How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone, Android and Computer

1. Open the Camera app and use the rear camera.
2. Point it at the QR code so the whole code is on screen.
3. Tap the yellow link or banner that appears.

You can also add Code Scanner to Control Center (Settings > Control Center) for a dedicated scanner. If nothing happens, check that Scan QR Codes is on in Settings > Camera.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point it at the code and hold still for a second.
3. Tap the link or pop-up that appears.

If your camera doesn't react, try one of these:

• Google Lens: tap the Lens icon in the camera, the Google app or the search bar.
• Quick Settings: many phones have a Scan QR code tile. Swipe down from the top of the screen and look for it, or add it by editing the tiles.
• Samsung Galaxy: make sure Scan QR codes is switched on in the Camera app's settings.

• Windows 11: open the Camera app, select the barcode icon and hold the code up to the webcam. Select the link that appears. Wi-Fi codes open Settings so you can join the network; see connecting to Wi-Fi with a QR code on Windows.
• Mac, or any computer: use the scanner at the top of this page. Click Scan with camera to use your webcam, or upload an image.

No webcam? Take a photo of the code with your phone, send it to your computer and upload it here.

A camera can't scan a code that's already on your own screen. To read a QR code in a screenshot, email, PDF or photo:

• On a computer: take a screenshot (Windows: Win+Shift+S, Mac: Cmd+Ctrl+Shift+4) and press Ctrl+V or Cmd+V on this page, or upload the saved image.
• On a phone: open this page, tap Upload an image and pick the photo. On Android you can also open the picture in Google Photos and tap Lens.

The code is decoded in your browser; the image is not uploaded to QRtracer.

Scammers stick fake codes over real ones on parking meters and posters, and send codes in emails to get past link filters. Before you open a link:

• Read the domain your phone shows. Does it match the business you expect?
• Be careful with codes that ask you to log in, pay or install an app.
• If a short link hides the destination, paste it into the QR code expiry checker to see every redirect.

The scanner on this page shows the domain in large type and warns about tricks like look-alike characters and bare IP addresses. Our guide to QR code phishing covers the common scams.

• Too small or too far: move closer, or further away if the camera can't focus.
• Poor light or glare: add light and tilt glossy paper or screens to avoid reflections.
• Damaged or low contrast: codes need a dark pattern on a light background and a clear margin around them. Faded, inverted or cropped codes often fail.
• Scans but shows an error page: the link behind the code may have been switched off, which happens with some dynamic codes after a free trial ends. See what happens to QR codes when you stop paying.

Making your own codes? Our guide to the QR code quiet zone explains the margin and size that scan reliably.