What Are QR Codes and How Do You Scan Them?

You have probably noticed those small, square, black-and-white patterns popping up everywhere — on restaurant tables, in shop windows, on letters from the doctor, and even on television. These are called QR codes, and they are much simpler to use than they look.

In this guide, we will explain exactly what QR codes are, show you how to scan them on your phone step by step, and help you understand when it is safe to scan one and when you should think twice.

What Is a QR Code?

QR stands for "Quick Response." A QR code is a type of barcode — but instead of the straight lines you see on the back of a cereal box, a QR code uses a pattern of small black and white squares arranged in a larger square shape.

Think of it like a secret message written in a language that only your phone's camera can read. When you point your phone at a QR code, your phone decodes the pattern and usually opens a website, a menu, a form, or some other piece of information.

Here is the key point: a QR code is just a shortcut. Instead of typing a long website address into your phone, you simply point your camera at the code and your phone does the rest. It saves you the hassle of typing out something like www.restaurant.com/menu/spring-2026 with your thumbs.

QR codes were actually invented back in 1994 in Japan. They were first used in car factories to track parts. But they did not become popular in everyday life until the last few years, especially after the pandemic when restaurants and businesses wanted to reduce the number of things people touched.

Where Will You See QR Codes?

QR codes are turning up in more and more places. Here are some of the most common spots:

• Restaurant menus — Many restaurants now have a QR code on the table instead of a paper menu. You scan it and the menu appears on your phone screen.
• Shop windows and posters — Scan to visit a website, see a special offer, or learn more about a product.
• Letters and leaflets — Your bank, council, or energy provider might include a QR code in a letter so you can quickly visit their website or pay a bill.
• NHS and healthcare — Appointment letters, prescription information, and patient portals sometimes use QR codes for quick access.
• Train and bus tickets — Many digital tickets now display a QR code that gets scanned when you board.
• Event tickets — Concert, theatre, and cinema tickets often use QR codes instead of traditional paper tickets.
• Product packaging — Some products include a QR code that links to instructions, recipes, or warranty registration.
• Television adverts — You might see a QR code flash up on screen during an advert, inviting you to scan it for more details.

How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone

If you have an iPhone, scanning a QR code is very straightforward. You do not need to download any special app — your built-in camera does the job.

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone. This is the app you use to take photos.
2. Hold your phone so the camera is pointing at the QR code. You do not need to take a photo — just point the camera steadily.
3. Make sure the entire QR code fits within the screen. Hold the phone about 6 to 12 inches away.
4. Wait a moment. A small notification banner will appear at the top or bottom of the screen. It will usually show a website address.
5. Tap the banner to open the link.

That is all there is to it. If nothing happens, check that QR code scanning is turned on:

1. Open the Settings app (the grey gear icon).
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Make sure Scan QR Codes is switched on (the toggle should be green).

If you have an older iPhone (iPhone 6 or earlier), the built-in camera may not support QR scanning. In that case, you can download a free QR code reader app from the App Store. Our guide on how to download apps safely can help you with that.

How to Scan a QR Code on an Android Phone

Android phones also make it easy to scan QR codes. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your phone brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.), but here are the most common methods.

Method 1: Use the Camera App

On most modern Android phones, the camera app can scan QR codes automatically.

1. Open your Camera app.
2. Point the camera at the QR code and hold steady.
3. A link or pop-up should appear on the screen.
4. Tap the link to open it.

If this does not work, your camera app may not have QR scanning built in. Try Method 2 instead.

Method 2: Use Google Lens

Google Lens is a free tool from Google that is already on most Android phones.

1. Open the Google app (the colourful "G" icon).
2. Tap the small camera icon in the search bar. This opens Google Lens.
3. Point your phone at the QR code.
4. Google Lens will read the code and show you a link.
5. Tap the link to open it.

Alternatively, you can find Google Lens in your phone's quick settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and look for a "QR code" or "Scan" tile.

Method 3: Samsung Camera (Samsung Phones)

If you have a Samsung phone:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap the Settings gear icon inside the camera.
3. Make sure Scan QR codes is turned on.
4. Now simply point your camera at any QR code and it will scan automatically.

What Happens After You Scan a QR Code?

When you scan a QR code, your phone reads the pattern and takes an action. In most cases, it opens a website in your phone's internet browser. But QR codes can do other things too:

• Open a website — The most common result. A webpage loads in your browser.
• Show a restaurant menu — Usually this is just a website that displays the menu.
• Open an app — Some QR codes take you to the App Store or Google Play Store to download an app.
• Add a contact — A QR code can contain someone's name, phone number, and email address, and offer to save it to your contacts.
• Connect to WiFi — Some QR codes automatically connect your phone to a WiFi network, so you do not need to type in the password. This is common in hotels and cafes.
• Make a payment — In some places, scanning a QR code lets you pay for something directly from your phone.
• Show a boarding pass or ticket — The QR code contains your booking information.

The important thing to remember is this: your phone will always ask before doing anything major. It will show you the website address first and ask if you want to open it. You are in control.

Are QR Codes Safe?

In general, QR codes themselves are not dangerous. A QR code is simply a way of storing information, like a website address. It cannot install a virus on your phone just by scanning it.

However, the website or action that a QR code points to could be unsafe — in exactly the same way that clicking a dodgy link in an email could be risky. The QR code is just the messenger; it is what it leads to that matters.

Here are some sensible safety tips:

• Look at the web address before you tap it. When your phone shows you the link after scanning, check it looks legitimate. A genuine NHS link will end in .nhs.uk. A real bank link will match the bank's proper website.
• Be cautious with QR codes in unexpected places. A QR code on a menu inside a restaurant is almost certainly fine. A QR code stuck on a random lamppost or left on your windscreen deserves more suspicion.
• Never enter passwords or bank details on a website you reached through a QR code unless you are absolutely sure the website is genuine. Our guide on how to tell if a website is safe explains what to look for.
• Keep your phone updated. Software updates include security fixes that help protect you. An up-to-date phone is a safer phone.

Scam QR Codes to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, scammers have found ways to misuse QR codes. Here are the most common tricks to be aware of:

Sticker Swaps

A scammer prints their own QR code on a sticker and places it over a legitimate QR code — for example, on a parking meter, a restaurant table, or a public notice board. When you scan it, you end up on the scammer's fake website instead of the real one.

How to protect yourself: Look closely at the QR code. If it looks like a sticker has been placed over the top of another code, do not scan it. If something feels off, ask a member of staff instead.

Fake Parking and Payment QR Codes

Scammers place fake QR codes on parking meters and payment points. When you scan and enter your card details, the money goes to the scammer.

How to protect yourself: If you are paying for parking, use the official app or phone number listed on the meter rather than scanning an unfamiliar QR code.

QR Codes in Phishing Emails and Letters

You might receive an email or letter that looks like it is from your bank, a delivery company, or a government agency. It includes a QR code and asks you to "scan to verify your identity" or "scan to claim your refund."

How to protect yourself: Treat these with the same caution as any suspicious email or letter. Your bank will never ask you to scan a QR code to verify your identity. If in doubt, call the organisation directly using the phone number on their official website. You can read more about these tricks in our guide on phone scams targeting seniors.

QR Codes on Social Media

Sometimes fake QR codes are shared on Facebook or in WhatsApp messages, promising prizes, free gifts, or urgent warnings. These are almost always scams.

How to protect yourself: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not scan QR codes shared in chain messages or social media posts from people you do not know.

When NOT to Scan a QR Code

Here are some situations where it is best to skip the scan:

• The QR code is on a random sticker in a public place and you do not know who put it there.
• Someone sends you a QR code in a text message or email and you were not expecting it.
• The QR code promises something that sounds too good to be true, like a free holiday, a surprise prize, or a large refund.
• The QR code asks you to download an app from somewhere other than the official App Store or Google Play Store.
• You scanned the code and the website looks odd — for example, the address is full of random letters and numbers, or the page has spelling mistakes and looks unprofessional.

If you are ever unsure, simply do not scan. You can always type the website address into your browser manually, or ask someone you trust for help.

Creating Your Own QR Code

You might be surprised to learn that you can make your own QR codes too. This can be handy if you want to share your WiFi password with visitors, direct people to a website, or share your contact details easily.

Here is how to create a simple QR code for free:

1. Open your phone's internet browser (Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android).
2. Go to a free QR code website such as qr-code-generator.com or search for "free QR code generator."
3. Choose what you want the QR code to do — for example, open a website or share WiFi details.
4. Type in the information (such as the website address).
5. The website will generate a QR code image for you.
6. You can save the image to your phone or print it out.

A few tips for making your own QR codes:

• Use a well-known, reputable QR code generator. Stick to sites you trust.
• Test your QR code after creating it by scanning it with your own phone to make sure it works.
• Keep it simple. QR codes work best when they point to one clear thing, like a single website address.

A Quick Summary

Here is a handy recap of everything we covered:

• A QR code is a square pattern that your phone's camera can read. It is a shortcut to a website or action.
• You scan QR codes using your phone's built-in camera app — no special app needed on most modern phones.
• QR codes are generally safe, but always check the website address before tapping.
• Be cautious of QR codes in unexpected places, in emails you did not expect, or ones promising prizes.
• When in doubt, do not scan. You can always type a website address in manually.

Technology keeps changing, but the good news is that QR codes are one of those things that are genuinely simple once you have tried it a couple of times. Next time you see one at a restaurant or in a letter, give it a go — you might find it surprisingly easy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to download a special app to scan QR codes?

No. On most modern smartphones (iPhones from iPhone 7 onwards and most Android phones made after 2018), your built-in camera app can scan QR codes automatically. Simply open your camera, point it at the code, and wait for a link to appear. If your phone is older and the camera does not recognise QR codes, you can download a free QR code reader app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Check our guide on how to download apps safely for help with that.

Can a QR code give my phone a virus?

Scanning a QR code itself cannot give your phone a virus. The QR code simply contains information, usually a website address. However, if the QR code takes you to a malicious website and you download something from that site or enter personal details, that could cause problems. The safest approach is to always check the website address that appears after scanning, and never enter passwords or bank details on a site you are not sure about. Learn more about spotting unsafe websites in our guide on how to tell if a website is safe.

What if I scan a QR code and nothing happens?

If nothing happens when you point your camera at a QR code, try these steps: First, make sure you are holding the phone steady and the entire QR code fits on your screen. Second, check that your camera's QR scanning feature is turned on (look in your camera settings). Third, make sure you have a good internet connection, as most QR codes need the internet to open a website. Finally, check that the QR code itself is not damaged, blurry, or partially covered. If it still does not work, try using Google Lens on Android or downloading a free QR reader app.