LOTS of products, places and even websites now have QR codes that can be scanned for more information.

If you’re unsure how to do this on your particular smartphone – particularly if you’ve just downloaded the NHS Covid-19 app – then you can try following the steps below.

QR codes appear in lots of situations

2

QR codes appear in lots of situationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Scanning QR codes on iPhone

Apple users can scan a QR code with their iPhone, iPad or iPod if it has a working camera.

First you need to open the Camera app.

Select the rear facing camera and hover your device over the QR code until it picks it up in the view finder.

Your device should recognise the QR code and a notification will pop up with the link to what the QR code wants to display.

It's very easy to scan them on smartphones

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It’s very easy to scan them on smartphonesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Scanning QR codes on Android

Smartphones with Android 9 software or even newer versions can also scan QR codes just by opening the camera and hovering it above the code.

This is because the software knows to automatically open the Google Lens’ QR scanner.

Google Lens can automatically detect the URL and show it to you.

You can also take a photo of a QR code and view it later by opening it in Google Photos and then clicking on the Google Lens icon.

Smartphones using Android 8 need to go to Google Assistant and click the lens icon that should be at the bottom of the screen.

The phone camera will open and you’ll need to point it in the direction of the QR code.

A link should appear or the QR code may be outlined, which means you’ll need to click on it to see some text.

If you’re using Android 7 or below you’ll need to download a QR code app and scan via that.

Scanning QR codes on Samsung

Samsung phones are, of course, Android phones so the process is pretty similar.

Samsung has put the functionality within its operating system so all you need to do is open the camera, point it at the QR code and the URL should appear in the viewfinder.

Just click on this to open the link.

QR codes that show text only will give you the option to import the message into the Samsung Notes app.

Scanning QR codes on NHS Covid-19 app

If you’re looking to check in to a venue using the NHS Covid-19 app, you’ll first need to download the app from the Google Play or Apple App Stores.

Once you’re in front of an NHS QR code in a pub or restaurant (they’re often posted as signs at the entrance or on your table), open the app.

Tap “Check in venue” and place the NHS QR code within the yellow box that appears on your screen.

A pop-up should appear to confirm you have checked into the venue.

iPhone tricks to try today

Here are some of the best…

  • Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
  • Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
  • Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
  • Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
  • Check if you’re due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you’re down to 80% capacity. If you’re below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
  • Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
Top-secret 5G Samsung flip-phone leaked online ‘from every angle’

In other news, Samsung could be launching bean-shaped earbuds.

Samsung is reportedly planning to ditch giving out free chargers next year.

And, the iPhone 12 could be the thinnest ever thanks to new screen technology.

What’s your favourite phone brand? Let us know in the comments…

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk

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