Scanning a code from a photo or screenshot
If the code is on the phone itself — a screenshot, an image in an email, a photo — open it in Photos, then touch and hold the code (or tap the Live Text icon). iOS reads the code in the image and offers the link directly. This also works in Safari: touch and hold an image containing a code.
The Control Centre Code Scanner
Settings → Control Centre → add Code Scanner. It opens a dedicated scanning view from the Control Centre — handy for low light (it has its own torch toggle) and for frequent scanning. The standard camera is fine for most people; this is the power-user option.
When it won't scan
Nearly always one of: the Scan QR Codes setting is off; the code is too small for the distance (move closer rather than zooming); glare on laminated print (tilt the phone); or the code is genuinely broken — light-on-dark inverted codes and cropped margins are common culprits. If your iPhone won't read it but you need the content, decode a photo of it with the scanner here instead.
Mistakes to avoid
- Don't install third-party scanner apps — the built-in camera does everything, without ads.
- Read the banner's domain before tapping, especially on codes found in public.
- Zooming digitally doesn't help — physically move closer.
Common questions
Why won't my iPhone scan a code?
Check Settings → Camera → Scan QR Codes is on, move closer, kill the glare. If it still fails, the code itself is likely faulty.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes — open it in Photos and touch and hold the code, or use Live Text.
Does this work on iPad?
Identically — same Camera app behaviour.
Do I need internet to scan?
Only to open the link. Decoding the code itself works offline.