How to Scan — QR Codes 101: What They Are and How to Use Them

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone

iPhone makes this really easy.

If you have an iPhone 8 or newer (most people do), you don't need to download anything. The Camera app handles it all by itself.

Step-by-Step: Scanning with Your iPhone Camera

1

Open the Camera App

Find the Camera icon on your home screen and tap it. You can also swipe left from your lock screen to open it quickly.

2

Point It at the QR Code

Hold your phone about 6–12 inches away from the QR code. You don't need to take a picture — just point the camera so the QR code is visible on your screen.

3

Look for the Yellow Banner

After a second or two, a yellow notification banner will appear at the top of your screen. It will show you the web address or action the QR code wants to perform.

iPhone camera pointed at a QR code, showing the yellow banner link at the top of the screen

4

Tap the Banner

If it looks right, tap the banner. Your phone will open the website in Safari (your web browser). That's it — you just scanned a QR code!

Not working? Go to Settings → Camera and make sure "Scan QR Codes" is turned on. It's on by default, but it's worth checking if nothing happens when you point your camera at a QR code.

iPhone Settings showing Camera settings with Scan QR Codes toggle turned on

Tip: You do not need to press the shutter button. Don't take a photo — just point and wait for the banner to appear.

How to Scan a QR Code on Android

Android works great too — it's just a little different depending on your phone brand.

Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and most Android phones made in the last few years can scan QR codes right from the camera. Let me walk you through the options.

Method 1: The Camera App (Most Android Phones)

1

Open the Camera App

Tap the Camera icon on your home screen, just like you would to take a photo.

2

Point It at the QR Code

Hold your phone 6–12 inches from the QR code. Keep it steady.

3

Tap the Link That Appears

A link or pop-up should appear on your screen. Tap it to open the website or perform the action.

Android camera scanning a QR code at a coffee shop, showing the link pop-up on screen

Method 2: Google Lens (Built Into Most Androids)

If your camera doesn't automatically detect QR codes, try Google Lens:

1

Open Google Lens

Look for the Google Lens icon (it looks like a camera with a square) in your camera app, Google search bar, or Google app.

2

Point and Scan

Aim at the QR code. Google Lens will recognize it and show you a link to tap.

Google Lens scanning a QR code, showing the detected link result at the bottom

Method 3: Quick Settings (Samsung, Pixel)

Many phones have a QR scanner shortcut:

Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings
Look for a tile that says "Scan QR code"
Tap it, point your camera, and scan

Android Quick Settings panel showing the Scan QR code tile

Not sure which method works on your phone? Try the camera first. If that doesn't work, try Google Lens. One of them will get the job done. And if you're stuck, call us at 540.303.2410 — we'll walk you through it.

Let's Try It! Your First QR Code Scan

Time to put it into practice!

Reading about it is one thing, but actually doing it is how it sticks. Grab your phone and let's scan your first QR code right now. Follow the steps you just learned — iPhone or Android.

Practice Scan #1: Your First QR Code

Pick up your phone, open the Camera app, and point it at this code:

QR Code - Practice Scan 1: Opens a congratulations page

What will happen: A link will appear on your phone. Tap it. You'll land on a page with a secret word — remember it and come back here to answer the question below.

Remember:

Hold your phone about 6–12 inches from the screen
Keep it steady — give it a second or two
Wait for the link to appear, then tap it
You do not need to take a photo

What Was the Secret Word?

Scan the QR code above, find the secret word on the page, and pick the right answer:

You're Doing Great!

Look at you go!

You've already scanned your first QR code and you're barely halfway through. I'm curious though — what brought you here today?