How to scan a QR code on Android and iPhone

There are two main ways to scan QR codes on Android and iPhone, depending on the phone’s operating system:

Using the Built-in Camera App (Android 8.0 and above, iPhone)

  1. Open the Camera App: Locate and launch the pre-installed Camera app on your device.
  2. Point and Focus: Direct your phone’s camera towards the QR code, ensuring it’s centered and in clear focus within the viewfinder.
  3. Automatic Detection (iPhone) or Banner Tap (Android):
    • iPhone: For iPhones, the phone will automatically detect the QR code. A notification will appear on your screen, usually at the top or bottom.
    • Android 8.0 and above: A yellow banner might show up on your screen highlighting the detected QR code.
  4. Open the Link/Information: Tap on the notification (iPhone) or the banner (Android) to launch the link or view the information encoded within the QR code.

Using a Third-Party QR Code Scanner App (Android below 8.0)

If your Android phone runs an operating system older than Android 8.0, it likely won’t have built-in QR code scanning capabilities. Here’s what to do:

  1. Download a Scanner App: Visit the Google Play Store and search for “QR code scanner.” Choose a reputable app with good reviews.
  2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the downloaded app. Once installed, open the app.
  3. Grant Permissions (if needed): The app might request permission to access your camera. Grant the necessary permissions to proceed.
  4. Scan the QR Code: Point your phone’s camera at the QR code, similar to using the built-in camera app.
  5. Open the Link/Information: The app should decode the QR code and display the information or prompt you to open a linked website.

General Tips:

  • Lighting and Focus: Ensure the QR code is well-lit and in focus for smooth scanning. A slightly dimmed screen might help with glare in bright environments.
  • App Reputation (Android): When using a third-party scanner app on Android, choose a trusted app from a reputable developer with good reviews.