QR codes are links that can be scanned using various smartphone apps. You'll find our favorite apps for scanning QR codes for both Android and iPhone.

Some developers would lead you to believe you need to download their app to scan QR codes. Spoiler: Your phone can do that with built-in features.

1. If you have not already, install QR Code Reader on your iPhone and start the QR Code Reader app. 2. Position the phone to scan the barcode with your phone's camera.

Android: Install and open QRbot, then open the Create menu to select a QR code to customize. Barcodes Inc. is one example of a website that lets you generate a QR code that points to text.

QR codes are popular ways to scan menus, tickets, and apps. Here's how to do it from your Android phone or iPhone, and what the FCC says about it.

Want to scan QR codes on your Windows PC without using your smartphone? Here are three ways to scan a QR code on Windows 10 and Windows 11.