How to Scan on iPhone: QR Codes, Documents and Text (2026 Guide)

September 28, 2026

You can scan QR codes, documents, and text on your iPhone using built-in tools like the Apple Support Camera Guide, the Notes app, and Live Text.

How to Scan Using the Notes App

Open the Notes app and create a new note or open an existing one.
Tap the Attachment button (the paperclip icon) above the keyboard or at the bottom.
Select Scan Documents to open the camera.
Place your document on a flat, well-lit surface.
Hold your phone steady; your iPhone will automatically capture the scan when it detects the page boundaries.
If needed, tap the Shutter button or press a Volume button to capture it manually.
Adjust the crop corners if necessary, then tap Keep Scan.
Tap Save or Done when you finish scanning all pages.

Scan a Document With the Files App

Open Files and go to the folder where you want the scan saved.
Tap the More button (three dots) and choose Scan Documents.
Scan each page, tap Save and name the file.

Sign, Share or Send Your Scan

Open the scan in Notes, tap the Share icon and choose Markup to add a signature. Use Share again to email it, message it or save it as a PDF. Scanned pages are small, but photo and video files are not, so if your phone is getting full read how to free up iPhone storage.

Pro Tip

Add the Code Scanner to Control Center and also turn on the flashlight before you scan in dim places such as restaurants and car parks. Most failed scans happen in poor light, and this combination fixes them instantly.

Scan QR Codes

Using the Camera App: Open the Camera app in Photo mode. Point your phone at the QR code so it appears in the frame. Tap the yellow link that pops up on the screen.
Using Control Center: Swipe down from the top right of your screen to open Control Center. Tap the Scan Code icon (add it via Settings if you don’t see it). Hold the phone over the code.
From a Saved Photo: Open the image in the Photos app. Tap the Live Text icon (looks like lines of text in a square) in the bottom-right corner, then tap the QR code to open its link.

Scan Documents

Using the Notes App: Open the Apple Support Notes Guide via the Notes app and open or create a note. Tap the Camera or Plus (+) icon, then select Scan Documents. Hold your phone steady over the paper. It will capture automatically, or you can press the shutter button. Tap Save when done.
Using the Files App: Open the Files app, tap the three dots icon (...) at the top, and select Scan Documents. Position the page and save the resulting PDF.

Scan and Copy Text (Live Text)

Open the Camera app and point it at any physical text (like a sign or a page).
Tap the Live Text icon that appears in the bottom-right corner of the camera viewfinder.
Highlight the text with your finger to copy, look up definitions, share, or translate it directly.

To scan on an iPhone, open the Camera app and hold it over a QR code, then tap the banner that appears at the top of the screen. To scan a paper document, open Notes, tap the Camera icon and choose Scan Documents. To scan text from a sign, book or menu, point the Camera at it and tap the Live Text icon.

Every method in this guide is already built into your iPhone, so you do not need to download a single app. Below you will find each method step by step, the fixes for when scanning fails, and a safety check that stops you opening a fake QR code.

Which Scan Method Do You Need?

QR code on a poster, menu or screen: use the Camera app or the Code Scanner in Control Center.
QR code saved as a photo or screenshot: use the Photos app.
Paper document, receipt or ID copy: use Notes or Files and tap Scan Documents.
Text on a sign, book or label: use the Camera app with Live Text.

How to Scan a QR Code on iPhone With the Camera

This is the fastest method and it works on every modern iPhone.

Open the Camera app and stay in Photo mode.
Hold your iPhone so the whole QR code sits inside the viewfinder, about 15 to 30 centimetres away.
Keep still for a second. A yellow banner appears at the top of the screen showing what the code contains.
Tap the banner to open the link, join the WiFi network or add the contact.

If you want to check where a link goes before you open it, touch and hold the banner to see the full web address first.

How to Scan a QR Code Using Control Center

Control Center gives you a dedicated scanner, which is handy if you scan codes often.

Open Settings and tap Control Center.
Tap Add a Control, search for Code Scanner and add it.
Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
Tap Code Scanner, point it at the QR code and tap the result that appears.

How to Scan a QR Code From a Screenshot or Photo

The Camera cannot scan a code that is on your own screen, so use Photos instead.

Open the Photos app and open the picture that contains the QR code.
Touch and hold the QR code. On recent versions of iOS an option to open the link appears.
Tap the option to open the link or add the details.

If nothing appears, zoom in on the code so it fills more of the screen and try again. You can also send the image to a second device and scan it from there.

What Can You Do After Scanning a QR Code?

Your iPhone reads more than website links. Depending on the code, the banner lets you:

Join a WiFi network without typing the password
Save a contact to your address book
Add an event to your calendar
Open a restaurant menu or a payment page
Open an App Store page for an app

Many printers also show QR codes during setup. Our guide to connect phone to printer shows how that works. If you are working on a computer instead, read how to scan QR codes on laptop screens.

Why Your iPhone Will Not Scan (and How to Fix It)

If scanning fails, work down this list from the top:

Switch on QR scanning. Open Settings, tap Camera and make sure Scan QR Codes is turned on.
Clean the lens. A fingerprint is the most common cause of a blurry, unreadable scan.
Fix the distance. Move closer or further back until the code fills about half the screen.
Improve the light. Turn on the flashlight from Control Center for dark rooms. Tilt the code to remove glare.
Stay in Photo mode. Some Camera modes do not read codes.
Remove a thick case or screen protector if it covers the lens.
Restart and update. Restart your iPhone and install the latest iOS update in Settings, General, Software Update.
Check the code itself. A torn, faded or stretched code cannot be read by any phone.

How to Spot a Fake QR Code

Scammers stick fake codes over real ones on parking meters, posters and menus. Before you tap the banner:

Read the full web address. Watch for misspelled brand names or strange endings.
Be careful with codes that ask for card details or a login.
Look for a sticker placed on top of the original code.
Never scan a code that arrives in an unexpected email or text.

Need Devices That Scan at Your Event or Business?

Scanning one code on your own phone is easy. Scanning hundreds of guests, tickets or stock items in one day is different, and buying devices for a short project rarely makes sense. Many UK businesses hire ready to use devices instead.

Event registration and ticket scanning: hired iPads and iPhones arrive configured for check in, so staff scan attendee QR codes at the door. See how teams use event check in iPads to cut queues.
Stock, parcels and retail counts: dedicated scanners read barcodes far faster than a phone Camera. Read our guide to barcode scanner hire UK options.
Field teams and pop up stands: rent handsets for staff who scan documents, sign forms and capture leads on the move through iPhone rental for businesses.

For larger requirements, contact Hire Tablets for a quote and arrange the number of devices you need for your event, team or temporary project.

Rent Tech Devices for Business Events and Professional Use

Rent tech devices for business events, conferences, exhibitions, and corporate projects. Hire Tablets UK provides professionally prepared devices with quick delivery and dependable support, making it simple for businesses to run events and activities without technical concerns.

Get a Quote Contact Us

You can also explore our guides on changing your iPhone name for easier AirDrop sharing, withholding your number on iPhone for added call privacy, and editing videos on iPhone when working with scanned video links or captured content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone not show the QR code banner?

The most common reasons are that Scan QR Codes is switched off in Settings, Camera, or the lens is dirty. Also check that you are in Photo mode and that the code is fully inside the frame.

Can I check a QR code link before opening it?

Yes. After the banner appears, touch and hold it to see the full web address. Only tap Open if the address matches the company you expect.

Where do scanned documents go on iPhone?

They are saved wherever you started the scan. Scans made in Notes stay in that note, and scans made in Files are saved as PDFs in the folder you chose.

Can I scan several pages into one PDF?

Yes. Keep scanning pages before you tap Save and your iPhone combines them into one multi page PDF.

Can the iPhone Camera scan product barcodes?

The Camera app is designed for QR codes. Product barcodes usually need a shop app or a price comparison app.

How do I scan a QR code on the same phone that shows it?

Take a screenshot, open it in Photos, then touch and hold the QR code to open the link.

Can I hire iPhones or iPads to scan QR codes at an event?

Yes. Rental iPads and iPhones can be set up for guest check in, ticket scanning and lead capture, and delivered before your event. Hiring is usually cheaper than buying for a short project and includes support if a device fails.