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Ultimate Guide to Scanning QR Codes on iPhone & Android

February 12, 2026 Mobile Expert

Scanning on iPhone (iOS)

Open the Camera app and point it at the code. A yellow link notification will appear. Tap it to open. Alternatively, you can add a 'Code Scanner' shortcut to your Control Center.

Scanning on Android

Most modern Android phones have Google Lens integrated into the camera app. Tap the Lens icon or simply point and wait for a popup.

Why Use a Web Scanner Instead?

Native scanners often open links immediately in Safari or Chrome, leaving a history trail. Using a dedicated private web scanner ensures that you can check the URL before visiting it, and keeps your history distinct from your main browser history.

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