How To Scan QR Code On Iphone From Camera Roll

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Sally Wright Sep 11, 2025
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QR codes are everywhere. Menus, payment terminals, product packaging, and even business cards. Scanning one is usually as simple as opening your iPhone's camera and pointing it at the code. But what if someone sends you a QR code via email or text, or you take a screenshot of one? Can you still scan it from your camera roll?

Yes, you can. And in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how.

Whether you're using the latest iOS version or an older device, we'll cover multiple ways to scan a QR code from an image stored on your iPhone.

Can You Scan a QR Code from Your iPhone Camera Roll?

Yes, you can scan a QR code from your iPhone's Photos app (camera roll), but not using the Camera app directly. Instead, you'll need to use either Apple's Live Text feature or a third-party QR scanner app.

Let’s break down your options.

Method 1: Use Live Text (iOS 15 and Later)

If you’re running iOS 15 or later and have an iPhone XR or newer, Apple’s Live Text feature makes scanning QR codes from images easy.

How to Use Live Text to Scan a QR Code:

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the image that contains the QR code.
  3. If the code is recognized, you’ll see a yellow frame around it.
  4. Tap the Live Text icon (a set of lines in a square) in the bottom right corner.
  5. Tap the link or prompt that appears — just like scanning a live QR code!
Tip: If the QR code doesn’t trigger Live Text, try zooming in or tapping directly on the code.

Method 2: Scan from the Files App (PDFs or Saved Images)

If your QR code is saved as a PDF or is stored in the Files app, you can still scan it using Live Text or even with some built-in reader apps.

Steps:
  1. Open the Files app.
  2. Navigate to the image or PDF that contains the QR code.
  3. Tap and hold on the QR code or double-tap the area.
  4. If iOS recognizes it, a tappable link or action will appear.
This method is great for work documents, tickets, or any QR code you've saved intentionally.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party QR Code Scanner App

If your device doesn’t support Live Text or you're looking for more control (like scanning multiple QR codes), third-party apps are a great alternative.

Here are some of the best QR code scanner apps for iPhone that allow scanning from photos:

QR Code Reader by TapMedia

  • Free and simple
  • Supports scanning from camera and image gallery

QRbot

  • Fast scanning from photos
  • Keeps scan history
  • Supports various code formats

Scan – QR and Barcode Reader

  • Highly rated and feature-rich
  • Can scan QR codes, barcodes, and even URLs from images

How to Use These Apps:

  1. Download your chosen app from the App Store.
  2. Open the app and choose the option like “Scan from Photos” or “Import Image.”
  3. Select the image with the QR code from your camera roll.
  4. The app will process the image and show you the content of the code.
Bonus: These apps often work even if the QR code is partially damaged or at an angle.

Troubleshooting: What If the QR Code Doesn't Work?

Here are some quick tips if scanning fails:
  • Check image quality – Is the QR code blurry or low-resolution?
  • Try zooming in – Especially for small QR codes.
  • Adjust brightness/contrast – Some apps work better with high-contrast images.
  • Try another app – Some apps are more accurate than others.
  • Use a desktop scanner – As a last resort, you can upload the image to a website that reads QR codes.

Tips for Better QR Code Scanning from Photos

  • Make sure the code is fully visible in the image.
  • Avoid images where the code is angled or partially cut off.
  • Keep your photo resolution high when saving or sharing QR codes.
  • Test your own QR codes before sharing them, especially if they’ll be scanned from screenshots.

Final Thoughts

Scanning a QR code from your iPhone’s camera roll is totally possible, and often just as easy as scanning with the live camera. Whether you're using the Live Text feature built into iOS or a dedicated QR reader app, you can unlock links, payments, and actions directly from saved images.

Try it out now. Open a photo with a QR code and scan away. And if you're creating your own QR codes, make sure they’re clear, high-resolution, and easy to scan from both print and screen.

Explore More with QR Codes Unlimited

Want more guides like this? Need to create dynamic, custom QR codes for your business, event, or brand?

Visit QR Codes Unlimited’s academy. Your one-stop resource for everything QR.
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Sally Wright

Sep 11, 2025

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