How to Scan a QR Code Using Any Android Phone or iPhone
Read more: Best Phone to Buy in 2025
They can be great time-savers, but they're not always obvious in how to use them, particularly if you have an older Android phone. Here's how to scan a QR code with any phone.
How to scan a QR code on an Android phone
As QR codes have become more common, more manufacturers have built QR scanners directly into the default camera app. Most phones (whether iPhone or Android) bought within the past few years will be able to scan them because the function has been built directly into Android and iOS, but if you're using a much older handset on outdated software then you may not. If that's the case, you should also know that it's not safe to use a phone that doesn't receive software updates anymore.
Here's how to do it:
Open your phone's camera
Point it at the QR code, ensuring that it's in focus and can be clearly seen
If a link appears on screen, tap it to open
Give it a try: Scan this QR code with your phone's camera.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
If no link appears it may either be that the camera can't recognise it as a QR code or your phone doesn't support QR code scanning in the camera app. If that's the case you'll need to download a QR code scanner.
Best QR code scanner for older Android phones
While there are loads of QR scanners available for free in the Google Play store, the best option is Google's own Google Lens, which offers a variety of text scanning and translation tools but also has a QR scanner. Download and install the app (if it isn't already a default app on your phone) and when you open it, grant permission to use the camera.
Got a scanner? Scan that code!
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Then, point it at your QR code and the app will reveal the hidden information, be it a website link or whatever. Keep the scanner app in a location you'll remember as you'll need to use it whenever you want to scan a QR code.
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