Quick answer: Point the Camera at a QR code and tap the link that appears. To keep it, save what it points to (the link, ticket or Wi-Fi network), not the code itself. To scan a QR code from a screenshot, open it in Photos and touch and hold the code.
Written for iOS 18 and iOS 26. Menu names can differ slightly on older versions.
A QR code is just a container for something else: a link, a ticket, a Wi-Fi login. The best way to save one depends on what's inside.
Scan a QR code
- Open Camera and point it at the code.
- Tap the yellow link or button that appears.
You can also add the Code Scanner control to Control Center for a dedicated scanner.
Scan a QR code from a screenshot or photo
Open the image in Photos and touch and hold the QR code. Your iPhone recognizes it and offers to open the link. This works for codes people send you, too.
If it's a ticket, boarding pass or loyalty card
Look for Add to Apple Wallet in the ticket's email or app. Wallet passes open offline and show on your Lock Screen when needed. Wallet doesn't let you add any barcode you like, so for store cards use the store's own app. Saving boarding passes and tickets.
If it's a Wi-Fi network
Scan it and tap Join. Your iPhone saves the network and its password, so you never need the code again. How to see saved Wi-Fi passwords.
If it's a link
Scan it, open the page, and save the link itself: bookmark it, add it to Reading List, or share it to Snugit. A saved link is searchable; a photo of a QR code isn't.
When to keep the code itself
Some codes have to be shown, not opened, like event entry codes or parking validations. Screenshot them, favorite the screenshot, and if you'll need it on a specific day, save it to Snugit with a name like "Concert ticket QR – Nov 14".
Get Snugit to keep tickets, codes and links findable by name.