Whether you’re in a restaurant ordering food or at a public place trying to connect to Wi-Fi, the use of QR codes has shot up substantially. While iPhone’s native camera allows you to scan QR codes easily, I still use Google Lens for its added features. So today, let’s see how to scan a QR code on iPhone with Google Lens and why you should do it.
How to Scan QR Code on iPhone
Frankly, if you have to scan a QR code once in a blue moon, you are better off with the native method. However, the native method only allows you to scan and open the link. Google Lens app, on the other hand, expands this capability manifolds. Here are a few things it adds over iPhone’s native QR scan feature.
- Allows you to open website, copy URL to clipboard
- Share feature allows you to share it to AirDrop and other apps
- Scan QR code from the gallery
- Handy widget with iOS 14
For some reason, if QR code isn’t scannable, the Google Lens also has a text search feature (scan text around QR code). You can search Google for text, translate it, and also listen to it on the same page. For instance, you can’t scan the QR code, and the text around contains instructions/directions/names, etc.
1. Camera App (Native Method)
You can easily scan a QR code with iPhone. There’s no need to download a third-party app for it. All you have to is open the Camera app on your phone and point it towards the QR code. Do make sure that the QR code fits the viewfinder in order to successfully scan it. Now simply tap on the notification to open the link related to the QR code. That’s it, easy right?
2. Google Search App
In order to use Google Lens on iPhone, you’ll need the Google Search app. Although it’s a native feature on most Android phones, you’ll have to download it from the App store. Let’s see how it’s done.
1. Simply go to the App Store and search for Google. Look for the official Search app and tap on the download button.
2. Open the app and tap on the Lens icon in the search bar. You’ll now see the Google Lens page which will trigger your rear camera. In order to read the QR code, point the white lens frame towards the QR code. This will open the website pop-up similar to what you get on iOS. Tap on the link to open it in the browser.
3. You might have already noticed the Tap shutter button to search option. Tapping on the shutter option not only searches the QR code but also scans the text in the viewfinder.
You can easily tap and hold the text to select it. Once the text is selected, you can copy the text, listen to it, Google search, translate, etc.
Closing Remarks: Scan QR Code with Google Lens on iPhone
In conclusion, if you need a barebone method of scanning QR codes, iPhone’s native method works well. However, if you need a quick scan widget, the ability to scan both text and QR codes from your photos, the Google Search app is a no-brainer.
Also Read: How to Scan QR code from an Image on an iPhone
