Updated 5/6/24:
QR is an acronym for quick response – which makes sense as QR codes respond very quickly to requests to use them. Essentially, a QR code is a square-shaped barcode that you can scan with your smartphone to load a website, application or setting. It’s quick and saves time vs. typing a long web address, searching for an app or setting, or typing a long password. QR codes can also be used to load phone numbers, passwordless login pages, and Wi-Fi details.
In a restaurant your server may ask you to use scan a QR code to load the menu on your smartphone instead of receiving a physical menu. In supermarkets QR codes are used to give you more information about a product or load a specific page in their app where you can “clip” a digital coupon. At a concert, public event or at the airport a QR code may be used in place of a paper.
While QR codes are really useful, they can seem daunting if you don’t know how to use them. In fact, a YouGov study found 14% of Americans find QR codes to be challenging to use, with adults over the age of 65+ especially are likely to say so (20%).
Below, we’ll explain how to use QR codes. We’ll also help you to understand which QR codes are safe to use – and which you should be wary of.
How do I use a QR code?
All smartphones with a camera can scan a QR code. If you have an older smartphone, your camera app might not come with this capability. In this case, you should be able to download a QR scanning app from the Apple Store or Google Play. If you’d like assistance with this, let us know, and we can help.
Once that’s done, it takes just a few simple steps to scan a QR code.
- Open the camera or QR code application on your phone.
- Point your camera at the QR code. Line up your camera so that all four corners of the code are in view.
- Click the link that’s presented on the screen.
- Your phone will now do the work for you! It should automatically take you to the website, application or setting specified by the QR code.