How to Scan a QR Code: A Simple Guide for Phones and Computers

Scanning a QR code allows a camera or compatible application to read the information encoded in the pattern. Depending on the QR code, scanning may open a website, display text, add contact information or start another supported action.

Most modern smartphones can recognize QR codes directly through their camera or a built-in scanning feature, so a separate QR code application is often unnecessary.

On a compatible iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. Keep the entire code visible in the camera frame and wait for the device to recognize it.

A notification or link should appear when the QR code is detected. Tap the notification to continue to the associated content.

Many Android phones can scan QR codes directly through the Camera app. Open the camera, point it at the QR code and wait for the device to recognize the pattern.

Depending on the phone manufacturer and Android version, QR scanning may also be available through a camera option, quick settings feature or built-in visual search tool.

If a QR code appears in a saved photograph or screenshot, some phones can recognize it directly from the image. Open the picture in the device's photo or gallery application and look for an option to identify or scan the QR code.

If the built-in photo tools do not recognize it, a compatible QR scanner can sometimes process the saved image instead.

A computer may be able to scan a QR code using a built-in camera, depending on the operating system and available applications. Another common option is to use a phone to scan a QR code displayed on the computer screen.

When scanning from a monitor, make sure the entire code is visible and that screen glare or excessive brightness does not interfere with the camera.

To scan a QR code displayed on a laptop, tablet, television or another phone, open the camera or QR scanning feature on your scanning device and point it at the screen.

Adjust the distance and angle if necessary. The code should be large enough and clear enough for the camera to distinguish its modules.

The action after scanning depends on what information the QR code contains. A URL may open in a browser, while a text QR code may display a message or other encoded information.

Before continuing, check the information shown by your device. If the QR code opens a website, make sure the destination looks legitimate and matches what you expected.

A QR code may fail to scan because it is too small, blurry, damaged, distorted or difficult to distinguish from its background. Poor lighting, glare and an awkward scanning angle can also interfere with recognition.

Try moving the camera slightly closer or farther away, improving the lighting and making sure the entire QR code is visible. If the code is printed, check that it has not been damaged or covered.

If the QR code is extremely small, the camera may not be able to distinguish its individual modules. This can happen especially when scanning printed materials from a distance.

If you created the QR code yourself, consider increasing its physical size and testing it again. The final size should match the environment in which people are expected to scan it.

A blurry or heavily compressed QR code can be difficult for a camera to recognize. Strong contrast between the code and its background also helps the scanning system identify the pattern.

Avoid scanning through reflections, decorative overlays or busy backgrounds whenever possible. If the QR code is part of a design, test the final version rather than only the original generated image.

The camera needs to see the important parts of the QR code. Make sure none of the corners are cut off and that nearby objects, fingers or design elements are not covering the pattern.

For printed codes, keep the surface reasonably flat and avoid folds or bends that significantly distort the QR code.

Lighting conditions can affect how clearly a camera sees a QR code. If a glossy surface creates glare, changing the angle or moving to a different position may help.

You can also try holding the phone slightly farther away rather than placing the camera extremely close to the code. The goal is to give the camera a clear view of the entire pattern.

Scanning a QR code does not automatically mean that the destination is trustworthy. A QR code can contain a link to any website, including a destination you did not expect.

Before entering passwords, payment information or other sensitive details, check the destination carefully and make sure the website or service is one you recognize.

If you created the QR code yourself, test it before publishing, printing or distributing it. Scan it with the type of device your audience is likely to use and confirm that the expected content opens correctly.

For printed materials, test a physical sample at the final size. This can reveal problems caused by resizing, printing quality, contrast or the material itself.

Open your phone's camera or compatible QR scanning feature, point it at the complete QR code and wait for the detection notification. Make sure the code is clearly visible and not obstructed.

If it does not scan, try changing the distance, improving the lighting, reducing glare and checking the code's size and image quality. If the destination is unfamiliar, verify it before continuing.

If you need to create your own QR code, MartTools QR Code Generator can generate a QR code for your intended content. After generating it, test the finished code on a phone before using it in a website, document, poster, package or other design.

For more information about QR code dimensions and readability, see the QR code size and resolution guide. You can also learn about different QR code types and their common uses before choosing what to encode.