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Scanning QR codes on an iPhone used to require downloading and opening a separate app, which was tedious. But with iOS 11, iPhone users can now scan QR codes in just a few steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to scan QR codes, Facebook Messenger codes, Spotify codes, and Snapcodes using the iPhone camera.
How to Scan QR Codes on iPhone
- Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 11 or later.
- Open the Camera app and point it towards the QR code.
- Keep the QR code sharp and visible on your screen.
- A notification will appear indicating the information embedded in the QR code, such as the link.
- If the notification doesn’t appear, try zooming in or tapping the QR code for better focus.
- Tap the notification to access the webpage, call the phone number, or email the contact.
Note that zooming in can improve scan accuracy.
Try scanning this QR code to open the website:
Understanding QR Codes
QR codes are two-dimensional codes that can hold data such as links to websites, email addresses, phone numbers, tickets, passes, and coupons. They provide shortcuts that let you instantly access a destination without having to type or reveal any information. They’ve become popular in augmented reality, and as Snapcodes, Spotify codes, and Facebook Messenger codes. Here’s how to unlock some of these:
How to Scan Facebook Messenger Codes
Your Facebook Messenger profile picture is surrounded by dots and dashes.
This is your Messenger code, which you can scan with your iPhone camera to quickly add someone as a contact.
- Open Messenger and tap People to add a new Messenger contact with a code.
- Select Scan Code.
- Align the Messenger camera to the code inside the circle, and the app will scan and add the contact.
To view someone’s Messenger code, have them tap their icon in the top-left corner of Messenger or tap People and then Scan code and My code.
How to Scan Snapcodes with iPhone
Snapcodes were introduced in 2015 to swiftly add friends on Snapchat. Former US President Obama even created his Snapcode.
- Point your Snapchat camera towards the Snapcode to add someone as your friend on Snapchat.
- Tap the code to scan it.
- Snapchat will include the new contact’s data in your Snapchat contacts.
How to Scan Spotify Codes with iPhone
Spotify uses scannable images for easy music sharing.
- Open Spotify and scan the Spotify code with the app’s camera.
FAQs
1. Can I scan QR codes without iOS 11?
No, the iPhone must be running iOS 11 or later to scan QR codes using its camera app.
2. Are there any free QR code scanner apps for iPhone?
Yes, there are many free QR code scanner apps available on the App Store. Some popular options include QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner, i-nigma QR Code Scanner, and QR Scanner — Barcode Reader.