Besides being used for business purposes, QR codes are also used on social media apps. A good example is Snapchat’s Snapcodes, which you and your friends can use to add each other as friends instead of searching for friends manually. If you received a QR code or your favorite store has offers that are only accessible after scanning a QR code, you can easily access the hidden information behind it using your smartphone. Whatever your reason for using a QR code, we’ll show you how to scan a QR code on an iPhone and Android device and read or interact with the code’s contents.
How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone and Android
If you want to scan a QR code on iPhone or Android devices, there are different ways to do it, including using the native camera app or third-party QR code scanners. The scanning process will depend on which model you own, as smartphones and QR codes have become more ubiquitous.
How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone
You can decode the information in a QR code using your iPhone’s Camera app or the native QR code reader in the Control Center.
Scan a QR Code Using the Camera App
Scan a QR Code Using the Direct QR Code Reader
The native QR Code feature is available on iPhones running iOS 11 or later. You can use it to scan a QR code faster than you would with the Camera app. The corresponding website or app associated with the QR code will automatically launch so you can access the information you want. For more on how to scan with an iPhone, see our list of the best iOS scanner apps to scan documents and images.
How to Scan a QR Code on Android
You can also scan QR codes with your Android device using the built-in camera. However, if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy device, you have more options such as using Bixby, the Gallery app or the Samsung Internet web browser. Note: Instructions in this guide apply to Samsung S8+ operating on Android OS version 9.0 (Pie). Most of the steps may be similar depending on the Galaxy model you have.
Scan a QR Code Using the Camera App
You can use the Camera app on your Android device to point at the QR code and instantly access contact information, geo coordinates, text messages or URL links. Note: The QR Scanner feature is only available to Galaxy devices running Android 9.0 (Pie) or later versions.
Scan a QR Code Using Bixby Vision
Note: You can also open Bixby app, select the image with the QR Code from the Gallery card, tap the Bixby Vision icon and scan the code using the QR Code feature.
Scan a QR Code Using the Gallery App
You can also use the Gallery app on your Android device to scan a QR Code. Not only does this method work with several Android device brands and models, but it also comes handy when you want to find your WiFi password on an Android device.
Scan a QR Code Using Samsung Internet Web Browser
If your Samsung Galaxy device lacks Bixby Vision, you can still scan a QR code through the Samsung Internet web browser or Samsung Internet (Beta). The app is usually pre-installed on newer Samsung Galaxy devices, but you can download it from Google Play Store if you uninstalled it or can’t find it in your Apps tray. Note: Make sure you’re running on the latest version of the Samsung Internet (or Beta) app to get the QR Code scanner option. You can enable auto-updates for your apps by going to Google Play Store Settings > Auto-update apps and then select your preferred auto-update settings (over network or WiFi only).
How to Scan QR Codes on Your Phone Using a Third-Party QR Code Scanner
If you can’t access the QR Code scanner using any of the above methods on your iPhone or Android smartphone, you can download and install a third-party QR Code scanner. There are several QR Code scanner apps available for iPhone and Android including Google Lens, Kaspersky QR Scanner, NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner, QR Code Reader ϟ/QR Reader.
Read QR Codes Easily
QR codes are everywhere these days but not all of them are legit. Make sure you only scan QR codes from trusted companies or sources for security reasons. Hackers could link the codes to malicious sites that look legit at first but instead gather your sensitive data as you try to sign in to the website. Check the site’s URL before entering your login credentials and protect yourself from hackers or identity theft. Were you able to scan a QR Code on your iPhone or Android device using this guide? Let us know what worked for you by leaving a comment below.
