Editing How to Scan a QR Code with Your Phone

QR codes are everywhere — menus, payments, Wi-Fi logins, app downloads, and more. The good news: modern smartphones can scan them instantly without extra apps. Here’s how to scan a QR code on '''Android''' and '''iPhone'''.

== Why Scan QR Codes? ==

* Quickly '''open websites''' without typing URLs.
* '''Make payments''' in stores or apps.
* Join '''Wi-Fi networks''' with one tap.
* Access '''app downloads, coupons, and event details'''.

== How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone (iOS) ==

=== Method 1: Using the Camera App ===

# Open the '''Camera app'''.
# Point it at the QR code (make sure it fits in the viewfinder).
# Wait for a '''link notification''' to pop up.
# Tap the notification to open the link or action.

=== Method 2: Using Control Center (Code Scanner) ===

# Swipe down (iPhone X or newer) or swipe up (iPhone 8 or older) to open '''Control Center'''.
# Tap '''Code Scanner''' (a small QR code icon).
# Point your phone at the QR code → It will scan and open automatically.

== How to Scan a QR Code on Android ==

=== Method 1: Using the Camera App ===
(Most Android phones with Android 9 and newer support this.)

# Open the '''Camera app'''.
# Point it at the QR code.
# A '''link notification''' will appear.
# Tap it to open the website or action.

=== Method 2: Using Google Lens ===

# Open the '''Camera app'''.
# Tap the '''Google Lens icon''' (small square with a dot).
# Point your phone at the QR code.
# Lens will detect it → Tap the link or action.

=== Method 3: From Quick Settings (Some Brands) ===

* On '''Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and others''', swipe down the notification panel.
* Look for '''Scan QR Code''' or '''Scan''' in Quick Settings.
* Tap it and scan directly.

== Tips & Warnings ==

* '''Good lighting''': Make sure the QR code is well lit and clear.
* '''Don’t download shady apps''': Most phones don’t need third-party QR scanners anymore.
* '''Security tip''': Be cautious — QR codes can lead to malicious websites. Always verify the source.
* '''AI helpers''': Tools like '''ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot''' can help check if a scanned link looks safe.

== FAQs ==
'''1. Can I scan a QR code from a photo?'''

Yes. On iPhone, open the photo → tap and hold the QR code. On Android, open the photo → use '''Google Lens'''.

'''2. My camera doesn’t scan QR codes — what do I do?'''

Update your phone, or install '''Google Lens (Android)''' or use '''Control Center’s Code Scanner (iPhone)'''.

'''3. Do I need internet to scan QR codes?'''

Yes, if the QR code leads to a website. No, if it’s just storing text or Wi-Fi details.

'''4. Can I scan QR codes in WhatsApp/WeChat?'''

Yes — those apps have built-in scanners in '''Settings → QR Code'''.

'''5. Are QR code scanner apps safe?'''

Stick to your phone’s built-in camera or Google Lens. Third-party apps aren’t always safe.

Scanning QR codes on '''iPhone and Android''' is easy with the '''built-in camera''' or '''Google Lens'''. No extra apps needed. Just open your camera, point, and tap the link.