How to Scan a QR Code with a Phone or Computer

QR codes are black-and-white squares that store information such as links, phone numbers, and images. Newer smartphones have built-in QR readers in the Camera app. If you’re using a laptop or computer, you’ll need a working webcam. Always ensure you know the sources of QR codes to avoid visiting malicious websites. This guide will show you how to scan a QR code using various devices.

How to Scan a QR Code Using Your iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac Computer

• On iPhone: Open the camera and point it at the QR code. Tap the link above the code to open it.
• On Android: Open the camera. Tap the cog icon and toggle on “Scan QR codes.” Point the camera at the code and click the link that pops up.
• On Windows: Open the Camera app. Click the down-arrow and select “Barcode” mode. Hold the QR code to your webcam until it scans.

Method 1: Using iPhone

1. Enable scanning if needed:
   • In iOS 12 and later, QR code scanning is enabled automatically. If using iOS 11 or if the camera app isn’t scanning QR codes, enable it in the Settings menu:
     • Open the Settings app.
     • Scroll down and tap Camera.
     • Toggle on Scan QR codes. If the toggle switch is green, QR code scanning is enabled.
2. Open the Camera app:
   • Tap the Camera app icon on your home screen. It resembles a camera.
   • You can also open the Control Center and tap the camera icon.
3. Select the forward-facing camera:
   • The forward-facing camera is on the back of your device. If using the selfie camera, tap the icon with two arching arrows to switch.
4. Point the camera at the QR code:
   • The camera will scan the QR code automatically, and you’ll see the link pop up above the code.
5. Tap the link:
   • You’ll be redirected to the link immediately.

Method 2: Using Android

1. Open the Camera app:
   • Find it on your home screen or in the App Drawer.
2. Enable scanning:
   • Tap the cog icon in the top-left corner to access Camera settings. Toggle on Scan QR codes.
   • On Pixel devices, tap the down-arrow icon at the top, then tap the cog icon and toggle on Google Lens suggestions.
3. Select the forward-facing camera:
   • The forward-facing camera is on the back of your device. If using the selfie camera, tap the icon with two circling arrows at the bottom-right.
4. Point the camera at the QR code:
   • The camera will scan the QR code automatically, and a pop-up window will open.
5. Tap the link in the pop-up window:
   • You’ll be redirected to the link immediately.

Method 3: Using Windows

1. Open the Camera app:
   • This app comes preinstalled on your Windows device. Open the Start menu and type “Camera.”
   • Ensure you have a webcam. Most laptops have built-in webcams, while desktop computers need an external webcam.
2. Click the down-arrow on the right side:
   • You’ll see a list of icons displayed vertically; clicking the down-arrow will rotate the current camera mode.
3. Select the “Barcode” mode:
   • This is at the very bottom of the icon list and looks like a mini QR code.
4. Point your computer’s webcam at the QR code:
   • Position the QR code in the middle of the screen.
5. Wait for the QR code to scan:
   • Once scanned, you’ll see a link below the camera feed.
6. Click the QR code link:
   • This will redirect you to the QR code’s contents.

Method 4: Using Mac

1. Visit WebQR:
   • Go to WebQR in a web browser. This site scans QR codes using your Mac’s built-in webcam.
   • On some browsers, you may need to click Allow to grant the website access to your camera.
2. Hold your QR code up to the camera:
   • Ensure the QR code faces the Mac’s camera. You’ll see it appear in the scan window in the middle of the page.
   • If you don’t have a built-in camera, you’ll need an external webcam.
   • Alternatively, upload a QR code from your computer by clicking the camera icon above the top-right corner of the scan window, selecting Choose File, and opening the QR code image.
3. Center the QR code in the scan window:
   • Make sure all four edges and corners are inside the scan window.
4. Wait for the code to scan:
   • Once focused, the code’s content will appear in the box at the bottom of the page. Click the content to open it if desired.