3. Using QR codes (for Android versions 9 or higher and iOS)

Enabling your QR code scanner

If you have Android version 9 or higher or an iOS device, first you should turn on your QR code scanner.

Do you have an Android version lower than 9? Click here to go to your next activity

On your device:

• Go to the Settings app and tap Camera
• Look for the QR code scanner setting
• If the slider next to it is turned on, your phone is ready to scan QR codes
• If the slider is turned off, tap it to turn it on

Here's what it will look like on your device:

Using your camera to scan QR codes

Once you’ve turned on your device’s QR code scanner, you can open your device’s camera.

On your device:

• Look for your Camera app on your device’s home screen

  Here's what it will look like on your device:

  

• Tap it to open it
• Then tap Photo to make sure you’re in photo mode
• If you’ve never used your device’s camera before, do the Android Camera lesson or the iOS Camera lesson first

You’ll scan QR codes using the rear-facing camera on your device. It’s the camera on the back of your device that points away from you. If your front camera is on, you can switch it by tapping the Switch Camera button.

Here's what it will look like on your device:

Scanning QR codes with your device

You’re ready to start scanning QR codes with your device.

Using the QR code below:

• Point your device’s camera at the QR code
• Wait a couple of seconds for your device to scan it
• Note: You don’t need to take a picture of the QR code for your camera to scan it, simply hold your device in front of the code and wait

  

Opening QR code links

Usually when you scan a QR code, a link will pop up on your screen. Here's what it will look like on your device:

If the pop-up from the QR code has a link:

• Tap on the link to open the webpage from the QR code
• The link will open in your internet browser
• Note: Not all QR codes open links. For example, you might scan a QR code to connect to a Wi-Fi network or add a new contact to your device
• Note: Only open links for QR codes from a group or person that you trust