How to Scan a QR Code on Android and iPhone
As smartphones have become more and more ubiquitous, so have QR codes. These maze-like squares are a type of matrix barcode that contains data. Typically, QR codes point to a website or open a designated app. Although they may seem confusing, QR codes are really easy to use. Follow the steps below to turn your […]
As smartphones have become more and more ubiquitous, so have QR codes. These maze-like squares are a type of matrix barcode that contains data. Typically, QR codes point to a website or open a designated app.
Although they may seem confusing, QR codes are really easy to use. Follow the steps below to turn your iPhone or Android phone into an instant QR code scanner using nothing more than your default camera app.
Joe Maring/Digital Trends
how to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone
Apple iPhones have built-in QR code scanning capabilities right into the camera app itself, so there’s no need to download a separate scanning app unless you really want to. Since iOS 12, there is even a direct QR code reader in the Control Center, so you can launch it even faster. In other words, if you have one of the best iPhones, this should work.
Step 1: Open it Camera or open the dedicated QR code reader from your Control Center by swiping up from the home page and selecting the icon QR Code button.
Digital trends 
2nd step: Point your camera at the QR code. If you are using the QR code scanner, make sure the QR code is inside the box on the screen. Either it will open immediately (on the scanner), or a link will appear at the top of your screen (in the camera); just select it to access the link in your browser.
Digital trends 
how to Add QR Code Shortcut to Your iPhone
The dedicated QR code scanner is a convenient way to quickly open a QR code, largely because it has a built-in button to help scan the code, unlike the Camera app. As such, it is often more useful to scan a QR code on a physical sheet. If you don’t see this QR code shortcut on your iPhone, here’s how to add it.
Step 1: If you don’t see the QR code icon in your Control center on iOS, you can start adding it by going to the Settings application.
2nd step: Faucet Control center.
Step 3: Find Code reader under the More controls section.
Step 4: Press green More icon to add it.
how to scan a QR code scanner for iPhone” decoding=”async” style=”aspect-ratio: 0.67180616740088″/>
how to Scan a QR Code on an Android Phone
QR codes aren’t just the domain of iPhones. The best Android phones can scan through the camera app or, failing that, Google Assistant.
If you have an old Android phone and the following steps don’t work for you, we recommend QR Code Reader, which is a simple and very effective alternative (even if it comes with ads).
Step 1: Open it Camera app on your phone.
Digital trends 
2nd step: Point your camera viewfinder at the QR code. There will often be a slight pause while the code is being developed.
Step 3: If successful, a link should appear in a small pop-up window. Select it to access the address.
Digital trends 
Make sure to be careful with QR codes
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. QR codes, while extremely useful, can also be used for malicious purposes. While the QR codes themselves aren’t to blame, the content they serve you may harm your device.
Although rare, this type of QR code-based malware is possible, so we recommend that you always be careful about which QR codes you scan. Make sure you trust the person or organization you are scanning the code from and be sure to cancel any downloads if you don’t expect one. As with anything on the internet, approach QR codes with a little common sense.
Editors’ Recommendations
