- Enable QR code scanning by going to Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes .
- Add the Code Scanner to the Control Center.
Common Fixes
- Use Camera in Photo mode : QR code scanning doesn’t work in other camera modes such as Portrait, Pano, Macro , Video, etc.
- Clean camera lens and relaunch Camera : Swipe up from the bottom to switch apps, remove the Camera app, and relaunch.
- Force restart your iPhone : Press and quickly release the volume up and down buttons in succession, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Release the button when the logo appears, then enter the device passcode to unlock.
- Update iOS : Head to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Update Now to update iOS.
Fix 1: Enable QR Code Scanner for Camera
If you can’t scan a QR code by pointing your iPhone’s camera, the app’s feature is disabled. Enabling the Scan QR Codes option in the Camera app settings should fix it.
Open the Settings app > tap Camera > toggle on Scan QR Codes . The Camera app will display a yellow compass icon when pointing it toward a QR code.
Fix 2: Add a QR Code Scanner in Control Center
Besides using the Camera app, you can add a native Code Scanner toggle in your Control Center to scan QR codes without hassle.
Step 1: Open Control Center in the Settings app and press + to add the Code Scanner feature.
Step 2: Swipe down from the top-right to open Control Center, tap the Code Scanner toggle, and point the camera towards the QR code for scanning.
Alternative: Scan QR Codes With Apple Photos
Instead of scanning a QR code in real time, you can capture it in a photo and scan it later with the native Photos app.
Take a photo of the QR code and open it in the Photos app. Long-press the QR code to view associated options. If it contains a link, you’ll see the Open in browser option.
