Need to scan a QR code? It’s easier than you think! Most modern phones can scan QR codes without any app. This guide shows you how.
What is a QR Code?
QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a square barcode that stores information. You scan it with your phone camera to:
- Visit websites
- Make payments (M-Pesa, PayPal)
- Connect to WiFi
- Share contact info
- Download apps
- Access menus at restaurants
Example: Restaurant shows QR code - scan it to see menu on your phone without touching physical menu.
Method 1: Scan with iPhone (iOS)
iPhones can scan QR codes directly with the camera app.
Step 1: Open Camera App
Open the regular Camera app on your iPhone (the one you use for photos).
Example: Yellow icon with camera symbol on home screen.
Step 2: Point Camera at QR Code
Hold your phone steady and point camera at the QR code.
Important:
- Ensure QR code is fully visible in frame
- Keep steady (don’t shake)
- Adequate lighting needed
- About 10-20cm distance from QR code
Example: If scanning QR code on paper, hold phone 15cm above it horizontally.
Step 3: Wait for Notification
After 1-2 seconds, a notification banner appears at top of screen showing:
- Website link, or
- Action description, or
- Payment details
Example: Notification: “Open ‘www.example.com’ in Safari”
Step 4: Tap the Notification
Tap the notification banner to:
- Open the link
- Make the payment
- Connect to WiFi
- Complete the action
Example: Tap banner to open website in Safari browser.
Troubleshooting iPhone:
If notification doesn’t appear:
- Go to Settings → Camera
- Enable Scan QR Codes (toggle on)
- Try scanning again
Example: Toggle must be green (ON) for QR scanning to work.
Method 2: Scan with Android Phone
Most Android phones (Android 8+) scan QR codes with Google Lens or camera.
Option A: Using Camera App (Samsung, Google Pixel)
Step 1: Open Camera App
Open your phone’s Camera app.
Example: Camera icon in app drawer or home screen.
Step 2: Point at QR Code
Point camera directly at QR code.
Hold steady, ensure code is fully in frame.
Example: QR code should take up about 50% of screen.
Step 3: Tap the QR Code
Some Android phones require you to:
- Tap on the QR code on screen, or
- Wait for popup to appear
Example: Small popup appears saying “Open link” - tap it.
Step 4: Choose Action
Select appropriate action:
- Open in browser
- Copy link
- Make payment
- Connect WiFi
Example: For website QR, select “Open in Chrome” or “Open in browser”
Option B: Using Google Lens
Most Android phones have Google Lens built-in.
Step 1: Open Camera App
Open Camera app.
Step 2: Find Google Lens Icon
Look for Google Lens icon - usually looks like:
- Camera with dots
- Square with circle inside
- “Lens” button
Located at bottom or corner of camera screen.
Example: On Samsung: Look for “Bixby Vision” or “Lens” icon at bottom left.
Step 3: Tap Google Lens Icon
Tap the Lens icon to activate QR code scanning mode.
Step 4: Point at QR Code
Point camera at QR code.
Google Lens automatically detects and shows information.
Example: Blue dots appear on QR code, then information pops up.
Step 5: Tap the Result
Tap the information shown to:
- Open link
- Make payment
- Complete action
Example: Tap “Open link” button to visit website.
Method 3: Download QR Code Scanner App
If your phone doesn’t have built-in scanning:
Step 1: Download Scanner App
Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Recommended Free Apps:
- QR & Barcode Scanner (by Gamma Play)
- QR Code Reader (by Scan)
- Google Lens (standalone app)
Search “QR Code Scanner” and install any with good reviews.
Example: Look for apps with 4+ stars and millions of downloads.
Step 2: Open the App
After installing, open the QR scanner app.
Step 3: Grant Camera Permission
App will ask for camera permission.
Tap Allow or OK.
Example: “QR Scanner needs access to your camera” - tap Allow.
Step 4: Point Camera at QR Code
Hold phone steady, point at QR code.
App automatically scans and shows result.
Example: Result appears instantly - website link, text, or payment info.
Step 5: Tap to Open
Tap the result to complete action.
Example: Tap website link to open in browser.
Method 4: Using Google Assistant (Android)
Google Assistant can scan QR codes from images.
Step 1: Take Photo of QR Code
Use camera app to take photo of QR code.
Save the photo.
Example: If QR code is on billboard or poster, take a photo first.
Step 2: Open Google Photos
Open Google Photos app.
Find the photo with QR code.
Step 3: Use Google Lens
Open the photo, then:
- Tap the Google Lens icon (camera with dots)
- Google Lens analyzes the QR code
- Shows result
Example: Lens icon is usually at bottom of photo viewer.
Step 4: Tap Result
Tap the information to open link or complete action.
Example: “Open in browser” button appears - tap it.
Scanning for Different Purposes
Scanning for Websites
What happens:
- QR code contains website URL
- Phone shows link preview
- Tap to open in browser
Example: Restaurant QR code opens menu website.
Scanning for WiFi
What happens:
- Phone detects WiFi credentials
- Shows “Connect to WiFi?” prompt
- Tap to connect automatically
Example: Hotel room QR code - scan to connect to WiFi without typing password.
Scanning for Payments
What happens:
- Payment QR code detected
- Shows payment app prompt
- Enter amount and confirm
Example: M-Pesa till QR code - scan, enter amount, pay.
Scanning for Contact Info
What happens:
- vCard QR code detected
- Shows “Add Contact” option
- Saves to phone contacts
Example: Business card QR code - scan to save contact details automatically.
Scanning for App Downloads
What happens:
- QR code links to app store
- Opens App Store or Play Store
- Shows app to install
Example: Conference QR code links to event app download.
Common QR Code Types
URLs (Websites):
- Most common type
- Opens in browser
- Example: www.example.com
Text:
- Displays message
- Just shows text
- Example: Instructions or information
WiFi:
- Network credentials
- Auto-connects phone
- Example: Home WiFi password
Contact (vCard):
- Person’s details
- Saves to contacts
- Example: Name, phone, email
Payment:
- Till numbers, Paybills
- Opens payment app
- Example: M-Pesa, PayPal
Location:
- GPS coordinates
- Opens maps app
- Example: Business location
Safety Tips When Scanning QR Codes
Before Scanning:
Tip 1: Check the Source
Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
Example: Restaurant menu QR = Safe. Random sticker on street pole = Risky.
Tip 2: Preview the Link
Before opening, check where the link goes.
Example: Link shows “www.safaricom.co.ke” = Likely safe. Random long link = Be careful.
Tip 3: Don’t Auto-Open
Some phones ask if you want to open - review first before tapping.
Example: Read the URL shown before tapping “Open”
Tip 4: Avoid Suspicious QR Codes
Don’t scan QR codes that are:
- Covered with stickers
- On random flyers
- From unknown senders
- Promising “free money”
Example: Parking meter QR covered with sticker might be scam - use official payment method.
Tip 5: Check for Phishing
Be alert if QR code leads to:
- Login pages asking for passwords
- Payment pages (unexpected)
- Download pages (suspicious apps)
Example: QR code claiming “Win iPhone - Login with Google” = Likely scam.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: Camera won’t focus on QR code Solution: Move phone closer or farther. Ensure good lighting. Clean camera lens.
Problem: Nothing happens when scanning Solution: Check QR scan feature is enabled in camera settings. Try Google Lens instead.
Problem: QR code too small or damaged Solution: Zoom in on QR code. Ensure code is not torn or faded. Try better angle.
Problem: Phone too old, no QR scanner Solution: Download free QR scanner app from app store. Any app works on older phones.
Problem: Link won’t open Solution: Copy link and paste in browser manually. Check internet connection.
Problem: Wrong language or content Solution: Some QR codes show different content based on location or language settings.
Important Tips
- Most modern phones (2018+) have built-in QR scanning
- No special app needed for iPhone or latest Android
- Ensure camera permissions are granted
- Good lighting helps scanning work faster
- Hold phone steady - don’t shake
- QR codes work from screen or paper equally
- Can scan QR codes from another phone’s screen
- Distance matters - not too close, not too far (15-20cm ideal)
- Clean camera lens if scanning fails repeatedly
- Some QR codes are color-coded but any camera reads them
Creating Your Own QR Codes
Want to create QR codes?
Free Online Tools:
- qr-code-generator.com
- qrcode-monkey.com
- me-qr.com
What you can encode:
- Your website
- Contact info
- WiFi credentials
- Payment info
- Location
- Any text
Example: Create QR code with your website link to share on business card or poster.
QR Codes in Kenya
Common Uses:
M-Pesa Payments:
- Lipa Na M-Pesa QR codes
- Scan to pay businesses
- Till and Paybill QR codes
Example: Shop displays QR code - scan to pay directly to their till.
Restaurant Menus:
- COVID-safe menu viewing
- No physical contact
- Scan to see menu
Example: Table sticker with QR code - scan for menu instead of paper menu.
Event Check-ins:
- Conference registration
- Concert tickets
- Event entry
Example: Concert ticket QR code - scan at gate for entry.
Product Information:
- Product details
- User manuals
- Warranty registration
Example: Electronics box has QR code - scan for manual PDF.
Advanced QR Code Features
Dynamic QR Codes:
- Content can change
- Same code, different destination
- Trackable scans
Example: Restaurant QR code shows different menu (lunch/dinner) based on time of day.
Customized QR Codes:
- Include logos
- Brand colors
- Custom designs
Example: Safaricom QR code with green colors and logo in center.
Multi-action QR Codes:
- Perform multiple actions
- Add contact AND open website
- Send email AND save phone
Example: Business card QR code saves contact AND opens LinkedIn profile.
QR Code Etiquette
When Sharing QR Codes:
- Make them large enough to scan easily
- Ensure high contrast (dark on light background)
- Test before printing
- Include backup text info
- Don’t make people hunt for QR code
Example: If QR code is for website, also write “Visit: www.example.com” nearby in case scanning fails.
Future of QR Codes
QR codes are becoming more popular for:
- Contactless payments
- Digital identity
- Health records
- Vehicle information
- Smart packaging
- Augmented reality
Example: Some countries use QR codes for vaccination certificates, travel documents, and digital IDs.
Quick Reference
To Scan QR Code:
iPhone:
- Open Camera
- Point at QR code
- Tap notification
- Done!
Android:
- Open Camera or Google Lens
- Point at QR code
- Tap result
- Done!
Safety Check:
- Trusted source? ✓
- Link looks safe? ✓
- Not asking for password? ✓
- Then proceed!
Contact for Help
Phone Support:
- iPhone: Apple Support - Check Settings → General → About → Support
- Android: Contact phone manufacturer support
App Support:
- Google Lens: support.google.com
- Third-party apps: Check app settings for help
Learn More:
- YouTube: “How to scan QR code [your phone model]”
- Phone manual: Search “QR code”
Summary
QR codes are simple to scan:
- Open camera on modern phone
- Point at QR code
- Tap notification or result
- Complete action
No special skills needed. No app downloads (for modern phones). Just point and tap!
Remember: Always check where the QR code is taking you before completing sensitive actions like payments or logins. Stay safe while enjoying the convenience of QR codes!