How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone, Android & Desktop (2026)

Published March 2026 · 6 min read

QR codes are everywhere -- on business cards, restaurant menus, event badges, product packaging, and conference posters. Scanning one takes just a few seconds, but the exact method depends on your device. This guide walks you through how to scan a QR code on every major platform: iPhone, Android, and desktop computers.

Whether you received a LinkedIn QR code on someone's business card or spotted one on a poster, follow the instructions below for your device.

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone

Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later has a built-in QR code scanner in the Camera app. No third-party app is required.

Method 1: Use the Camera App

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Point the camera at the QR code. Make sure the entire code is visible in the viewfinder.
3. Hold steady for one to two seconds. A notification banner will appear at the top of the screen showing the URL or action.
4. Tap the banner to open the link in Safari.

Tip: You do not need to take a photo. The Camera app recognizes QR codes in real time from the live preview. If the banner does not appear, make sure QR code scanning is enabled in Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes.

Method 2: Use the Control Center Code Scanner

1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom edge (iPhone 8 and earlier).
2. Tap the QR Code Scanner icon (it looks like a QR code inside a viewfinder frame).
3. Point your camera at the QR code.
4. The link opens automatically in Safari.

If you do not see the Code Scanner in Control Center, add it via Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and tap the green plus icon next to Code Scanner.

Method 3: Scan from a Photo or Screenshot

Starting with iOS 15, you can scan QR codes from images saved in your Photos app using Live Text.

1. Open the image containing the QR code in the Photos app.
2. Long-press on the QR code in the image.
3. A menu will appear with the option to open the URL.

How to Scan a QR Code on Android

Android devices offer several built-in ways to scan QR codes, though the exact steps vary by manufacturer and Android version.

Method 1: Use Google Lens

Google Lens is the most reliable method across all Android devices.

1. Open the Google app or Google Lens app.
2. Tap the camera or Lens icon in the search bar.
3. Point your camera at the QR code.
4. Google Lens will detect the code and show the URL. Tap the link to open it.

Method 2: Use the Built-in Camera App

Most modern Android phones (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi) have QR scanning built into the default camera app.

1. Open your phone's Camera app.
2. Point it at the QR code.
3. A link or notification should appear on screen. Tap it to open.

Samsung users: If the camera does not scan QR codes automatically, open the Camera app, tap Settings (gear icon), and enable Scan QR codes.

Pixel users: The Google Camera app supports QR code scanning by default. Just point and wait for the chip to appear.

Method 3: Quick Settings Tile

On Android 13 and later, you can add a QR code scanner tile to your Quick Settings panel.

1. Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
2. Tap the edit (pencil) icon to customize tiles.
3. Find the Scan QR code tile and drag it into your active tiles.
4. Now you can tap it anytime to launch the scanner instantly.

Method 4: Scan from a Screenshot

Google Lens can also scan QR codes from images already saved on your phone.

1. Open Google Photos and select the image with the QR code.
2. Tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Google Lens will identify the QR code and show the link.

How to Scan a QR Code on Desktop or Laptop

Desktop computers do not have a dedicated QR scanner, but there are several effective methods for scanning QR codes on your computer.

Method 1: Use a Browser Extension

Browser extensions like QR Code Reader for Chrome or Firefox let you right-click any QR code image on a webpage and decode it instantly.

1. Install a QR code reader extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
2. Right-click on the QR code image on any webpage.
3. Select the extension's option to read or decode the QR code.
4. The decoded URL will be displayed or opened automatically.

Method 2: Use a Webcam-Based Scanner

Several free websites allow you to scan QR codes using your computer's webcam.

1. Visit a web-based QR scanner site (search for "online QR code scanner webcam").
2. Grant camera permission when prompted.
3. Hold the QR code in front of your webcam.
4. The site decodes the QR code and displays the URL.

Method 3: Upload a QR Code Image

If you have a screenshot or image file of a QR code, you can decode it without a camera.

1. Go to an online QR code decoder (many free options are available).
2. Upload or drag-and-drop the QR code image file.
3. The tool decodes the content and shows you the URL or data.

How to Scan a LinkedIn QR Code Specifically

LinkedIn QR codes -- like those generated by our LinkedIn QR Code Generator -- are standard QR codes that encode a LinkedIn profile or company page URL. You scan them the same way as any other QR code using the methods above.

When you scan a LinkedIn QR code, the URL typically follows one of these patterns:

• Personal profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/username
• Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companyname

After scanning, your device will open the LinkedIn profile in your browser or in the LinkedIn app if it is installed. From there you can connect, follow, or message the person directly.

Pro tip: LinkedIn also has a built-in QR code feature within the mobile app. Tap the search bar in the LinkedIn app and look for the QR code icon. However, this only works for LinkedIn-generated codes -- the scanning methods described above work for all QR codes, including custom-designed ones with logos.

Troubleshooting: QR Code Won't Scan

If you are having trouble scanning a QR code, try these steps before giving up.

Check the Basics

• Distance: Hold your phone 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) from the QR code. Too close and the camera cannot focus; too far and the code is too small to read.
• Lighting: Make sure there is enough light. In dark environments, turn on your phone's flashlight. Avoid direct glare on glossy surfaces.
• Angle: Point the camera straight at the code, not at a steep angle. A slight angle is fine, but extreme angles distort the pattern.
• Clean lens: Wipe your phone's camera lens with a soft cloth. Fingerprints and smudges reduce clarity.

Check the QR Code Itself

• Size: The QR code may be printed too small. Codes on business cards should be at least 2 cm x 2 cm.
• Damage: Scratches, creases, or water damage can make a code unreadable.
• Contrast: The code needs dark modules on a light background. Low-contrast color combinations often fail.
• Quiet zone: The white border around the QR code is functional, not decorative. If it has been cropped or crowded by other graphics, scanning may fail.

For a comprehensive walkthrough of every possible scanning issue and how to fix it, see our detailed guide: QR Code Not Scanning? 8 Fixes That Work.

Staying Safe When Scanning QR Codes

QR codes are convenient, but they can also be used for phishing attacks (sometimes called "quishing"). Before tapping a link from a scanned QR code, take a moment to verify the URL.

• Check the domain: Make sure the URL matches the expected website. A LinkedIn QR code should point to linkedin.com, not a lookalike domain.
• Look for HTTPS: Legitimate sites use HTTPS. Be cautious of URLs starting with just HTTP.
• Be wary of stickers: If a QR code looks like it was stuck over another one (for example, on a restaurant table or parking meter), it may be a scam. Report it to the establishment.
• Do not enter credentials: If a scanned QR code takes you to a login page you did not expect, do not enter your password. Navigate to the site directly instead.

Learn more about QR code security threats and how to protect yourself in our guide: QR Code Security: How to Spot Quishing Scams.

Conclusion

Scanning a QR code is straightforward on any modern device. iPhones use the built-in Camera app or Control Center scanner. Android phones use Google Lens or the camera app. Desktop users can rely on browser extensions, webcam scanners, or image upload tools. For LinkedIn QR codes, scanning works exactly the same -- the code simply opens a LinkedIn profile or company page in your browser or app.

If a QR code will not scan, the problem is almost always environmental (lighting, distance, lens cleanliness) or physical (code is too small, damaged, or low contrast). A quick check of these factors resolves most issues. And if you need to create your own LinkedIn QR code, our free generator produces high-resolution codes with Level H error correction that are designed to scan reliably every time.