How to scan a QR code on Android phones and iPhones

From restaurant menus to online payments, QR codes have come to play a central role in our everyday lives. QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are 2D barcodes that are readable by a device such as a smartphone. They can store data of different types, such as alphanumeric characters, binary characters, and more. 

Should you be one of the rare few who is still new(ish) to using QR codes though, here’s a quick guide on how to scan a QR code on an Android phone or an iPhone.

How to scan QR codes

Here are a few ways in which you can scan QR codes on both Android smartphones and iPhones:

1. Using the Camera app

Open your camera and allow the viewfinder to read the QR code. Ensure all four corners of the QR code are visible to the viewfinder.  

ALSO READ: What is a QR code, and how does it work? 

Once the code has been scanned successfully, you’ll see a pop-up or a notification to click on, to access the link stored within the code.

2. Using Google Lens

You can scan QR codes using Google Lens as well. Open Lens from the Google app itself, or through Google Assistant. Point your camera to the code, frame it properly, and Lens will scan the code for you.

3. Using the Code Scanner on iPhones

From iOS 14 onwards, an in-built Code Scanner is available in the Control Centre for iPhones. Open it, and frame the QR code in a way such that its clearly readable for the camera. Once it has been scanned, a link will appear for you to click on.

4. Using third-party apps 

If the aforementioned methods aren’t working, you can try using third-party apps. Download a QR scanner app from Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store with good user reviews, and a four-star rating at the very least, and scan any codes you may need to, as per usual. 

Note: Be aware of what QR codes you are scanning. Ensure you scan a QR code from trusted sources only.

QR scanner apps for Android and iOS

Here are a few free third party QR code scanners available both on the Play Store and App Store, that you can try out.

1. QR & Barcode Reader by Gamma Play: Available for both Android and iOS users.

2. QR Code Reader by TeaCapps: Available for both Android and iOS users.

3. QR & Barcode Reader by QR SCAN Team: Only for Android users.

4. QR Scanner by Simple Design: Only for Android users.

5. QR Reader for iPhone by TapMedia: Only for iOS users.

With these easy-to-follow tips, getting around scanning QR codes shouldn’t be a hassle at all.