# How to scan a QR code on any device

> On iPhone and Android, open the camera app and point it at the code — a banner appears with the destination. No separate app is needed on any current phone. On a computer, upload a screenshot to a browser-based scanner rather than installing anything.

Source: https://useqr.app/docs/scanning/how-to-scan-a-qr-code · Last reviewed 2026-08-21 · UseQR is free forever, MIT licensed, no signup.

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## iPhone and iPad

Open **Camera**, point at the code, and tap the banner that appears. Works from iOS 11
onward.

To scan a code **already on your phone** — a screenshot, a code in an email:

1. Open the image in **Photos**.
2. Tap the **Live Text** icon (the square with lines) or long-press the code.
3. Tap the link that appears.

You can also add a **Code Scanner** button to Control Centre via Settings → Control Centre.

## Android

Open the **Camera** app and point at the code; most launchers show a banner. If nothing
appears, open **Google Lens** — in the camera app, the search bar, or the Assistant — and
point it at the code.

For a saved image, open it in Google Photos and tap the **Lens** icon.

## Windows, macOS and Linux

There is no built-in QR scanner in any desktop operating system. Options, in order of
preference:

1. **A browser-based scanner.** Upload a screenshot or use the webcam. Our
   [scanner](/scan) runs entirely in the browser — the image is never uploaded, and it shows
   the decoded **text** rather than following the link, which is what you want for anything
   suspicious.
2. **Point your phone at the screen.** Works, but screens have glare and refresh artefacts;
   raise the brightness and hold the phone square to the display.

Do not install a desktop QR app for a one-off scan. Most are ad-supported and several
exfiltrate what they decode.

## Scanning a code on the same phone that is displaying it

You cannot point the camera at its own screen. Instead:

- **Screenshot it**, then use Live Text (iOS) or Lens (Android) on the screenshot.
- **Long-press** the image in some apps, which offers to open the encoded link directly.

## When it will not scan

In order of likelihood: too far away for the code's size, glare on a glossy surface, poor
light causing motion blur, a steep angle, or a dirty camera lens. Move closer, tilt to kill
the reflection, and wipe the lens.

If the code is on a screen, raise the display's brightness — a dim screen gives the camera
too little contrast.

## FAQ

### Do I need an app to scan a QR code?
No. Every current iPhone and Android phone scans QR codes from the built-in camera app. Third-party scanner apps are unnecessary and often ad-supported.

### How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
On iOS, open the image in Photos and use Live Text or long-press the code. On Android, open it in Google Photos and tap the Lens icon.

### How do I scan a QR code on a computer?
Use a browser-based scanner with your webcam or an uploaded screenshot. Ours runs entirely in the browser and shows the decoded text rather than opening the link.

### Can I scan a QR code shown on my own phone?
Not with the camera. Take a screenshot and use Live Text or Google Lens on the image instead.

## Try it

- https://useqr.app/scan