iPhone Won't Scan QR Code? Here's How to Fix It
You point your iPhone camera at a QR code and nothing happens. No banner, no link, no response. Here's exactly how to fix it.
Quick Fix (30 Seconds)
Go to Settings → Camera → Scan QR Codes and make sure it's turned ON (green toggle).
This setting is enabled by default, but it can get turned off during iOS updates or profile installations.
1. Enable QR Code Scanning in Settings
The iPhone Camera app has built-in QR scanning, but it must be enabled. If this setting is off, pointing your camera at a QR code does absolutely nothing.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap Camera
- Toggle ON "Scan QR Codes"
- Open Camera and try scanning again
2. Clean Your Camera Lens
Fingerprints, dust, and smudges blur the image just enough to prevent QR recognition. Your photos might look fine, but QR scanning requires sharper detail.
Fix: Wipe the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid paper towels which can scratch.
3. Adjust Your Distance
Too close and the camera can't focus. Too far and the QR code is too small to read. The sweet spot is usually 6-12 inches away.
Fix: Start far and slowly move closer. Hold steady for 2-3 seconds. The yellow focus square should appear on the QR code.
4. Improve Lighting
Low light forces longer exposure and causes blur. Harsh direct light creates glare. Both prevent successful scanning.
Fix: Move to even, diffused lighting. Turn on your flashlight (swipe down from top-right, tap flashlight icon) for dark environments.
5. Restart the Camera App
Sometimes the Camera app glitches and stops recognizing QR codes even with the setting enabled.
Steps:
- Swipe up from the bottom and pause (or double-click Home button)
- Swipe up on the Camera app to close it
- Reopen Camera and try scanning
6. Update iOS
Older iOS versions had QR scanning bugs. Apple has fixed most of them, but only if you update.
Fix: Go to Settings → General → Software Update. Install any available updates.
7. Use Code Scanner from Control Center
iOS has a dedicated Code Scanner that's more reliable than the Camera app for stubborn QR codes. It also turns on the flashlight automatically in low light.
Add Code Scanner to Control Center:
- Settings → Control Center
- Tap the + next to "Code Scanner"
- Swipe down from top-right to open Control Center
- Tap the Code Scanner icon
8. The Problem Might Be the QR Code
If your iPhone scans other QR codes fine but not a specific one, the problem is the code itself — not your phone.
Common QR code problems:
- Too small (under 1 inch)
- Low contrast colors
- Damaged, scratched, or faded
- Blurry or low-resolution print
- No quiet zone (white border)
Still Not Working?
If none of the above fixes work, try these last resorts:
- Restart your iPhone — Hold power button → slide to power off → wait 30 seconds → turn back on
- Reset all settings — Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings (this won't delete data)
- Try a third-party QR app — Search "QR reader" in the App Store
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