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QR codes help users access instant information through mobile devices. They are used everywhere to deliver that information in a time-efficient manner. You can scan them in the blink of an eye with your smartphone camera. Here’s a quick guide if you don’t know how to scan a QR code on your iPhone or Android device.
How to scan a QR code with the built-in camera app
Since QR codes have become standard, many mobile phones are designed to scan them. In most cases, you can scan QR codes with an Android or iPhone automatically when you open your camera app.
Scan a QR code from Android
Android is one of the most common operating systems for mobile phones. Many smartphone models running Android have a built-in QR code scanner, which you can easily access through the camera app. Ideally, the scanner will do its job automatically and recognize the code as soon as you point the camera at it. You should then turn on the scanner and allow it to access the data contained in the code.
Here’s how to scan a QR code using the camera app on your Android phone:
- Open the standard camera app on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Point your camera at the QR code and frame it so it fits perfectly.
- If the code can be easily scanned, a URL will appear at the bottom of the window.
- Tap the link to access the code data or activate the code action.
With some models, the dialog box with the link will appear at the top of the screen.
If your Android phone doesn’t scan QR codes automatically
The steps mentioned above will be successful if the code works fine and your camera has a native QR code scanner. If your camera does not recognize the code immediately, try the following:
- Close the camera app and open it again.
- Make sure the code fits the frame and is not too far from the edges of the frame.
- Make sure your camera lens is not too close to the code
- Move your camera lens until the scanner captures the code correctly
Alternatively, you should check if your Android phone model is equipped for QR scanning if it does not recognize the code automatically. There is a quick way to test this and we will outline the steps below.
The first thing you should do is try to scan the QR code by holding your phone as firmly as possible for three or four seconds. If the scan option is enabled, the pop-up window with the code data will appear.
If nothing happens, QR scanning is disabled on your phone. To turn it on, do the following:
- Go to settings.”
- Select “System Applications.”
- Select “Camera.”
- Toggle to enable “Scan QR Codes”.
If your camera does not have these settings, unfortunately your phone does not support the QR scanner natively. However, there is still a solution to this problem: download third-party apps.
Scan QR codes from an iPhone
iOS devices, such as iPhone or iPad, have a QR code reader built into their camera app and do not require the use of third-party apps to scan codes. Apple introduced QR support in 2017 and today, all Apple devices running iOS 11 or later can scan any QR code without encountering any issues.
Here’s how to scan QR codes with an iPhone:
- Open the basic camera app.
- Go to “Photo” mode and make sure you have it set to a rear-facing lens.
- Frame the QR code. Hold your phone steadily for a few moments until it is focused.
- Tap the notification that appears and access the data contained in the code.
Google Lens
Google Lens is an application that allows you to access information about anything around you using your camera lens. It is a technology based on machine learning that allows you to detect certain objects. Google Lens then connects the data to Google Assistant.
You can use Google Lens if you can’t scan the QR code with your Android or iPhone for any reason. Google has strong image recognition technology that allows it to scan QR codes more accurately than the main camera. Scanning the QR code with Google Lens also gives you more options to access the code data. You can download the Google Lens app for free fromPlay store.
Here’s how to scan a QR code with Google Lens:
- Open the Google Lens app.
- Go to “Search” mode.
- Frame the QR code you want to scan and press and hold the phone for a few seconds. Make sure the code is centered in the frame and in focus.
- A notification will appear. Tap the dialog box to access the data or open the link.
Scan to get more
QR codes are one of the big trends in digital communication right now. They are also practical. All you need to do to access the information is point your phone at the corresponding code.
A QR code scanner on your mobile device can make it easier to quickly retrieve information. Many third-party apps on the app market offer similar or broader features. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy information that would not otherwise be immediately accessible.
