QR Codes Explained: How to Scan, Create and Stay Safe
QR codes are everywhere: restaurant menus, payments, Wi-Fi sharing, event tickets and product packaging. They're convenient, but scammers use them too.
What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a square barcode that stores information like a website link, text, contact details, Wi-Fi login or payment details. Your phone's camera reads it instantly.
How to scan
- iPhone: open the Camera app, point at the code, and tap the link that appears.
- Android: open the Camera app or Google Lens, or use the QR scanner in Quick Settings.
- Payment and banking apps have their own built-in scanners.
You don't need a separate QR scanner app; many of them are full of ads.
Create your own QR code
- Chrome: on a web page, click the share icon or right-click → Create QR code for this page.
- Wi-Fi: phones generate QR codes for Wi-Fi sharing. See sharing Wi-Fi.
- Reputable free QR generators work for links, contact cards and text. For businesses, avoid "dynamic QR" services that may expire or redirect later unless you trust the provider.
QR code scams
Scammers place fake QR stickers over real ones on parking meters, posters and restaurant tables, or send QR codes by email and message ("quishing").
- Check the link preview before opening. Does the website name look right?
- Be wary of codes that open login pages asking for passwords.
- Look for stickers placed over original codes.
- Don't scan QR codes from unexpected emails, especially "security alerts" or "delivery" messages.
- Never scan a QR code to receive money; payment QR codes are for sending money.
QR payments
When paying by QR, confirm the recipient's name and amount on screen before approving.
QR codes for small businesses
- Menus and catalogues: link to a web page or PDF menu that you can update without reprinting.
- Payments: display the official QR from your bank or wallet provider.
- Reviews and social media: link to your Google review page or Instagram profile.
- Wi-Fi for customers: share guest Wi-Fi access quickly.
- Contact card: add a vCard QR code to business cards so people can save your number instantly.
Test every printed QR code with several phones before distributing, and print large enough to scan easily (at least about 2 × 2 cm, larger for posters viewed from a distance).
Protect your QR codes from tampering
- Check displayed codes regularly for stickers placed over them.
- Print your business name near the QR code so customers can confirm the payment recipient.
- Train staff to verify payments in the business account, not from customer screens.
Accessibility
Not everyone can scan QR codes. Always provide an alternative, like a printed menu, a short web address, or staff assistance, especially for older customers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a QR code hack my phone?
Scanning alone rarely harms a phone. The danger is the website it opens and what you do there.
Do QR codes expire?
Static codes don't. Dynamic codes depend on the service that created them.
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