How to scan QR codes in iOS 11, 12, and 13

Apple added QR support to iOS 11. Now with iOS 11, 12, 13, or iPadOS, you can scan QR codes without the need for a third-party app. Here’s how:

Open the Camera app and make sure the rear facing camera is enabled.

Point the camera viewfinder at the QR code. Make sure the code is entirely visible in the view finder.

Hold the camera steady. The QR code will be scanned instantly and you’ll see a notification at the top of the iPhone or iPad screen describing what kind of QR code you’ve scanned (website QR Code, Calendar QR code, etc.).

You’ll see what action the QR code can perform (add event to your calendar, open page in Safari). You don’t have to to press the capture or shutter button. Just pointing the camera and holding it steady at the QR code is all you need to do.

(This how-to is based on my experiences and info on Apple’s support pages — where the images sometimes come from.)