How do I scan a QR code with my iPhone?

Open the Camera app, point it at the QR code so the whole code is on screen, and tap the link that appears. You can also use the Code Scanner from Control Center.

Does the iPhone have a built-in QR code scanner?

Yes, two. The Camera app reads QR codes automatically, and the Code Scanner (the Scan Code control in Control Center) is a dedicated scanner. No app download is needed.

Why won't my iPhone camera scan a QR code?

Make sure the camera is in Photo mode, the whole code is in the frame, and the lens is clean. Check that QR scanning is switched on in the Camera settings. If the Camera app still won't read it, try the Code Scanner in Control Center — it often works when the camera doesn't.

How do I scan a QR code from a photo or screenshot on my iPhone?

Open the image in the Photos app. iOS usually detects the code — tap the small QR or Live Text icon that appears, or press and hold the code, then open the link.

Can I scan a QR code with an iPad?

Yes, the same way: the Camera app or the Code Scanner in Control Center.

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone: Camera & Code Scanner (2026)

To scan a QR code on an iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the code. A link appears on screen — tap it to open the website, join the Wi-Fi network or save the contact. No app needed. If the camera doesn't pick it up, the built-in Code Scanner in Control Center almost always will. Here are both methods, how to scan from a screenshot, and what to check when nothing happens.

These steps follow Apple's own instructions and work on any recent iPhone and iPad.

Method 1: scan a QR code with the iPhone Camera app

Open the Camera app — from the Home Screen, the Lock Screen or Control Center. On iPhones with a Camera Control button, you can press that too.
Stay in Photo mode and hold the phone so the QR code fills a good part of the screen. You don't need to take a picture.
Tap the link or notification that appears to open it. Check the address first.

Method 2: use the Code Scanner in Control Center

Open Control Center and tap the Scan Code button.
Point it at the QR code and tap the link that appears.

Don't see the button? Open Control Center, touch and hold the background, tap Add a Control, and choose Scan Code from the gallery. The Code Scanner opens a dedicated scanner with a flashlight, and it's often better than the Camera app at reading small or awkward codes.

On iPhones with a Camera Control button you can also make that button open the Code Scanner: go to Settings → Camera → Camera Control and choose Code Scanner.

How to scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo on iPhone

Open the image in Photos. iOS usually detects the code and shows a small QR or Live Text icon — tap it, or press and hold the code, then choose to open the link. Full steps (and the Android and computer versions) are in how to scan a QR code from a screenshot or picture.

Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com

iPhone won't scan a QR code? Check these

Photo mode. Video, Portrait, Pano and other modes don't detect codes.
The whole code in view. All three corner squares and the blank margin around the code need to be on screen.
QR scanning switched on. In Settings → Camera, make sure QR code scanning is enabled if your iOS version shows the option.
Distance and light. Move closer for small codes, step back for posters, and turn on more light (the Code Scanner has a flashlight button).
A clean lens. A smudge on the camera is enough to stop a scan.
Try the other scanner. If the Camera app fails, try the Code Scanner, or the Google app's Lens feature.

If no phone can read it, the problem is the code itself — low contrast, too small, or damaged. See why a QR code won't scan.

What your iPhone does with different QR codes

Website: opens in Safari (or your default browser).
Wi-Fi: offers to join the network — no password typing.
Contact (vCard): offers to add the person to Contacts.
Phone, SMS, email, map location: opens the matching app with the details filled in.

Nothing opens until you tap. Before you do, glance at the address — especially for codes on parking meters, payment stands or unexpected messages. More in QR code scams.

Frequently asked questions

How do I scan a QR code with my iPhone?: Open the Camera app, point it at the QR code so the whole code is on screen, and tap the link that appears. You can also use the Code Scanner from Control Center.
Does the iPhone have a built-in QR code scanner?: Yes, two. The Camera app reads QR codes automatically, and the Code Scanner (the Scan Code control in Control Center) is a dedicated scanner. No app download is needed.
Why won't my iPhone camera scan a QR code?: Make sure the camera is in Photo mode, the whole code is in the frame, and the lens is clean. Check that QR scanning is switched on in the Camera settings. If the Camera app still won't read it, try the Code Scanner in Control Center — it often works when the camera doesn't.
How do I scan a QR code from a photo or screenshot on my iPhone?: Open the image in the Photos app. iOS usually detects the code — tap the small QR or Live Text icon that appears, or press and hold the code, then open the link.
Can I scan a QR code with an iPad?: Yes, the same way: the Camera app or the Code Scanner in Control Center.

Bottom line: Camera app, point, tap the link — and if that fails, the Code Scanner in Control Center. Scanning on another device? See the QR code scanning guide.