What are QR Codes and why do you need to scan them?
The concept behind QR Codes originated from Japan as an answer to the demand for better technology than Barcodes. Barcodes required complicated technology to be scanned, couldn't resist damage and held little information. The development of QR Codes was a massive improvement on product inventory systems because they had better error tolerance, could contain 100 times more data, could be read both horizontally and vertically, which is why QR Codes are square. With the invention of smartphones, this brought QR Code use to the public. Nowadays, everyone can scan QR Codes via mobile, so many companies also use them with their marketing strategies to conveniently connect users to links and other content.
Which smartphones use iOS?
iOS is an operating system that is used solely for Apple products. This includes iPhones, iPads, iPods, Mac computers, and any other Apple devices.
How to check if your iPhone or iPad camera automatically scans QR Codes
If you're unsure about which version of iOS your phone uses or you want to try to scan QR Codes without an app and would like to try your camera, use the following steps:
- Open your Camera app and point it steadily for 2-3 seconds towards the QR Code you want to scan.
- Whenever scanning is enabled, a notification will appear.
- If nothing happens, you may have to go to your Settings app and enable QR Code scanning.
- Open your Camera app and point it steadily for 2-3 seconds towards the QR Code you want to scan.
- If QR Code isn’t an option in your settings, your device, unfortunately, can’t scan QR Codes natively. But don’t worry, this only means you’ll have to download a third-party QR Code reader app (see our app recommendations below).
Alternatively, you can follow this guide for how to check your version of iOS.
Alternative methods for scanning QR Codes with iPhone 4-11
The above instructions should work for any version of iOS. However, in the case that you run into issues, there are two alternative methods to scan QR Codes with iPhone as described below.
Wallet App
Wallet AppThe wallet app can scan and save particular QR Codes, such as those needed for boarding flights or entering an event. It's useful if you'd like to access these QR Codes later on. To scan QR Codes with the Wallet app, use the following steps:
1.Start the Wallet app.
2.Select “Scan Code” located at the bottom of the page in blue.
3.Focus your camera on the QR Code so it fits within the square.
4.If the QR Code can’t be saved, you’ll get a notification saying “No Pass Available for This Code.”
5.If it can be saved, click on the “+” button at the top right of the screen and select “Scan Code to Add a Pass.”
| QR Code Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Website URL | Automatically connects a QR Code with a website link. |
| Social Media | Displays multiple social media profile links on one accessible page. |
| Coupon | Creates a digital coupon to boost sales. |
| vCard Plus | A digital business card with space for comprehensive information. |
| Business Page | Creates a page that displays all your essential business info and directs users to your website. |
| Feedback | Collects detailed feedback from your customers, sent directly to your email. |
| Rating | Gathers ratings from customers with an optional comment box. |
| Video | Showcases multiple Youtube videos into a QR Code. |
| Event | Promotes event attendance and registrations. |
| Opens a downloadable PDF file. | |
| Displays your Facebook profile for users to like your page without having to visit it. | |
| App | Displays download buttons for each app store where your app is located in one QR Code. |
| MP3 | Converts sound files into a QR Code with a built-in MP3 player. |
| Images | Showcases images in a beautiful image gallery format. |
| Bitcoin | Enables the sending and receiving of cryptocurrencies. |
| WiFi | Connects to a WiFi network without having to manually enter a password. |
View a list of all QR Code solutions QR Code Generator has to offer here.
