How to Scan Any QR Code in Seconds with Your iPhone

A QR code is a fun and convenient way to link people to a website or app. On iOS, you have a few ways to scan these codes. You can download a QR scanner to get the job done, but Apple has one built into iOS. Or you can add the QR Code Reader tile in Control Center, but that's not even necessary. There's a better way, one that requires basically no effort to pull off.

First, launch your iPhone's camera app however you usually would — via the lock screen shortcut, the home screen icon, Siri, or whatever — then focus on a QR code. That's it. A Safari banner should appear, which, when tapped, will take you to the QR code's website or redirect you to the app it works with. Sure beats having a dedicated QR Code Reader control that you have to add manually.

• Don't Miss: How to Use the Built-in QR Scanner in Control Center

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Not seeing a QR code? First, make sure you're in Photo mode using the rear camera. If you have the Camera app set to preserve your last used settings, like if you always wanted it to open to Portrait mode, it may not open to Photo mode, the only mode that can scan QR codes. If that's not the issue, open the Settings app, tap "Camera," then ensure the toggle next to "Scan QR Codes" is enabled.

Cover image and GIFs by Jake Peterson/Gadget Hacks