Some developers would lead you to believe you need to download their app to scan QR codes. Spoiler: Your phone can do that with built-in features.

If you're on an Android device, however, there are three best ways to scan a QR code: Google Lens, your native camera app, and a third-party app.

Most of the time, QR code scanning is built-in to camera apps on iPhone and Android phones, so learning how to scan a QR code is simply a case of pointing your phone’s camera at your chosen code.

Here's how to scan a QR code on your iPhone or Android phone. Many phones have QR code scanners, but if yours doesn't, we also recommend some apps to help.

It's entirely possible you've never interacted with Android's QR code scanner; popular phones' camera apps have been able to scan QR codes for quite a while now.

We’ve also seen some OEMs offer their own scanning functionality in camera apps or via a dedicated app. It looks like Android 13 could gain more intuitive QR code scanning though.

Your Android or iPhone can probably already scan QR codes. Here's how to do it no matter what phone you have.

TECH How to scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android phone (no apps needed) QR codes are those pixelated squares you see in restaurants, advertisements, stores, food packaging, business cards ...