QRDecoder

How to Scan a QR Code From an Image on iPhone

iOS can sometimes read a QR code straight from Photos — and sometimes it stubbornly refuses. Here are both routes, starting with the built-in one.

Open the QR decoder

Method 1 — Photos and Live Text (iOS 15 and later)

  1. 1Open the Photos app and select the picture that contains the QR code.
  2. 2Tap the Live Text icon in the bottom-right corner, then tap the QR code badge that appears over it.

Live Text only detects a QR code when the image is sharp and the code is reasonably large in the frame. Pinch to zoom does not help — the detection runs on the original file.

Method 2 — Decode it in Safari (works every time)

  1. 1If nothing appears, open Safari and go to the QRDecoder tool page instead.
  2. 2Tap the upload area, choose Photo Library, and pick the QR image.
  3. 3The decoded link or text appears instantly — tap it to open, or copy it to the clipboard.

This works on any iPhone or iPad, including older iOS versions where Live Text is unavailable, and it also handles screenshots taken inside apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Mail.

iPhone-specific tips

  • HEIC photos work — the browser converts them when reading the file.
  • For a QR code inside a PDF, screenshot the page first, then decode the screenshot.
  • Use Markup in Photos to crop tightly around the QR square before decoding.
  • Add the decoder to your Home Screen from the Safari share sheet for one-tap access.

Related guides

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