How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone or iPad

QR stands for "quick response," because QR codes store a lot of useful information and data meant to be accessible to users within seconds. The first-ever QR system was invented in 1994. However, it wasn't until 2017 that built-in QR readers were available to iPhone and iPad users.

It was thought that QR codes would be massively popular and convenient for techies and non-techies alike, but the technology has been massively overlooked even though they are in every store, restaurant, and even often scattered along hiking trails. While I won't go too deeply into that, the point is that QR codes are pretty much everywhere and easy to use.

They are also useful because they can take you directly to a portal, website, allow you to access and use a coupon, look up information on tree-types on your weekend hikes, and more. You can even buy stuff using QR codes. There is really a lot that can be done with a QR code.

This guide shows you how to use a QR code in literal seconds. No fluff, just two simple steps to get you on your way.

Note: This requires iOS 11 or later (iPadOS was created after iOS 11). On an iPad, the steps will look slightly different than pictured here, but the steps are the same!