QR Code Scanner
How to scan QR codes on iPhone, Android, and desktop — plus how to create your own trackable QR codes.
How to scan a QR code
- 1Open your camera appOn iPhone or Android, open the built-in Camera app. No QR scanner app is needed on modern phones.
- 2Point at the QR codeHold your phone so the QR code fills the camera frame. Keep it steady and ensure good lighting.
- 3Wait for the notificationYour phone will automatically detect the QR code and show a banner or popup with the URL or action.
- 4Tap to openTap the notification to open the link or perform the action. Always check the URL before tapping.
Scanning by device
- 1.Open the Camera app
- 2.Point at the QR code
- 3.Tap the notification banner
Works on iOS 11 and later. No app needed.
- 1.Open Camera or Google Lens
- 2.Point at the QR code
- 3.Tap the link that appears
Works on Android 8+. Pixel and Samsung have Lens built in.
- 1.Use your phone to scan screen QR codes
- 2.Or upload image to Google Lens
- 3.Or use a browser QR extension
Most QR codes are designed for phone scanning.
Common questions
How do I scan a QR code on iPhone?
Open the built-in Camera app and point it at the QR code. A notification banner will appear — tap it to open the link. No additional app required on iOS 11 and later.
How do I scan a QR code on Android?
Open your Camera app and point it at the QR code. On most Android phones running Android 8 or later, a link will appear automatically. If not, use Google Lens (available in the Google app or as a camera mode on Pixel and Samsung devices).
How do I scan a QR code on a computer?
Use your phone to scan QR codes on a screen. If you need to scan a QR code image file on your computer, upload it to Google Lens at lens.google.com or use a browser extension like QR Scanner.
Why won't my phone scan a QR code?
Common causes: the QR code is too small (under 2cm), the image is blurry, there's poor lighting, or the QR code is damaged. Try moving closer, improving lighting, or cleaning your camera lens.
Do I need a QR code scanning app?
No — most modern smartphones (iPhone iOS 11+, Android 8+) can scan QR codes directly from the built-in Camera app. No third-party app is needed.
Is it safe to scan QR codes?
Scanning itself is safe — your phone reads the code and shows you the URL before you tap. Always check the URL before opening it, especially for codes in public places. Avoid scanning codes that are partially covered or obviously tampered with.
Want to create your own QR code?
Dynamic QR lets you create dynamic QR codes that track every scan — see how many people scanned, when, and from which device. Edit the destination URL anytime without reprinting.