There is a handy trick to make it easier to scan QR codes with your iPhone. In the standard camera app it can sometimes be difficult because the linked information of the QR code only appears on the screen for a very short time. You then have to quickly tap the preview to open the link or information, but it often disappears before you can tap it.
Fortunately, the iPhone Control Center (Control Center) offers a faster and more reliable way to scan QR codes. From the control panel you can directly open a QR scanner, with which you can scan the QR code without time pressure and immediately process the associated action, such as opening a website, adding contact details or linking it to an app. This prevents you from missing the information because the notification disappears too quickly in the normal camera app.
Scan QR codes with the camera app
Before we share the handy trick, let’s explain how to scan standard QR codes with the iPhone’s camera app. You simply point the camera at the QR code and the iPhone will automatically recognize it and show a small preview or notification on the screen with the associated information, such as a website or contact details.
To access the information, tap this yellow notification, but it sometimes disappears too quickly, which can make it difficult to respond in time. As a result, you have to act quickly to use the QR code successfully. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to scan QR codes with your iPhone.
Easier to scan QR code with trick
To make it easier to scan QR codes with your iPhone, it is necessary to add an extra controller to the control panel. Apple has made a QR code scanner available to open directly from the control panel. Follow the steps below to add it.
- Unlock your iPhone
- Swipe down from the top right corner
- Tap the plus button
- Choose ‘Add a controller’
- Search for ‘Scan code’ and add it
- Tap an empty space to confirm
Once you’ve added the controller, you can use it. Open the control panel and tap the ‘Scan code’ slider. Point the camera at the QR code and iOS will automatically recognize it and in most cases open it automatically. You may need to confirm the linked information the first time before it opens. This way you can scan and open codes more easily and above all faster. Try it out with our QR code in the image above.
Beware of fraud
Be careful when scanning QR codes, as malicious actors can spread fraudulent codes that lead to fake websites to steal personal data or install malicious software. Therefore, always check the origin of the QR code and be careful with confidential information, especially if you are not sure whether the code is reliable, to avoid risks of phishing and fraud.