Quick answer: on iPhone and most Android phones, just open the Camera app and point it at the QR code, then tap the link that appears. To scan a QR code from a screenshot or image on your phone or computer, upload it to the free PAYATE QR Code Scanner.
You don’t need a special app to scan QR codes anymore. This guide covers every situation: iPhone, Android, Samsung, computers and QR codes that are already on your screen.
How to scan a QR code on iPhone
- Open the Camera app (iOS 11 or newer).
- Point it at the QR code and hold steady for a second.
- Tap the yellow banner or button that appears.
Alternative: add “Code Scanner” to Control Center (Settings → Control Center) for a dedicated scanner with a flashlight.
How to scan a QR code on Android
- Camera app: most phones since 2019 detect QR codes automatically. If not, look for a “Scan” or “Lens” mode.
- Google Lens: open the Google app or Lens and point at the code.
- Samsung: Camera app, or swipe down and tap “Scan QR code” in Quick Settings.
- Wi-Fi codes: Settings → Wi-Fi → QR icon next to “Add network”.
How to scan a QR code from a screenshot or image
This is the tricky one: you can’t point your camera at your own screen. Options:
- Open the PAYATE QR Code Scanner.
- Tap Choose an image and select the screenshot, drag and drop it on a computer, or paste it with Ctrl + V.
- The content appears instantly, with buttons to copy it or open the link.
The scanner runs in your browser: your image is never uploaded. On iPhone you can also long-press a QR code in Photos; on Android, open the screenshot in Google Photos and tap Lens.
How to scan a QR code on a laptop or PC
Use the online scanner with Use camera to scan with your webcam, or upload a photo of the code.
QR code won’t scan? Try this
- Clean the camera lens and move a bit further away so the whole code fits.
- Improve the light and avoid reflections on glossy paper or screens.
- Very small or very dense codes need a closer, steadier shot.
- Light-on-dark (inverted) codes fail in some apps — try Google Lens.
- Damaged codes may still work if they use high error correction.
Stay safe
Always check the website address before opening it, and never enter passwords or card details on a page you reached from an unknown QR code. Read our guide on QR code scams.
Try it now: free online QR code scanner →