HOW TO SCAN A QRCODE WITH AN IPHONE
Here's a roundup of the QRCode-decoding apps that I'm aware of for the iPhone. NB: As of right now, I'm recommending Stefan Hafeneger's Barcode. If you want something that (more or less) "Just Works", install that app and skip down to the step-by-step instructions for iPhone scanning.iPhone QRCode Apps
- 2D Sense was the first iPhone barcode app (I installed it as "iMatrix" back in the jailbreak days), but users report more difficulty scanning with it.
- NeoReader is from notorious patent trolls and litigious cranks NeoMedia. Cf. commenter "Timothy's" mustache-twirling behavior over at Semapedia. These guys are the Cobra Kai of the 2D barcode world.
- Barcode is my favorite right now, since you can pinch and scale how big the barcode is before decoding. That's crucial for the iPhone's camera, since it can't focus.
- iDecode, which I haven't tried yet. Anyone have experience with it?
Using the Barcode App to Scan a P8tch
Once you've installed Stefan Hafeneger's Barcode application, open the application.
It'll ask you whether you want to decode a Datamatrix code (top), or a QRCode (bottom.)
Select QRCode at the bottom. That's the one with three big boxes at the corners.
You'll see a QRCode screen, with red crosshairs, but nothing in the screen.
Tap the camera icon. You'll see the familiar camera interface.
Line up the QRCode square to the edges of the screen, and make sure that it's evenly lit (no shadows falling across the code.) You don't have to FILL the screen with the code; you can scale it next. The size shown here is fine.
Tap the green "Take Picture" button.
You'll see a "thinking" spinny, then a preview of your picture. Assuming everything looks okay, tap "Use Photo." A "saving" spinny will follow. NB: if the app is going to crash, it'll do it now. Save us, Steve! If your phone is doing the "crash on every web page" thing, try power-cycling. Sigh.
Pinch in and out until the QRCode fits inside the red cross-hairs. Leave a white margin around the code, don't put the boxes right up to the lines. Tap "Decode"
If all goes well (and it usually does; I've found this app to be pretty reliable), you'll feel a buzz and a URL will appear in the decode pane. Hurrah!
Tap the "send to" icon at bottom right, then tap "Send To Safari" and off you go! QRCode is intended to embed other protocols (like a code that allows you to auto-send an SMS), but as implementations differ slightly from app to app, I can see why Stefan asks us what we want to do here.
Off you go to the URL, and then the p8t.ch redirect kicks in. Next thing, you're watching Rick Astley!
iPhone Wish List
Scanning a QRCode on an iPhone is a multi-step process. Fortunately, the "pinch to the correct size" step that Stefan added means that it's a LOT more reliable than previously. However, I'm looking forward to the day when iPhone scanning is more like other phones -- you just, you know, kind of wave your phone near the code, and the reader just grabs the picture off the live feed from the camera. Since Apple doesn't allow direct access to the camera, that's not possible right now, but a fellow can hope.How's your experience? Any tips you can offer for getting a more reliable read? Any applications you like? Drop a comment!