How to scan a QR Code with an Android smartphone or an iPhone

TechKnowableAugust 5, 2021

0 3 minutes read

How to scan a QR Code with an Android smartphone or an iPhone? These little black squares have imposed themselves in our lives for a few years, and it can be very useful to understand how they work. Explanations, steps to follow, best applications: we tell you everything you need to know about new generation barcodes.

QR Codes have been found everywhere for some time now. On advertisements, websites or more recently restaurant tables , these new kind of bar codes allow access to digital content, as long as you have a device capable of scanning them.

Created in 1994 by a Japanese engineer, it is widely popularized by the advent of smartphones. Its main asset is undoubtedly the multiple functions it allows: being redirected to a website, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and sending an email. Here is how to flash a QR Code with your smartphone. Additionally, for users seeking more flexibility, they can explore using a free QR generator to create custom QR codes for various purposes.

How to Scan QR Code on Android

If your smartphone offers Google Lens functionality, you can use it to scan a QR Code. Here’s how to do it:

Open Google Assistant
Tap the camera icon to activate Google Lens
Aim the QR Code with your camera
Click on the blue dot

The content of the QR Code is then revealed. However, your smartphone may not have Google Lens. In this case, there are usually specific alternatives depending on the brand of your device. For Xiaomi and Asus phones, just open the camera and then point at the QR Code for it to be detected automatically. If that doesn’t work, go to Camera settings and then enable the Scan QR codes option.

Other manufacturers have integrated their own scanner in their overlay. This is notably the case of Huawei with MIUI. Here’s how to use it:

On the home screen, slide your finger down to open the assistant
Click on the scan icon (a horizontal line in a square)
Aim the QR Code with your camera

The scanner will automatically display the contents of the QR Code. The procedure is similar on a Samsung smartphone, thanks to the Bixby assistant.

Open the camera
Click on the eye to open Bixby Vision
Aim the QR Code with your camera

How to Scan a QR Code with an iPhone

All iPhones natively read QR Codes from iOS 11. To scan a QR Code:

Open the camera
Point it at the QR Code
Touch the notification that appears

If your iPhone is outdated (cannot benefit from iOS 11 or later) you can try to download a QR Code reader from the App Store. Note, however, that like many other applications, this one may not want to install due to your too old iOS version.

The Best Apps to Scan QR Code

If none of the above solutions are suitable for your device, you still have the option of downloading a dedicated app. There are plenty of them, each with their benefits. We offer you a summary of the best applications available on the market.

QR Droid is arguably the best known on Android. It allows you to personalize your contact details, share locations, interact with your calendar, and even compare prices.

ScanLife Barcode and QR Reader provides similar functionality. However, it has the advantage over the price comparison, finding the best deals faster in online stores.

QR Code Reader plays the card of simplicity. It displays the content of QR Codes, but does not allow you to create your own. It is nevertheless still very solid and fulfills its function perfectly.