QR codes have become increasingly popular over the past few years. They allow you to quickly open web pages, apps, or other content by scanning the code with your phone’s camera. Your iPhone has the ability to easily generate and display QR codes for things like your contact information, WiFi network, and more.
What is a QR code?
QR stands for “quick response.” A QR code is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a camera to extract encoded data. The data encoded in a QR code usually leads to something useful, like a website URL, contact information, or even a phone number to dial. QR codes are similar to standard 1D barcodes, but can store much more data in a smaller space.
QR codes are read using a QR scanner or reader app on a smartphone. The camera on the smartphone scans the QR code and decodes the data. The phone’s software then executes the desired action, which could be opening a website, contacting someone, or really any action that can be encoded into the QR code.
Some common uses of QR codes include:
- Sharing contact information like email addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles
- Linking to websites or online content
- Displaying location information like addresses or GPS coordinates
- Encoding WiFi network passwords to easily connect a phone
- Encoding text, like instructions or messages
- Opening apps on the phone or downloading apps from app stores
QR codes provide a fast and convenient way to share information or link to digital content by simply scanning with a smartphone camera. No need to manually type in long URLs or contact details.
Viewing your personal QR code on iPhone
All iPhones have the ability to easily generate and display a QR code containing your personal contact information. Here’s how to view and share your personal QR code on an iPhone:
From the Contacts app
1. Open the Contacts or Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your own contact card at the top of the list.
3. Scroll down and tap “Share Contact.”
4. Tap “Share Contact as QR Code.”
This will generate a QR code containing your phone number, email addresses, and other contact info from your card. You can point your iPhone camera at this code to share your details with others.
From the Settings app
You can also view your personal QR code this way:
1. Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top.
2. Scroll down and tap “QR Code.”
3. Tap “Show QR Code.”
This QR code contains similar personal contact information from your Apple ID account. Anyone who scans it will have instant access to message or call you.
Scanning QR codes with iPhone camera
To scan and open QR codes on an iPhone, you’ll use the built-in camera app. Here’s how it works:
1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Point your camera at the QR code you want to scan. Your iPhone will automatically recognize and scan the code.
3. A notification will appear at the top of the screen once the code is scanned. Tap the notification to open the link or content encoded in the QR code.
That’s all there is to it! The encoded content will open instantly after you tap the notification. This makes QR codes a fast, convenient way to access digital information and links by scanning with your iPhone camera.
Using a QR code reader app
You can also use specialized QR scanner apps on your iPhone if you frequently need to scan codes. Some popular free options include:
- QR Reader for iPhone
- QR Code Reader by Scandit
- QR Code Scanner by Kaspersky
These apps provide some additional handy features beyond the native camera app, like:
- Scanning history to easily re-open codes
- Creating your own QR codes
- Flashlight mode for scanning codes in dim lighting
- Scanning codes from your photo gallery
The process of scanning codes in these apps is very similar. You simply open the app, point your camera at the code until recognized, and tap the pop-up notification to open the content.
Creating your own QR codes to share
In addition to scanning QR codes, you can also create your own to share information with others. Here are some easy ways to generate QR codes on an iPhone:
Use the Shortcuts app
1. Open the Shortcuts app and search for “QR Code.” Tap the “QR Code” shortcut.
2. Enter the text, URL, contact details, etc. that you want encoded into the QR code.
3. Run the shortcut. It will generate a scannable QR code containing the data.
You can scan the code or take a screenshot to share it with others.
Use a QR code generator app/website
There are many free QR code generator sites and apps you can also use, such as:
- qrcode-monkey.com
- qrcode-generator.com
- Kaspersky QR Scanner
- QR Code Reader by Scandit
These tools allow you to easily create a custom QR code by entering any type of data, like a URL, text, contact, WiFi details, etc. You can download the generated graphic to share via text, email, print out, etc.
Type of information you can encode into a QR code
QR codes are very versatile and can encode various types of information, like:
Contact details
Encode your phone number, email address, social media profiles, personal website, etc. Scanning your QR code contact card allows people to instantly add you to their device contacts.
Website URLs
Encode a full website address instead of making people type it out. The URL will open instantly when the code is scanned.
App downloads
QR codes can link directly to app store listings for easy downloads. This allows you to share an app by simply having someone scan your code.
Documents
Share digital documents like PDFs, Microsoft Office files, images, and more by encoding the file contents in a QR code.
Text
Encode any custom text into a QR code, like instructions, messages, captions, etc. The text will be displayed upon scanning.
WiFi network info
Share your WiFi network password and name by encoding it into a QR code. Scanning allows fast and easy connection to the network.
Locations
Link to Google Maps directions or embed GPS coordinates into a QR code to help people find locations.
As you can see, QR codes are incredibly versatile. There are tons of creative ways to use them for sharing all types of information from your iPhone.
Conclusion
Accessing and using QR codes on an iPhone is quick and easy. You can view your personal contact code in the Contacts or Settings app, scan other codes with your camera, use a dedicated scanner app, and create custom codes to share your own information. QR codes eliminate the need to manually type in details or long URLs.
With their versatility, convenience, and ability to encode lots of information in a small space, QR codes are continuing to grow in popularity and use cases. Your iPhone has great built-in tools to utilize them to their full potential.