan Code > Add a Pass.

   

3. You can now scan QR codes for tickets, coupons, loyalty cards, and boarding passes. Wallet works best for passes and tickets, while a normal QR link usually still opens through the camera or another scanning app.

Note:

The Wallet app only supports scanning coupons, tickets, and loyalty cards. Scanning other QR codes will return an era message.

FAQs About Scanning QR Codes on iPhone

Below are some frequently asked questions on scanning QR codes on an iPhone and their answers.

1. Can I Create a QR Code on My Own?

Yes. You only need a professional QR code-making tool like Qrafter, QRbot, and QrScan. They are easy to use, and you only need to add the URL, Email, or other content you want to link to the QR code. Once you do, the tools automatically generate a QR code. If the first scan path fails, changing the angle, distance, or lighting is often faster than switching apps right away.

2. How Can I Scan a QR Code on an iPhone 6?

As long as the iPhone 6 is running on iOS 11 and above, you can use it to scan a QR code via the iPhone camera. If it isn't, you need to download the latest compatible iOS version to enable checking QR codes. Also, if your iPhone cannot be upgraded to iOS 11 or later, consider installing a third-party QR code scanner. The quickest choice usually depends on whether the QR code is printed in front of you or saved as an image in Photos.

3. Which iPhone Models Support iOS 11 and Above?

iOS 11 is supported by 64-bit iOS devices. These are:

• iPhone 5S

• iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus

• iPhone SE

• iPhone 7, 7 Plus

• iPhone 8, 8 Plus

• iPhone X, XS, XSMax

• iPhone 11, 11pro, 11pro max

• iPhone 12, 12 pro, 12pro max

• iPhone 13, 13 pro, 13pro max

Conclusion

Finally! Having come this far, not only can you quickly scan QR codes on any iPhone model, but you can also create one for yourself. QR codes may seem complicated since they look like a random mixup of black and white squares, but they are easy and convenient. With the help of this guide, you will not miss out on concert tickets simply because you didn't know how to scan a QR code on your iPhone. That makes it easier to pick the quickest scan option on the first try.