How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
Every modern iPhone can scan a QR code with the built-in Camera app — no extra app needed. Just open the camera, point it at the code and tap the banner that appears, and the link, contact or Wi-Fi prompt opens instantly.
How to use it
Open the Camera app
Unlock your iPhone and open the default Camera app, or swipe right from the lock screen to open it straight away.
Point at the QR code
Hold the phone about a hand-span away and centre the code in the frame. You do not need to press the shutter.
Wait for the banner
Within a second a yellow or grey banner appears at the top of the screen showing what the code contains.
Tap to open
Tap the banner to open the link, save the contact or join the Wi-Fi network. That is all there is to it.
Tips for best results
The camera is enough
You do not need a separate scanner app. The built-in Camera handles QR codes natively on iOS 11 and later.
Wipe the lens
A smudged lens is a common reason a code will not read, so give it a quick clean first.
Improve the lighting
If the code is in shadow, move toward the light or let the camera flash add brightness.
Hold it steady
Give the camera a second or two to focus. Rushing past the code stops it locking on.
Best practices
Do not use a photo
Scan the real code rather than a picture of one on another screen, which can blur or over-reflect.
Avoid screen glare
When scanning a code on a display, tilt your phone slightly to cut reflections.
Grant camera access
If the camera is blocked, enable it in Settings so scanning works again.
Use Control Centre for speed
You can add a code scanner to Control Centre for one-tap scanning when you are in a hurry.
Design examples
Wi-Fi in a cafe
Scan the table code and iPhone offers to join the network instantly.
Poster at a station
Scan a travel poster and the route page opens in Safari.
Product box
Scan the pack and the setup video starts on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
No. The built-in Camera app scans QR codes on iOS 11 and later. Point it at the code and tap the banner that appears.
The usual causes are a smudged lens, poor lighting, holding the phone too close or far, or the code itself being too small or low-contrast. Clean the lens, adjust the distance and improve the light.
Links open in your default browser, usually Safari. Contacts open in Contacts, and Wi-Fi codes show a prompt to join the network.
Yes. Open the photo in the Photos app and long-press the code, then tap the link that appears. Scanning the live code is usually more reliable, though.
The camera only reads the code and shows you what it contains before you tap. You still choose whether to open the link, so you stay in control.