QR Codes – Tech Savvy Life

How to Use iPhone’s Built-in QR Code Scanner

The article discusses how iPhone users can easily scan QR codes using a dedicated hidden app called Code Scanner, without needing third-party applications. Instructions for accessing and utilizing the app are provided, along with a caution about potential security risks associated with unknown QR codes.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
June 9, 2026 – 4minutes read time

Overview

Most iPhone users know that their camera can scan QR codes with ease. What many do not know is that your iPhone also has a dedicated QR code scanning app preinstalled.

When QR codes first started to become popular, you needed to download a dedicated QR code scanner app to your iPhone from the App Store. Eventually, Apple built QR code scanning into the Camera app. However, there is also a dedicated QR code scanning app on iOS that’s hidden. Let’s go over how to find and use it.

Key Takeaways

Easily scan and open QR codes in a matter of seconds.

Avoid downloading third-party apps to scan QR codes.

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 16 Pro running iOS 26.3.1.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Using the Code Scanner

First, on your iPhone Home Screen, swipe down from the center of the screen to open Spotlight Search. Refer to the image below:

QR 1 — Scrolling down to open Spotlight Search

Nexr, type in Code Scanner, and tap the app that appears. See the image below:

Now, when Code Scanner is open, all you need to do is point your phone at a QR code. The scanner is sensitive, so you can be off-center and it will still work. Keep in mind that Code Scanner will automatically open whatever data the QR code contains. See the following image:

QR 3 — Pointing your camera at the QR Code

Next, tou can tap the Flashlight icon to turn on your Camera’s flash to make scanning a QR code in low light easier. Refer to the image below:

QR 4 — Tapping the Flashlight in low light conditions

Now, when you tap the QR code, it will display its own data. See the image below:

Note! Some scammers and hackers use QR codes to spread malware. When scanning a QR code, make sure you know exactly what it does before you scan it. Never scan random QR codes placed in public or sent to you unsolicited in text messages or emails.

That’s how to scan a code with your iPhone using the hidden Code Scanner app! Now you can easily scan QR codes at any time.

Disclaimer

Technology is constantly evolving, and smartphone and desktop tech rarely remains static. Therefore, the information in this post is only accurate as of the date it was written. Blog posts that are older than six months may contain instructions that are no longer compatible with your device or operating system. We hope that the content from previous posts continues to function as intended. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life, where technology works for you.

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How to Create a QR Code in Google Chrome

With Google Chrome’s built-in QR code option on your desktop, you can make QR codes for any sites and web pages you visit in the browser. When others scan them, they will be taken to the site.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
December 23, 2021

With Google Chrome’s built-in QR code option on your desktop, you can make QR codes for any sites and web pages you visit in the browser. When others scan them, they will be taken to the site. Let’s explore how this is done.

This is for Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook running Chrome

Dilbert and Interface — *Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS*

There are many reasons to generate QR codes for websites. The main reason is to add a QR code to your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails, and more. Chrome lets you save the QR codes as images, so you can basically use them anywhere you want.

Since Chrome has a built-in QR code generator, you do not have to install any third-party extensions to get the job done.

First, launch Chrome on your Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computer. Then access the website you want to turn into a QR code.

At the top of Chrome, click the address bar to reveal the QR code option. Refer to the below image:

Next, in the far right of the address bar, you will now see various icons. Click the Create QR Code For This Page icon (which is a partial square icon with four small squares). If the icon is missing, click the Zoom icon and click Reset. See the below image:

Now, Chrome will open a Scan QR Code pop-up with your generated QR code in it. You can now scan this QR code from your iPhone or Android phone. See the following image:

Next, to save this QR code as an image to your computer, at the bottom-right-hand corner of the Scan QR Code pop-up window, click Download. Refer to the below image:

qr code 4 — Selecting to Download the QR code

Now, you will see your computer’s standard Save As window. Select a folder to save your QR code image in, type a name for the image, and click Save. See the below image:

And that’s all there is to making QR codes in Chrome on the desktop. A nice feature of Chrome.

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How to Scan QR Codes from Control Center on iPhone

You can use the Code Scanner to scan Quick Response (QR) codes for links to websites, apps, coupons, tickets, and more. The iPhone camera automatically detects and highlights a QR code.

You can use the Code Scanner to scan Quick Response (QR) codes for links to websites, apps, coupons, tickets, and more. The iPhone camera automatically detects and highlights a QR code.

This is for the iPhone running iOS 11 and higher

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A QR code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be read by devices with camera or specialized barcode reader. Some QR codes even allow users to pay for goods, such as groceriess, as an alternative form of touchless payment.

The dedicated scanner is helpful for scanning QR codes in dark environments, as it enables you to use your camera’s flash as a light to illuminate the code.

First, open the Settings app (the gear icon). Refer to below image:

Next, scroll down and choose the Control Center option. See below image:

Now, scroll down and tap the “+” icon next to the Code Scanner option. See following image:

QR 3 — About to add the Code Scanner option to the Control Center

Now, the Code Scanner control will be added to the bottom of the Control Center. You will see the Code Scanner option with a “–” icon just above the More Controls section. This indicates that the Code Scanner is now embedded in the Control Center. Refer to below image:’

QR 4 — The Code Scanner added to the Control Center

It’s now time to use the feature to scan a QR code.To open Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen.

Next, tap the new Code Scanner control. See below image:

QR 5 — The QR icon in the Control Center

This will open a dedicated QR code scanning interface. Just point your iPhone’s camera toward the QR code. See following image:

OR 6 — Scanning a QR code with the iPhone camera

It will be scanned after a second, and your iPhone will automatically open the designated app to complete the action. In our example, we are opening the USPS website regarding a customer experience questionarre. Refer to below image:

OR 7 — Opening the website corresponding to the QR code

You are finished. Also, you can use your iPhone to create your own QR code, like pointing to your website or Facebook page. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

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Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love hearing from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app and version that you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.

Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS