Scanning QR codes and barcodes can be useful in all kinds of situations.  Perhaps you want more information about a certain product? Maybe someone gave you a business card with a QR code on it that takes you to their website? Whatever the reason, QR codes and standard barcodes are a part of the world in which we live, and they show no sign of going anywhere anytime soon.

There are plenty of iOS barcode scanner apps out there that scan barcodes and QR codes, but not all of them are enjoyable to use. Many have too many extra features or scan too slowly.

We've covered an awesome app called ShopSavvy, and Scan is a simple to use app, that works fast and gives it a run for its money. This app has exactly what you want from a code reader. You simply launch it, scan the code, and get on with your business. If you are looking for a way to scan codes without fumbling around with complicated apps, I can easily recommend this app as one that is worth installing on your iOS device.

Set Up

The first step to using this app is downloading it from the App Store. It's free, and there are no ads or in-app purchases cluttering up your experience.

barcode scanner app

Once downloaded, you will need to create an account. You can either login using Twitter, Facebook, or by creating an account with your email address. Using Facebook or Twitter is a quicker process, but you will obviously be giving Scan access to your information, which is up to you to decide if you want that.

Features

barcode scanner iphone

When you launch the app, it will start on the scan screen, which is done so it's quick and easy to scan without wasting any time. All you need to do is hold the camera in front of a code and the app will automatically scan it for you. You can tap the screen on the code to help it focus faster. If you are trying to scan a code in the dark, you can tap the light button to turn on your camera's flash.

barcode scanner iphone

Once it scans the code, it will pop up the browser if it's a product. You can then shop for the product or add it to your wishlist to come back to later. You can also learn more general information about the product if you are unsure if it's something that is for you.

barcode scanner iphone

If you are scanning a QR code, the app will automatically perform whatever action is appropriate. If it's a website, it will take you to it. If it's contact information, it will give you the option to use it, and so on.

barcode scanner for ipad

The app has a history section which you can get access to by clicking the clock symbol on the bottom of the screen. In here, you can quickly see any of the things you have scanned with the app previously. This is a really useful feature, because there may be many instances in which you need to come back to a certain product or QR code in the future.

You can also tap the edit button on the top left of the screen to delete certain items from your history if you know you won't need to come back to them.

barcode scanner for ipad

If you let the app see your location, you can also click the "Map" button on the top right of the scree to see all the locations from which you have scanned codes. If you are using the app to scan products, this can help you remember the store where the product was found.

barcode scanner app

The settings screen allows you to tweak some key things about the way the barcode scanner app works. For example, you can set it to ask you before it automatically performs action after scanning the code. This will prevent you from accidentally scanning a code and having it open. You can also delete the entirety of your scan history from the settings screen. You can also choose to disable the sounds and vibration in the app.

Conclusion

If you need a barcode and QR scanner, this is a perfect app. It's simple, free, and does not have any annoying ads. It's designed to let you scan as quickly as possible and get on with your day.