The short version
Open the Google app, tap the Lens icon, point at the QR code.
Step-by-step
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Step 1
Open the Google app
On Android, find it on your home screen or app drawer. On iPhone, install the Google app from the App Store if you don't have it yet, then open it.
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Step 2
Tap the Lens icon
Look for the camera-like icon (a square outline with a circle inside) to the right of the search bar. Tap it to open Lens. Grant camera access if prompted.
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Step 3
Point your camera at the QR code
Hold the device steady so the QR fills a meaningful portion of the frame. Lens detects QR codes automatically — you don't need to tap a shutter or switch modes.
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Step 4
Tap the suggested link
Lens shows the decoded destination as a chip or pop-up at the bottom of the viewfinder. Tap it to open the link, contact, Wi-Fi join, or other action.
If it doesn't work
- iOS users cannot install a standalone Google Lens app — Lens is only accessible through the Google app or via the Google Photos app.
- Phones with stripped Google services (some Huawei models post-2019, certain Chinese-market devices) won't have Lens at all — install a third-party scanner instead.
- On older Pixel and Android devices, long-press the home button and Google Assistant can launch Lens directly with a "scan QR code" voice command.
- If the camera detects a code but Lens doesn't open the link, check that Lens has Camera permission granted in your phone's Settings.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install Google Lens separately?
On most Android phones, no — Lens is built into the Google app, the Pixel Camera, and Google Assistant. On iPhone, you need to install the free Google app from the App Store to access Lens; there's no standalone Lens app for iOS.
What's the difference between Camera scanning and Google Lens?
Camera-app QR detection depends on each manufacturer's implementation, so it varies between Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc. Google Lens is consistent across every device that has it — same workflow, same detection. Lens is the right tool when the default Camera doesn't decode QR codes reliably.
Does Google Lens scan QR codes offline?
The QR decoding itself happens locally on your device, so it works offline — Lens shows you the destination URL or content even without internet. Following the link (opening the URL, joining the Wi-Fi network) still requires network access for that step.
Why isn't Lens detecting my QR code?
Most often: the QR is too far away or too small in the frame, lighting is poor, or there's glare on a screen. Move closer so the QR fills at least a third of the viewfinder, brighten the area, or tilt the device to remove screen reflections. If nothing works, install a third-party scanner — Lens occasionally struggles with damaged or stylized codes.