Read a QR code or barcode

QR code reads QR codes and most barcodes, live with the camera or from a photo you already have. You see what the code contains before anything happens, and choose whether to open, copy or share it.

What it is

A code reader built into Paperwise. It recognises:

QR codes, plus Aztec, Data Matrix and PDF417 (the kind on boarding passes and some IDs),
barcodes: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93 and ITF-14.

Reading happens on your iPhone. Nothing is saved to your vault: QR code is for reading, not keeping. To keep a code you show at a till, add it as a card instead (see Add a loyalty or membership card).

When to use it

A QR code on a letter, a bill or a poster that you want to check before opening.
A Wi-Fi or contact code you want to copy.
A product barcode whose number you need.

Step by step

Read a code with the camera

Tap + at the bottom of the Vault.
Under Capture, tap QR code.
Point the camera at the code. When Paperwise reads it, your iPhone gives a small tap and a panel slides up.
The panel shows the kind of code (for example “QR code” or “EAN-13”) and what it contains.
Choose what to do:
- Open: opens the link in a browser view. Only shown for web links (starting with http or https).
- Copy: copies the contents.
- Share: opens the share sheet to send it to another app.
Tap Scan again to read another code.

In a dark place, tap the torch button at the top to light the code.

Read a code from a photo

On the QR code screen, tap Photos.
Choose a photo or screenshot with a code in it.
Paperwise looks for codes in the photo (“Looking for codes in your photo…”). If it finds several, tap each one at the top of the panel to switch between them.

Free and Pro

QR code is free.

Privacy

Codes are read on your iPhone, from the camera or the photo you choose. Nothing is uploaded and nothing is saved in your vault.
Paperwise shows you a link before opening it. Check that it goes where you expect before you tap Open.
If the code holds a Paperwise share link or a device pairing code, Copy keeps it on this iPhone only (no Universal Clipboard) and clears it after 60 seconds, because those carry a key.

Tips

Hold the phone steady about a hand’s width from the code. Move closer for small codes.
A screenshot of a QR code works with Photos: useful for codes someone sent you.
To add a store card, use + → Card and its Scan the barcode button. It reads the code into the card for you.

What if…

What if nothing happens when I point at a code?

Make sure the whole code is in view and in focus, and try the torch. Very small, damaged or glossy codes can be hard to read; try a photo with Photos instead.

What if it says “No code found in that photo.”?

Paperwise couldn’t find a readable code. Try a sharper photo where the code is larger.

What if there’s no Open button?

Open only appears for web links. For other content, such as text or a number, use Copy or Share.

What if I scan a code from “Add a device by code”?

Paperwise recognises its own pairing code and goes straight to adding the device. See Add a device by code.

What if the same code keeps popping up?

After Scan again, Paperwise waits a moment before reporting the code that’s still in front of the camera. Move the camera away from it, or point it at the next code.