Learn how to scan QR codes in images that are already stored on your iPhone or iPad without having to print them out or use another device.
QR codes use line patterns resembling classic barcodes to embed information such as website addresses, telephone numbers, contact information, etc.
But what if your device already has the QR code saved as an image? You cannot point your phone at an image in the Photos app or the QR code on the website you’re viewing, right?. No worries; in this tutorial, we’ll teach you how to scan QR codes in images on your iPhone without using another device.
How to scan QR codes in images on your iPhone
Touch and hold the QR code on the picture in the Photos app to reveal appropriate actions based on what’s embedded in the scanned code.
- Launch the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Open the image with the QR code you’d like to scan.
- Touch and hold the QR code, then choose an action from the menu.
Live Text can also scan QR codes in images | Image: Christian Zibreg/iDB
If the QR code includes a website address to visit, for instance, you’ll see actions to open the URL, add it to Safari’s Reading List, copy the link, share it with someone, etc. This feature works even if you disable barcode scanning in the camera settings.
You can also scan QR codes in images using Live Text: Open the image in the Photos app, select the yellow Live Text icon in the bottom-right corner, then touch the QR code and choose from the available actions. This works in other places where Live Text is supported, including the Files app and system features like Quick Look.
Unfortunately, iOS still doesn’t detect QR codes on PDF documents. You can work around this limitation by scanning the code with a second iPhone, but that’s such a last-century tip. A more elegant alternative is to screenshot the QR code and scan it.
Creative use cases for QR codes
Many people don’t know they can scan QR codes from images out of the box. I first used this feature when setting up eSIM on my iPhone. All I had to do was scan the QR code my carrier emailed to finish the process—it was quick and painless.
Anyone can create QR codes using specialized websites like QRStuff.com. You can also generate QR codes directly on your iPhone, iPad or Mac using one of the specialized apps on the App Store like Scanbot and Readdle’s Scanner Pro.
Master QR code scanning on the go
Despite encoding very little information, QR codes can include calendar events, phone numbers, addresses, pre-defined email recipients, etc.
My favorite use cases include setting up smart home devices, configuring two-factor authentication and sharing secrets such as router and Wi-Fi passwords.
QR codes are increasingly all around us. You spot them on billboard ads, beginning to be scanned to take you to the brand’s official website. They’re in print ads. You see them on storefronts, restaurant menus, your utility bills, and so on.
Good thing your iPhone offers several ways to scan and decipher these things out of the box. My personal favorite is the Control Center’s Code Scanner feature because it saves me a step by automatically opening the embedded URL.
Now the next time you receive an image with a QR code, you’ll know how to act upon it without clunky workarounds. Many people are unaware of this helpful feature. Please pass this along to family and friends who might need it.