How do I open your camera app?

On both iPhone and Android, open the Camera app from your home screen. No special QR scanning app is needed on most modern phones.

How do I point the camera at the qr code?

Hold your phone about 6 to 12 inches away from the QR code. Keep the entire QR code visible in the camera frame and hold steady.

How do I wait for the notification?

After a second or two, a notification banner or link appears on screen showing what the QR code does (usually a website URL).

How do I tap to open?

Tap the notification banner (iPhone) or the popup link (Android) to follow the QR code to its destination.

How do I if it does not work?

Samsung: check Camera Settings and make sure "Scan QR codes" is on. Other Android: try Google Lens (open the Google app, tap the Lens icon in the search bar, point at the QR code).

Before tapping the link, glance at the URL. If it looks unfamiliar or suspicious, do not open it. QR codes in trusted locations (restaurants, stores, offices) are generally safe.

TekSure — Free Tech Help for Beginners & Seniors

QR codes are those square black-and-white patterns you see on restaurant menus, event tickets, product packaging, and signs. When you scan one with your phone camera, it takes you to a website, shows information, connects you to WiFi, or completes some other action automatically.

The great news is that most modern phones can scan QR codes using the built-in camera app — no special app needed.

On iPhone (iOS 11 and later): Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. Hold your phone steady so the QR code is visible in the frame. After a moment, a notification banner appears at the top of the screen showing what the QR code links to (usually a website). Tap the banner to open it.

On Android (most phones running Android 9 and later): Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. If your camera supports it, a link or popup appears that you can tap. On some Android phones, you may need to tap a small QR code icon that appears, or you may need to use Google Lens instead. To use Google Lens, open the Camera app and look for the Lens icon (a square with a dot), or open the Google app and tap the Lens icon in the search bar.

On Samsung phones: Open the Camera app, and QR code scanning is on by default. If it does not work, go to Camera Settings and make sure "Scan QR codes" is toggled on.

Tips for scanning: hold your phone about 6 to 12 inches from the QR code. Make sure the code is well-lit and not wrinkled, damaged, or partially covered. If the QR code is on a screen (like a TV or another phone), reduce glare by adjusting your angle.

A word of caution: QR codes can link to any website, including malicious ones. Before tapping the link that appears, glance at the URL to make sure it looks legitimate. If a QR code on a random sticker or flyer sends you to an unfamiliar website, it is better to skip it.