Your smartphone is full of surprises. There’s an app if you want to use your phone as a magnifying glass or scanner. Tap or click here for hidden apps on your smartphone and how to find them.

Third-party programs take up space on your phone, and many are redundant thanks to your phone’s built-in capabilities. Tap or click here for common apps you can remove right now.

Quick Response Codes, better known as QR Codes, are those pixelated squares you see in restaurants, advertisements, stores, food packaging, business cards, airline tickets, and more. Some developers would let you believe that you need to download their app to scan them. Spoiler: your phone can do this with built-in features.

Follow the maze

QR codes were originally created to track auto parts, but are now used for much more.

Readers can scan this QR code to donate to the American Red Cross and join FOX Corporation’s efforts to provide relief after Hurricane Ian.
(FOX Corporation)

How many calories are in these fries? Where can you buy the outfit you see in an ad? How many miles can this car travel on a gallon of gasoline? A quick QR code scan can solve all of these questions and more. Think of this technology as a smart barcode.

QR codes existed long before smartphones, and your device can scan them right out of the box. Here’s how to use this useful feature without third-party software.

Use your phone’s native capabilities to avoid malware

Third-party scanning apps are popular, making them prime malware delivery systems. Hackers hide dangerous code in these useful apps, which can steal your money, hijack your personal information, or even take control of your device.

RELATED: QR Code App Caught Hiding Malware – Check Your Phone!

How to Scan a QR Code With Your iPhone’s Camera App

Your iPhone’s built-in Camera app can scan QR codes, and it’s as easy as taking a photo. Here’s how:

  • Open the Camera app and hold your iPhone, so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder.
  • Your phone should recognize the QR code and send you a notification.
  • Tap the notification to open the QR code link.

How to scan a QR code with your Android phone

Your Android phone’s camera can probably scan QR codes without using a third-party app. Here’s how:

  • Open the Camera app and hold your Android phone for the QR code to appear in the viewfinder.
  • Your phone should recognize the QR code and send you a notification.
  • Tap the notification to open the QR code link.
  • If you are not aware, go to Settings and activate QR code scanning.
In this photo illustration an Android logo displayed on a smartphone.

In this photo illustration an Android logo displayed on a smartphone.
(Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Use your Samsung’s Camera app

Samsung’s camera app comes with native support for QR code scanning. Here’s how:

  • Open the Camera app and hold your Samsung phone for the QR code to appear in the viewfinder.
  • Your phone should recognize the QR code and send you a notification.
  • Tap the notification to open the QR code link.
  • If you are not aware, go to Settings and activate QR code scanning.

Use Google Lens

Google Lens started out as a feature in Pixel phones, but quickly became standard in many Android phones. The tool is part of your camera app and can do everything from identifying a dog breed to translating text. Here’s how to use it:

  • Open your Camera app and press More > Google Lens.
  • You will now have a lens icon that you can use whenever you open your camera that can scan QR codes.
  • You can also use Google Assistant to activate Google Lens. Say “OKGoogle,” then touch Google lens at the bottom right.

Tap or click here to get even more out of Google Lens.

Use Bixby

Samsung’s virtual assistant can help you learn about anything with a QR code. Here’s how:

  • Launch your camera app and tap Bixby Vision.
  • Then press Allow to enable permissions. Enable all contextual permissions.
  • Scan and press Go to navigate to view the contents of the QR code.

Although convenient and entertaining, scanning a QR code can expose you to malware and scams. Tap or click here for tips on what to look for.

A guest holds the new iPhone 14 during an Apple event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, United States, September 7, 2022.

A guest holds the new iPhone 14 during an Apple event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, United States, September 7, 2022.
(REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Keep your technological know-how

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today”. It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from across the country. Look for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, click the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST CHOICE: Sell ​​your shit, no more Netflix sharing, delete these apps

Think before you flush. Your shit could be worth a lot of money. (Yes, really.) Plus, Netflix wants you to stop sharing your account, Amazon Music is giving Prime members extended ad-free listening, and why Uber is bombarding you with ads. Also, free alternatives to Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator that work just as well.

Check out my “Kim Komando Today” podcast on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando”.

Get more tech know-how on The Kim Komando Show, airing on over 425 radio stations and available as a podcast. Sign up for Kim’s free 5-minute morning digest for the latest security breaches and tech news. Need help? Post your question for Kim here.

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