How to scan a QR code

Scanning a QR code is quick and easy — and you don’t need to install any special apps to do it.

Option 1: Use your smartphone’s camera

Most modern phones can scan QR codes straight from the default camera app.

iPhone

1. Open the Camera app
2. Point it at the QR code
3. Tap the banner that appears at the top of the screen

Android

1. Open the Camera app (on most devices this works out of the box)
2. Point it at the QR code
3. If nothing happens:
   - Check for a “Scan QR codes” toggle in the camera settings
   - Or try Google Lens (usually available from the Google search bar)

Option 2: Use RecodeQR’s online QR scanner

If your phone’s camera doesn’t support QR codes — or you’re on a desktop — you can scan any code using our browser-based tool.

👉 Try our online QR code inspector

• No app to install, no account required
• Works on desktop and mobile
• Great for testing QR codes before printing or sharing
• Inspect the QR code’s content without opening it

What happens when you scan a QR code?

What the QR code does depends on how it was set up. It might:

• Open a link in your browser
• Show a message or plain text
• Trigger an action like sending an SMS, opening an app, or adding a contact

Troubleshooting scan issues

If you’re having trouble scanning a QR code, try these tips:

• Make sure the code is well-lit and not too small
• Hold your phone steady and at the right distance
• Check if the code is damaged or dirty
• Try a different scanning app or method
• Restart your phone or camera app
• Update your phone’s software