Why won't my iPhone camera read a barcode?

The built-in iPhone Camera app is designed to recognize QR codes, not 1D linear barcodes like UPC-A or EAN-13. To read a standard barcode on iPhone, use a free barcode reader app from the App Store.

How do I read a barcode on Android without downloading an app?

Open the Google app or your Camera app and tap the Google Lens icon. Point it at the barcode to search the number or view product details.

Can I scan a barcode from a photo or screenshot?

Yes. Open the image in Google Photos and tap Lens, or import the photo into a barcode scanner app that supports reading from your photo library.

Can this page scan a barcode with my webcam?

No. The tool on this page is a barcode generator, not a scanner. It creates Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, Code 39, and ITF-14 barcodes from text or numbers you type.

Scan Barcode on iPhone & Android

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Most built-in phone cameras read QR codes automatically, but standard 1D barcodes (like EAN-13 or UPC-A) usually require Google Lens on Android or a dedicated barcode scanner app on iPhone. Point the camera at the code in good light until the numbers appear. If you need to create or recreate a barcode from those numbers, you can use the free generator on this page.

Do it now, right here

Type

Code 128: letters and numbers, for stock, shipping and internal labels.

Code

Show the number under the barsHeight Bar width

Many codes at once (one per line)

Step by step

Open your phone camera or a dedicated 1D barcode scanner app (on Android, tap the Google Lens icon in the Camera or Google app).
Hold the phone steady 10 to 20 cm away from the barcode in bright, even light without glare.
Wait for the app to detect the bars and display the decoded number or product details.
If you need a clean digital copy of that barcode, type the number into the free Barcode generator on this page and download it as PNG or SVG.

At a glance

Device / App	Reads 1D barcodes?	Best approach
iPhone Camera app	QR codes only	Use a dedicated barcode scanner app from the App Store
Android Camera / Google Lens	Yes, via Google Lens	Tap the Lens icon and point at the barcode
Dedicated scanner app	Yes (EAN, UPC, Code 128)	Best for fast, repeated scanning of retail or inventory codes
Barcode generator on this page	Creates barcodes only	Type a code to generate a sharp PNG or SVG

How to Scan a Barcode on iPhone and Android