How to Scan QR Code on iPhone: A Detailed Guide

How to scan QR code on iPhone? That is just one of the frequently asked questions by iOS users today concerning the emergence of QR codes.

iPhone users were ecstatic to know more about these codes, and part of their concern is whether they are compatible with their devices since Android users find no issue with them.

But guess what? QR codes are flexible, and any device can scan them, regardless of the operating system.

And on top of that, the latest iPhone models now have built-in QR scanners in their cameras.

Now if you want to know how to scan QR codes with your iPhone, you’ve come to the right place.

QR Code 101: Static vs Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes are fixed QR codes.

The more information you store in a static QR code, the more congested it will look. And here’s the thing: crowded patterns can cause scanning errors among QR codes.

On the other hand, dynamic QR codes can hold more data than static ones.

Each code has a short URL in its pattern, redirecting to your actual embedded URL. This feature also allows dynamic QR codes to store files like images, videos, and documents.

And since it embeds the short URL instead, your data size won’t affect the pattern.

It also has advanced features, like edit, track, password, and expiry, making it an effective tool for different purposes.

Related: Static vs Dynamic QR Code: Their Pros and Cons

Scan A QR Code Using an iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 is a 13th-generation iPhone released in 2019 and is known for its upgraded dual-lens camera system.  This iPhone model, along with other later ones, has built-in scanners. 

Using the Camera

1. Open your phone’s rear camera.
2. Hold your device camera over the QR code, and the viewfinder will detect the QR code.
3. Click the yellow bubble that appears to access the data.

Accessing from the Control Center

This is another option if you find scanning thru your camera a hassle. But before you scan a QR code, you must set up your QR code reader in your Control Center first. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings, then tap Control Center
2. Tap Customize Controls
3. Next, drag and drop the More Controls tab and tap the + sign beside the QR code reader.
4. Drag the QR code reader anywhere in the Control center, and you’re ready to scan

Now, to access your QR code reader through your Control Center, follow these steps:

1. Open your Control Center and tap on the code scanner
2. Position the scanner over the QR code
3. If you need more light, you can tap on the flashlight

Scanning from Photos

You can also scan QR codes on your iPhone from the photo gallery. This lets you take photos of QR codes or download them online so you can then scan them later. Here’s how to do this:

1. Go to Photos and open your QR code image
2. Tap and hold the photo
3. Select Open in Safari from the options that will appear

Scan Your QR code With iPhone 7

Since the iPhone 7 is an earlier model, it does not have a built-in scanner, unlike the newer ones. But you can still scan QR codes with it using Google Chrome and third-party scanners.

Scan Thru Google Chrome App

1. Launch the Google Chrome app on your iPhone
2. Tap on the Search Bar first to reveal the QR code scanner
3. Tap the Scan QR code logo, which will appear on the bottom part
4. Hold your phone over the QR code to scan it

Scan Thru Third-Party Scanners

iPhone 7 and earlier models couldn’t scan an image QR code from the gallery. So if you have saved QR codes, a third-party scanner is the best thing to use.

The good thing about third-party scanners is that they allow the scanning of QR codes to all, whether saved or not. You can freely download it from your app store. Follow these steps to use a third-party scanner for your iPhone 7:

1. Install a QR code scanner on your device. 
2. Open the app and hold it over the QR code.
3. After scanning, it will prompt a link you need to click to access the data.

Third-Party QR Code Scanners For iPhone

Now that you know how to scan QR codes on an iPhone 7 using third-party apps, here are some recommended scanners you can install:

QR TIGER QR Code Generator and scanner

• Open the QR TIGER app.
• Select Scan, then point your scanner to the QR code.
• Choose the image icon if scanning a saved QR code in your library. 
• Tap on the prompt data to open it on Safari

Kaspersky 

The Kaspersky QR code scanner is free. It can decode QR codes for text, websites, contact details, and wifi.

When using the Kaspersky scanner, it warns when scanning malicious QR codes that could cause malware and is prone to phishing.

QR Code and Barcode Scanner

This QR code scanner by Gamma Play can scan different QR codes and is available to iPhone and Android users. It also stores a history of previous scans made and scans QR codes with a black background and white patterns using its inverted scan feature.

QR Code Reader by Scan

One of this app’s highlights is that it can scan traditional and 2-dimensional barcodes. It is also a lite app, making it storage-friendly. But here’s the catch: it’s filled with annoying ads that can slow down your scanning process.

How to Scan QR Codes Using Social Media Apps

Some social media platforms have joined the QR code bandwagon and have launched in-app QR codes paired with built-in QR code readers: 

Snapchat

To scan a Snapchat QR code using the app:

• Open your Snapchat app 
• Position the camera on the QR code and 
• Tap the Scan QR code icon on the control panel in the right part of the screen and the scanning will begin.

Note that you can scan both Snapchat QR codes and external QR codes in the app.

You can create a QR code using the Snapchat app too, but more customization options are available on a professional QR code generator to help your code stand out.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a photo-sharing platform known for its capacity to provide different visual inspirations, from outfits to recipes to home decor.

How to scan on Pinterest:

• Launch your Pinterest App
• Tap on the camera icon beside the search bar
• Hold the Pinterest camera over the code and wait for the scanning to end.

Instagram

Instagram is among the most popular social media platforms today and is preferred by many as a photo and video-sharing mode.

It’s also capable of scanning other Instagram QR codes for easy following. Here’s how to use it:

• Open your Instagram app
• Tap the three horizontal lines on the upper right part and tap the QR Code
• Then choose the Scan QR Code option
• Point your camera to the QR code to initiate scanning

However, if you want a more attractive and appealing QR code, check out the best QR code generator that you can find online.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional network platform where you can connect with other users, find jobs, or strengthen your skills.

You can easily connect with other LinkedIn users by scanning their QR code:

• Open your LinkedIn app
• Tap the QR code icon in the search bar
• Tap the Scan option
• Position the scanner on other LinkedIn QR code

TikTok

TikTok is another popular platform to watch, create, and share up to 10-minute videos. Presently, this platform has become an outlet for influencers to widen their reach and earn.

Unlike the four abovementioned sites, this scanner lets you scan Tiktok QR codes and external codes—which means you can access even other QR codes created by other users. To scan:

• Open your TikTok app
• Tap on the QR code icon beside your username
• Tap on the scanner icon on the upper right
• Position the scanner over the QR code; you can use the flashlight for extra lighting
• Tap on the bubble information to proceed to the embedded data

Know How To Scan QR Code On iPhone to Stay Updated

QR codes have become popular as more industries take advantage of their versatility. And with that, knowing how to scan them to access their embedded data is essential.

The great thing is that it doesn’t take a complicated process or expensive equipment to scan them. All you will need is your smartphone.

iPhone users now enjoy QR code scanning features built into their cameras. Those who have older models may opt to install scanner apps from the App Store.

So if you’re an iPhone user, enable your device’s scanning features now or download the most trusted QR code scanner today. And if you want to create QR codes, you should go to QR TIGER, the best QR code generator online.