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The best QR code scanning apps for iPhone and Android in 2023

Simon Chandler
Paula Beaton
By and

While they may not be the all-in-one solution some had envisioned, QR codes are still very popular. It’s easy to understand why, too — just point your camera or scanner at a QR code, and you’re transported to a link without needing to painstakingly transcribe the whole address into your browser. As such, it’s a great way for brands to easily send you content, terms and conditions, or even competitions. And scanning QR codes is at its best when you’re using the best QR code scanning apps.

Scanning a QR code is easy, these days. Most of the time, QR code scanning is built-in to camera apps on iPhone and Android phones, so learning how to scan a QR code is simply a case of pointing your phone’s camera at your chosen code. However, those only offer basic features, and if you want more protection from potentially harmful links, or the ability to create QR codes yourself, then you can get that from a third-party app. Here are some of the best QR code scanning apps for iPhone and Android in 2023.

QR Code Reader + QR Scanner

QR Code Reader + QR Scanner showing QR codes, contact info and URLs.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This app is an extensive scanning device that can handle QR codes as well as barcodes, so you can conduct your research while you shop. The app automatically creates a new contact in your phone using the QR codes, including contact information. It can do the same thing with Wi-Fi networks, calendar events, product data, SMS messages, and other connecting features, making the data management process quicker and more straightforward.

Android iOS

Related

Kaspersky QR Scanner

Kaspersky QR Scanner three screenshots.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Kaspersky QR Scanner is one of the best free third-party scanning apps for iOS and Android. Developed by the cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky, it does what you’d expect a QR scanning app from a cybersecurity company to do: scan for unsafe and malicious QR codes. It’s as easy to use as your smartphone’s native camera app. It quickly checks the security of every QR code you scan with it, providing a warning whenever it encounters a dodgy link. It also brings the added benefit of a History tab, so you can quickly return to the websites associated with past QR codes.

Android iOS

Free QR Scanner

QR Scanner 2022 detailing history and product information.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Android-only app from Simple Design is one of the most popular QR code scanner apps. It’s free to use and lets you save QR codes to your phone or easily share them with friends. The QR code reader supports scanning Diksha and ePathshala QR codes in textbooks quickly and easily. You can quickly toggle on your flashlight from within the app to scan codes in a dark environment, create QR codes, and view your scan history. Unlike some apps, this scanner doesn’t ask for a bunch of permissions, just access to your camera.

Android

QR Reader for iPhone

QR Reader for iPhone showing QR code, bar code, and document scanning.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

QR Reader for iPhone can scan anything, including QR codes, barcodes, documents, puzzles, business cards, and PDF documents. A database scanner can send your barcodes to a server. The app’s auto-detect lets you simply point and hold to scan automatically and share via email, messenger, Facebook, or Twitter. Or you can create your own QR codes and export them as PNG or SVG files.

iOS

Mixerbox QR Code Reader & QR Scanner

MixweBox QR code reader three views.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

QR Code Reader & QR Scanner is available only for iPhone. It can scan a wide variety of 1D and 2D code types, including QR codes, barcodes, and EAN-13 codes. It scans quickly and saves a history of your scans, so you can go back to a previous QR code quickly. An internet connection is not required for scanning. One nice touch is that it supports flashlight use while the app is working, so you can scan QR codes in the dark. QR Code Reader & QR Scanner is free to download, although you can pay a small fee to remove the ads.

iOS

QRTiger QR Code Generator

QRTiger QR Code Generator three screen shots on iOS.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are plenty of QR code readers, and QRTiger is one of them, but what if you want to generate a QR code? Well, QRTiger can do that for you, too. The code generator helps you create your own custom code, complete with an image if you like. You can generate codes for links, websites, contacts, text, business cards, apps, and social accounts. You can choose between static or dynamic, which lets you track data. Four available menus let you change the pattern, color, or logo. A map chart gives you insight into where people are scanning your QR codes. All code scanning is ad-free.

iOS Android

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Simon Chandler
Simon Chandler
Mobile Writer

Simon Chandler is a journalist based in London, UK. He covers technology and finance, contributing to such titles as Digital Trends, Forbes, Business Insider, InsideBitcoins, Cryptonews.com, and CryptoVantage. He has also contributed to Wired, TechCrunch, TechRadar, the Daily Dot, the Verge, Cointelegraph, CCN.com, the New Internationalist, Bandcamp, the Sun, and numerous others.

He specializes in mobile technology for Digital Trends, covering smartphones, tablets, wearables, and games. Beyond consumer gadgets, his main interest is in how tech is changing the way we live and who we are, for better and for worse.

Paula Beaton
Paula Beaton

Freelance tech and travel writer living in (somewhat) sunny Scotland. Gamer, tea addict, never without a good book.

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