Scanning QR codes can be a quick and convenient way to open webpages, download apps, add contacts, and more. Most modern smartphones come with a built-in QR code scanner, but you may need to enable it first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get QR code scanning set up on your phone.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can be scanned by your phone’s camera. QR codes store data like website URLs, text, emails, phone numbers, and more in a machine-readable format. When you scan a QR code with your phone, it will automatically open the linked content.
QR codes are commonly used for:
- Websites – Scanning a website QR code will open that page in your phone’s browser
- Apps – Download apps by scanning a QR code link to the app store listing
- Contact info – Add new contacts by scanning a QR code with contact details
- WiFi – Connect to WiFi networks by scanning a QR code with the network info
- Payments – Some payment apps use QR codes to send/receive money
- Events – QR codes can store details for tickets, coupons, menus and more
Enabling QR code scanning makes it easy to access all this content with just a quick scan. Most QR code readers also save a history of scanned codes for easy access later.
Check if Your Phone Can Scan QR Codes
The first step is to check if your phone’s camera app comes with an integrated QR code scanner. Here’s how to check on some popular smartphone brands:
iPhone QR Code Scanner
iPhones can scan QR codes using the Camera app. To check:
- Open the Camera app
- Point your camera at a QR code
- A notification will appear at the top with a link to the content
- Tap the notification to open it
If you see the notification, your iPhone can already scan QR codes without any extra setup.
Android QR Code Scanner
Most modern Android phones can scan QR codes through the Camera app. Try scanning a test code to see if it works:
- Open the Camera app
- Point at a QR code
- The app should recognize the QR code and show a notification to open the content
If it doesn’t automatically scan, you may need to enable QR code scanning in your Camera settings – see the next section.
Samsung QR Code Scanner
Recent Samsung phones have QR code scanning built into the Camera app. To test it out:
- Launch the Camera app
- Tap the QR scanner icon in top bar or swipe to More
- When a QR code is detected, a notification will appear with the link
- Tap the notification to open it
If scanning works, then your Samsung already has the necessary QR scanner enabled.
How to Enable QR Code Scanner
If your phone’s camera app doesn’t automatically scan QR codes, you may need to enable QR code scanning in your camera settings:
Enable QR Scanning on iPhone
For iPhones running iOS 11 or later, the QR code reader is built into the Camera app by default. If scanning isn’t working, check that it is enabled:
- Open Settings > Camera
- Make sure the QR code scanner toggle is turned on
If the QR toggle is missing, you may need to update your iPhone’s iOS software.
Enable QR Scanning on Android
To enable QR scanning on Android:
- Open the Camera app
- Tap the menu icon to open Camera settings
- Tap QR scanner to enable it
The setting may also be called Scan QR codes or Enable QR scanning on some devices. If you don’t see this option, your phone may not support QR code scanning.
Enable QR Scanning on Samsung
For Samsung Galaxy phones, enable QR scanning like this:
- Open Camera app and tap Settings
- Tap Scan QR codes to enable
You can also edit which apps are allowed to scan QR codes here. Make sure Camera has access.
Download a QR Scanner App
If your default camera app doesn’t support QR code scanning, you can download a free QR reader app instead. Popular options include:
- QR Code Reader by Scan
- QR Code Scanner by Kaspersky
- QR Reader for iPhone
- QR Code Reader by Mobile Vision
Search your device’s app store for a high rated QR scanner app. Make sure to enable camera access when prompted so the app can scan codes.
How to Scan a QR Code
Once your QR scanner is enabled, it’s very easy to scan a code:
- Open your camera or QR scanner app
- Point your camera at the QR code
- Tap the notification when it pops up
Hold the camera steady about 6 inches away from the code. It may take a second for the scanner to detect and read the code.
Some tips for quick and successful scans:
- Make sure you have good lighting. Scanning works best with bright, even lighting.
- Position the code within the guidelines on screen. Many scanner apps will display a frame to position the code inside.
- Avoid glare. Glare from overhead lights or sunlight can interfere with scanning.
- Clean your camera lens if scans aren’t working. Smudges on the lens can prevent successful scans.
- Crop out other details. Isolate the QR code if it’s surrounded by text or images.
Scanning Tips for iPhones
For iPhones, make sure to point the back camera at the code, not the selfie camera. Tap the shutter button to take a still photo of the code if needed. This will freeze the code on screen so you can tap to open.
Scanning Tips for Android
If scanning isn’t smooth, increase brightness to illuminate the code. On Samsung devices, tap the QR icon first to access scanning mode. You can switch between front and back cameras if needed.
Scanning Tips for Apps
In third-party scanner apps, tap the screen to focus on the QR code to help the scanner recognize it. Look for an invert or torch option to switch to dark mode if the code has a light background.
Set Default App to Open Scanned Links
When you scan a QR code, it will open in whichever app is set as the default for that link type. You can check and change your phone’s default apps in Settings:
iPhone Default Apps
- Go to Settings > General > Default Apps
- Choose the app you want to use for specific link types like webpages, emails, maps directions etc.
Android Default Apps
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Tap Opening Links to choose which apps handle links for web, contacts, maps, and more
Change Default Apps
Make sure to set your preferred browser app as the default for opening website QR codes. For other link types, choose the app you want to launch when scanned. You can change the defaults anytime in Settings.
Scan History and Saved Codes
Most QR scanner apps will save a history of recently scanned codes for easy access later. You can usually find it in the app menu:
- iPhone: Open history in the QR app you downloaded
- Android: View history in the QR scanner section of your Camera app
- Samsung: Scan history is saved in the Bixby Vision menu
- Apps: Check the app menu for Scan History or Saved Codes
You may need to enable permissions for the app to save your scan history. Your scan history helps you rediscover important QR codes without having to scan them again.
Create Your Own QR Codes
You can also use your phone to create your own QR codes to share links, contacts, WiFi networks and more. Here are some easy ways to generate QR codes:
Website QR Codes
To create a QR code for a website, use a free online QR generator like qr-code-generator.com. Just enter a URL to convert it into a scannable code.
Text or Contact QR Codes
Input custom text, emails, phone numbers, SMS messages, contact info and the generator will make a QR code to share that data.
App QR Codes
Search for “QR code generator” in your phone’s app store. Choose a highly rated app and input any type of information to create a scannable QR code.
Image QR Codes
To turn an image into a QR code, use an online generator and upload your image file. This encodes the image data into the code.
Once generated, you can download and share your QR code as an image file or PDF. Add it to business cards, presentations, documents, websites, and more. When scanned, the QR code will open the linked content.
QR Code Benefits and Uses
Enabling QR code scanning provides many helpful benefits:
Convenience
QR codes allow instant access to online content by scanning with your phone camera. There’s no need to manually type in long web addresses or search for apps.
Website Traffic
Businesses can drive website traffic and increase engagement by promoting QR codes to visit their site. QR codes on packaging, ads, receipts help direct customers to your online content.
Contactless Sharing
Trade contact info without exchanging physical business cards. Share your contact QR code to allow connections to instantly add you.
Product Information
Brands can provide additional product details by linking QR codes on packaging to online descriptions, sizing charts, tutorials, warranty info and more.
Events and Venues
Provide links to digital tickets, menus, schedules and maps by displaying QR codes at events, restaurants or locations.
Education
Teachers can embed QR codes in worksheets, posters and textbooks to link to helpful learning resources for students.
Payments
Secure contactless payments through payment apps using a personalized QR code to receive funds.
With so many uses across business, education, payments and more, QR code scanning is a versatile mobile tool. The convenience of instant access by scan makes QR codes a popular connectivity solution.
QR Code Scanning FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about QR code scanning:
Is QR code scanning secure?
QR codes are generally safe to scan, but you should only scan codes from trusted sources. Avoid scanning random codes since they could link to malicious sites. Stick to codes from known businesses, events, schools or contacts.
Can I create QR codes for free?
Yes, you can use free online QR generators to create custom QR codes by entering your links, images or other data.
How are QR codes different from barcodes?
QR codes are a type of barcode that is read by cameras rather than a dedicated scanner. They can store more complex data like website URLs, unlike simpler barcodes just used for product IDs.
Can I scan QR codes offline?
No, an internet connection is required to scan and open QR code content. The code itself just stores the link, your phone must be online to follow the link and open it.
How do I know a QR code is safe to scan?
Only scan QR codes shared by known, trusted sources like official businesses, contacts, schools, and events. Avoid scanning random codes you find to ensure safety.
Can I scan QR codes from a computer webcam?
Some computers may have QR scanning software using the webcam. For reliable scanning, it’s best to use your smartphone camera.
How do I stop websites from automatically scanning my QR code?
On iPhone, use Settings > Privacy > Camera to control which apps have access to your camera for scanning. Disable for any apps that misuse QR scanning.
Conclusion
With QR code scanning enabled, you can quickly and conveniently open links, share contacts, view product information, make payments and more simply by scanning codes with your phone’s camera. Look for QR codes in ads, packaging, restaurants, events and other locations to try out this useful mobile feature. With customizable QR codes, you can also create unique scannable links to promote your own brand, share your info and direct people to your content.