Scanning QR Codes from Screenshots on iPhone

In this tutorial, we’ll delve into the world of QR codes and explore how to scan them from screenshots on your iPhone. We’ll break down the concept, importance, and practical uses of QR codes, making …

Updated September 9, 2023

What are QR Codes?

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store various types of data such as text, URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, and more. They were first used in 1994 by a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer to track inventory, but have since become widely used for marketing, advertising, and customer engagement.

Importance and Use Cases

QR codes are now ubiquitous in our daily lives, from advertisements on billboards to product packaging. They provide a quick and easy way to share information with consumers, streamlining the process of accessing content, making payments, or even sharing business cards.

Some common use cases for QR codes include:

Marketing: Companies use QR codes to promote their products, services, or events.
Advertising: QR codes are used in advertising campaigns to drive traffic to websites or landing pages.
Payment: QR codes enable contactless payments, making transactions faster and more convenient.
Sharing content: QR codes can be used to share videos, images, or documents with others.

How to Scan a QR Code from a Screenshot on iPhone

Now that we’ve covered the basics of QR codes, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of scanning a QR code from a screenshot on your iPhone:

Step 1: Take a Screenshot of the QR Code

To scan a QR code from a screenshot, you’ll first need to take a screenshot of the code. You can do this by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button and the home button simultaneously (on older models) or taking a screenshot using the “Screen Recording” feature (on newer models).

Step 2: Open the Screenshot in Photos

Open the Photos app and select the screenshot you just took.

Tap on the share icon (a box with an arrow coming out of it) at the bottom left corner of the screen.

Step 4: Select “Scan Documents”

From the list of sharing options, select “Scan Documents.”

Step 5: Wait for the Scan to Complete

Your iPhone will use its camera to scan the QR code. This might take a few seconds, depending on the quality of the screenshot and the brightness of the environment.

Step 6: Review the Scanned Data

Once the scan is complete, you’ll be taken to a preview screen where you can review the data that was extracted from the QR code. If everything looks correct, tap “Copy” to copy the data to your clipboard or use it directly in an app.

Practical Uses of QR Codes on iPhone

Now that we’ve covered how to scan a QR code from a screenshot, let’s look at some practical uses:

Restaurant menus: Restaurants can display their menus with QR codes that link to online ordering systems or provide more information about dishes.
Product packaging: Companies can use QR codes on product packaging to share additional information, such as instructions, reviews, or special offers.
Business cards: QR codes on business cards can link to your website, social media profiles, or even a virtual business card.

In conclusion, scanning QR codes from screenshots on iPhone is a convenient feature that enables you to quickly access information stored in QR codes. Whether it’s for marketing, advertising, payment, or sharing content, QR codes have become an integral part of our daily lives. By following the step-by-step guide above, you can start using this feature today!