Have you ever tried to capture a QR code on your iPhone using the Camera app and had to refocus repeatedly until the camera finally caught it? It doesn’t have to be like that! The iPhone on iOS 17 has a secret QR code scanning app that removes auto-detection issues and lets you quickly scan and open a link instantly.
Most people don’t even know it exists, hell half the iMore team was shocked when I told them there was a secret app hidden in iOS. But you’re in luck, I’ll let you in on the iPhone QR code secret — here’s how to access it.
How to access secret QR code scanning app on iPhone
Hidden within iOS is an app called Code Scanner that you can access in a few different ways. If you didn’t know it existed, you would never have found it since Apple chose not to display the app within the app library. Here’s how to find the secret QR code scanning app on your iPhone:
- To access, swipe down from the middle of the screen Reflector
- Type Code scanner
- Open the app and point the QR code
Pretty simple, right? It’s even better if you own one of the best iPhones, the 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max. My favorite way to use Code Scanner is through the Action button because Apple calls it a Shortcuts app, which makes it very easy to access. Here’s how:
- Open Shortcuts
- Touch +
- choose Open the application
- Touch application then choose Code scanner
If you don’t have an action button, you can also access the Code Scanner app through the Control Center. Simply go to Settings, select Control Center and add Code Scanner. Now whenever you want to access the secret app, swipe down from the top left corner of the screen and tap the QR code icon.
This creates a shortcut that can be used as an action button, but also as a regular shortcut for anyone who doesn’t own one of the flagship devices. It’s a really handy way to scan QR codes and far more efficient than using the Camera app. Code Scanner also includes a flash button so you can brighten the image to make it easier to scan the code.
Did you know about this secret app? Few people do this, but it’s very useful considering how many QR codes we use today, especially when signing up for streaming services like Apple TV Plus.