TECH How to scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android phone (no apps needed) QR codes are those pixelated squares you see in restaurants, advertisements, stores, food packaging, business cards ...

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 ...

Or what if it’s a screenshot instead? While the iPhone directly integrates QR code scanning in the Camera app, it doesn’t have an option for scanning QR codes from a screenshot.

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.