How to Scan Codes With Your iPhone Camera

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Your iPhone camera does more than take photos, it’s also a handy QR code scanner. Whether you’re looking to scan a QR code on a restaurant menu, a barcode on a product, or a code to join a Wi-Fi network, your iPhone can do it without needing extra apps.

Here’s how to scan QR codes, barcodes, and even documents using your iPhone’s built-in tools.

Scan QR Codes Using the Camera App

No extra downloads needed—your iPhone can scan QR codes straight from the Camera app.

To scan a QR code:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point it at the QR code (no need to press the shutter).
3. Wait a second for a yellow notification banner to appear at the bottom.
4. Tap the banner to open the link or action.

That’s it. QR codes can launch websites, open apps, add contacts, or connect to Wi-Fi, depending on what the code is designed for.

✅ Tip: If the banner doesn’t appear, make sure QR scanning is enabled in Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes.

How to Scan QR Codes From a Photo or Screenshot

If someone sends you a QR code via WhatsApp, Messages, or email, you don’t need to print it or use a second device.

Two options:

Option 1: Use the Photos App (iOS 17 and later)

1. Open the image in Photos.
2. Tap and hold the QR code.
3. A link preview should appear—tap to open.

Option 2: Use Live Text (iOS 15+)

1. Open the photo.
2. Tap the Live Text icon (a square with lines) in the corner if available.
3. Tap the QR code link that appears.

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Use Control Centre’s Code Scanner

The Code Scanner tool offers a quick option if you don’t want to open the Camera app in full. It works as a shortcut from the Control Centre menu found when swiping down from the top right.

To enable it:

1. Swipe down from the top right to open the Control Centre.
2. Long-press in the empty space beneath the options.
3. Tap + Add Control at the bottom and find Code Scanner.
4. Tap it. The Code Scanner Option will now appear in your Control Centre menu.

To use it:

• Open Control Centre (swipe down from the top right).
• Tap Code Scanner.
• Point your camera at the QR code.

This launches a streamlined scanner window with a darker background, ideal in low light or if you’re scanning small or printed codes.

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How to Scan Barcodes (and Get Product Info)

While the iPhone Camera app can recognise barcodes visually, it won’t decode them on its own. For product information, pricing, or comparisons, you’ll need a third-party app.

Some useful barcode scanning apps:

• Amazon app (built-in scanner for finding products)
• Google or Google Lens
• ShopSavvy
• ScanLife

You can also use Live Text (iOS 15+) on some barcodes to pull out numeric information, but this doesn’t always generate an action.

Scan Documents Using the Notes App

If you’re trying to scan a paper document rather than a QR or barcode, your iPhone can help with that too. We have a full guide for this but here’s a summary:

To scan a document:

1. Open the Notes app.
2. Tap the New Note icon.
3. Tap the Camera icon > Scan Documents.
4. Position your camera over the page.
5. The app will automatically detect edges and capture the scan.

You can save, sign, share or convert these to PDFs.

📎 Related: How to scan documents on an iPhone

Can You Scan Codes on Older iPhones?

Yes—but there are limitations.

• iOS 11 and later introduced native QR scanning in the Camera app.
• If you’re using iOS 10 or earlier, you’ll need a third-party QR scanner from the App Store.

To check your iOS version:

• Go to Settings > General > About and look under Software Version.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s built-in QR and code scanning tools are fast, simple, and already on your iPhone, no third-party app required.

Whether you’re scanning from a printed flyer, a menu, or even a screenshot, the Camera app and Control Centre’s Code Scanner have you covered. And for everything else, from barcodes to full document scans, you’ve got plenty of options too.