The switch to digital for everything from tickets to menus has been accelerated, and QR codes are a simple and convenient option for creating shortcuts to everything from phone apps to website links.

Some developers would lead you to believe you need to download their app to scan QR codes. Spoiler: Your phone can do that with built-in features.

There are three different ways to scan QR codes on your iPhone, each with its own advantages. Here's how to use them and why you might want to pick one over the others.

Scanning QR codes on your phone doesnt always require a second device. Know how to scan QR codes using built-in tools, apps, or online decoders.

In recent smart devices like the Galaxy Note 20, a QR code scanner is also embedded in the built-in Samsung Internet browser.

TECH How to scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android phone (no apps needed) QR codes are those pixelated squares you see in restaurants, advertisements, stores, food packaging, business cards ...