How to scan a QR code using your iPhone camera
If you have an iPhone with iOS11 or newer you can scan a QR code just by opening your native camera.
- Open your native camera app.
- Hover over the QR code (don't take a photo). Your iPhone will recognise the QR code and display a notification.
- Click the yellow notification that pops up next to the QR code.
It’s good practice to describe the 3-step process in simple terms. You can use an infographic like the one below alongside your QR codes.
View the best practices for making the most of your printed QR codes.
Did you know that your iPhone also has a QR code scanning app?
This means that iPhone users with iOS older than the 11 won't need to download an app to scan a QR code - because it's already there.
It can be found in the App Library, but it's quicker to search for it using Spotlight.
Swipe down from the home screen and a search bar will appear at the top of the screen. Type in 'Code Scanner' and it will appear.
Tip: To make this easy for regular QR code users, you can add it to your control panel. This is the panel you see when you swipe down from the top right-hand side of your screen. You will have other settings here like Wifi, Bluetooth, and Brightness.
Go to 'Settings', then to 'Control Center' and add 'Code Scanner' to your easy access panel.
With iOS15 you can click on a photo of your QR code and access the link
If your iPhone has updated to iOS15 then you will have Live Text functionality. This means that you can hold down pieces of text on your photos like email addresses and phone numbers and be given the option to look up information, make a call, or send an email. You can also click on the QR codes in your photo and be taken to the link!
What Live Text means for your fundraising
Live Text is a great way for helping supporters take part in your hybrid events. For example, if you host a charity trail in-person you could email a map of the QR code trail to those who are taking part remotely. Your supporters can print the map off or if they have an iPhone with iOS15 they don't have to print at all.
Overall - scanning a QR code is easy with any phone
Apple are always innovating and improving the ways iPhone and iPad users can engage with the real-world using QR codes and NFC.
The three-step process using a native camera will be the most common way that you'll see supporters engage with them so make sure you include instructions or an infographic for this.
And although iOS15 hasn't been out long, most iPhone users will have made the update by 2022.