How to Scan a QR Code on Any Device

Most phones can read QR codes with the built-in camera. For codes in screenshots, emails or on a computer screen, an online scanner is the quickest option.

Open the tool: QR Code Scanner

On iPhone

Open the Camera app and point it at the code for a second. Tap the yellow link or banner that appears. You can also add Code Scanner to Control Center in Settings for a dedicated scanner.

On Android

Open the Camera app and point it at the code. If nothing happens, open Google Lens or look for a QR scanner tile in the quick settings panel. Most phones from 2019 onwards support QR codes without an extra app.

On a computer

Take a screenshot of the code, then paste it into the online scanner with Ctrl+V on Windows or Cmd+V on Mac. You can also upload a saved image or use your webcam.

QR code will not scan? Try this

  • Clean the camera lens and add more light
  • Move further back so the whole code fits in view
  • Crop the screenshot closer to the code
  • Avoid glare on glossy or laminated surfaces
  • If the code is light on a dark background, try another scanner app