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Steps checked against official help pages. Last checked: Oct 15, 2026

How to Scan a QR Code

What this helps with: Opening a menu, form, or website from one of those square, checkered codes, safely.

A QR code is a picture that holds a web address. Your phone’s camera can read it, so you don’t have to type.

iPhone

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Make sure it’s on Photo mode (the word Photo is highlighted under the picture).
  3. Point the camera at the QR code so the whole square is on the screen. Hold still.
  4. A yellow link appears near the bottom. Read the web address first.
    • What you’ll tap: The yellow button showing the website name.
  5. If the address looks right, tap it.

Tip: In a dark room, add light. In Control Center, you can also tap the Code Scanner, which has a flashlight button.

Android

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Point it at the QR code and hold still.
  3. A link or a small popup appears. Read the web address first, then tap it.
  4. If nothing happens, try Google Lens: open the Google app and tap the camera icon in the search bar, then point it at the code.

Check before you tap

  • Does the web address match the place you’re at? A restaurant menu code should open the restaurant’s site, not a payment page.
  • Is it a sticker stuck on top of another code, for example on a parking meter? Scammers do this. Pay at the machine or the official app instead.
  • Did the code come in an unexpected text, email, or package? Don’t scan it.

If something goes wrong

  • Nothing happens. Move a little closer or farther away. Wipe the camera lens. Add light.
  • The page asks for a password, bank info, or payment you didn’t expect. Close it. Go to the company’s website or app yourself.
  • I already typed my information. Change that password right away, and call your bank using the number on your card if you entered card details. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Official sources

Last checked: Oct 15, 2026

This is general help, not personalized tech support. Some older Android phones need the Google Lens step.

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