Instagram Launches QR Codes Worldwide

Wednesday August 19, 2020 4:09 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Instagram is launching in-app QR codes worldwide via an update, according to The Verge.

Users will now be able to generate QR codes that are scannable from any third-party QR camera app. The feature will allow businesses to print and display a QR code that will direct customers to their Instagram account more easily, for example. QR codes in Instagram first launched last year in Japan, but the feature is now rolling out to all territories.

To use the new QR codes in Instagram, make sure you have the latest version of the app. Then, to generate your profile's QR code, go to the settings menu and simply tap "QR code." You can then save or share the image.

QR codes are replacing a similar system called Nametags, which were a kind of QR-like code that could only be scanned in the Instagram app. It is yet to be seen if Instagram's adoption of the open QR code standard will encourage other social media giants such as Facebook and Snapchat to follow suit.

Tag: Instagram

Top Rated Comments

mollyc

9 months ago

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

The camera app reads QR codes.

I use IG a lot and see how this could be beneficial. It saves the hassle of trying to remember an account name.

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

twinlight

9 months ago

I have found some QR codes helping sometimes at restaurants or bars to get the meny instead of typing a long link. Other than that, no use.

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Apple Macintosh 128K

9 months ago

QR codes have just never caught on in the US. Additionally, so many brands use them stupidly that they don't create the desired result. For instance, do you expect people to pull out their phone and take a photo of the QR code on your billboard while they're driving? And when you display the QR code on your website, how do you expect them to scan it with their phone while browsing your website on their phone?

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Apple Macintosh 128K

9 months ago

good to know. I guess its been a long time since i've tried and I dont see them anywhere I go where I need to use one

Tons of restaurants around here are using them now. Rather than give you a paper menu they have to throw away or a plastic one they have to wipe down every time, they just have a code on the table. Scan it and you've got your menu. This is by far the most I've used QR codes ever, but it's a good use for them.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

WannaGoMac

9 months ago

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

iphone camera has built in QR code reading. No 3rd party app necessary.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Bustycat

9 months ago

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

Here QR codes are becoming more useful and more important, as they benefit small businesses a lot. Today I went to a restaurant that just recently posted its QR code that I could simply scan it and redirect to Apple Pay. I am a person who doesn’t like to touch cash, and in 2020 this behaviour could help avoid SARS-CoV-2.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

Top Stories

Apple Event Live Coverage: New iPads, AirTags, and More Expected [Event Over]

Tuesday April 20, 2021 9:07 am PDT by Eric Slivka

Apple's virtual "Spring Loaded" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with Apple expected to debut updated iPad models and perhaps some other hardware such as AirTags or iMac models based on Apple silicon. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across its platforms. We will also be updating this article with live blog...

Read Full Article • 874 comments

Apple Announces Redesigned iMac With M1 Chip and Seven Color Options

Tuesday April 20, 2021 10:22 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple has announced a new, redesigned 24-inch iMac, featuring an M1 chip, a 4.5K display, and a range of color options, as well as an improved cooling system, front-facing camera, speaker system, microphones, power connector, and peripherals. The new iMac features a completely new compact design, and comes in a range of seven striking colors, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple,...

Read Full Article • 1212 comments

Apple Launching iPhone 12 and 12 Mini in New Purple Color on April 30

Tuesday April 20, 2021 10:08 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today announced that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini will be available in a new purple color starting April 30, with pre-orders starting this Friday. Apple is also releasing a new MagSafe Leather Case and Leather Sleeve in Deep Violet, a Silicone Case in Capri Blue, Pistachio, Cantaloupe, or Amethyst, and a Leather Wallet in Arizona, all available to order beginning today. iPhone...

Read Full Article • 64 comments

Apple Says iOS 14.5 Will Be Released 'Next Week'

Tuesday April 20, 2021 11:08 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today in a press release about its new AirTag item tracker announced that iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 will be available starting "next week." iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 are packed with new features, including the ability for iPhone users who are wearing an Apple Watch to unlock the iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mask. iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 will also be the minimum software versions...

Read Full Article • 42 comments

Apple Introduces Next-Generation iPad Pro With M1 Chip, Thunderbolt, 5G, XDR Display, and More

Tuesday April 20, 2021 10:40 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today announced the next-generation iPad Pro with the same M1 chip found in the latest Macs, Thunderbolt and USB4 support, 5G connectivity on cellular models with mmWave support in the United States, and more. With an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, Apple says the M1 chip in the new iPad Pro provides up to 50% faster performance and up to 40% faster graphics compared to the A12Z Bionic chip ...

Read Full Article • 287 comments

Apple Announces AirTag Tracking Devices Starting At $29 Each

Tuesday April 20, 2021 10:10 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Apple today announced AirTag, a Tile-like Bluetooth tracking device that's designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets for tracking purposes, letting you find them right in the Find My app. AirTags are accessories for attaching to backpacks, luggage, and other items. Any U1 device like the iPhone 12 can be used for precision finding to guide you right to the item you're looking...

Read Full Article • 229 comments

Ports 2021 MacBook Pro Mockup Feature 1 copy

Stolen MacBook Pro Schematics Confirm Apple's Plans to Add More Ports and Remove Touch Bar

Wednesday April 21, 2021 10:31 am PDT by Juli Clover

Schematics stolen from Apple supplier Quanta Computer outline Apple's plans for the next-generation MacBook Pro models that are expected in 2021, and clearly confirm plans for additional ports and a return to MagSafe. MacRumors saw the schematics after they were leaked online, and some of them feature the logic board of the next-generation MacBook Pro. On the right side of the machine,...

Read Full Article • 393 comments

New 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Will Be 0.5mm Thicker to Accommodate Mini-LED Display

Monday April 19, 2021 11:30 am PDT by Juli Clover

The upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be thicker than the previous-generation version, likely due to the inclusion of the mini-LED display. We've heard several rumors about the change in thickness, and now leaked design images have confirmed it. A source that designs accessories for Apple devices sent MacRumors a series of photos that feature exact dimensions for the new iPad Pro models, and...

Read Full Article • 241 comments

Wedbush Analysts Say 'Spring Loaded' Event Will Debut New iPads With 'Modest Price Increase,' Along With 'a Few Surprises'

Monday April 19, 2021 6:37 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple is planning to launch a new entry-level iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Pro at its "Spring Loaded" event tomorrow, along with "a few surprises," according to Wedbush analysts. In a new note to investors, seen by MacRumors, Wedbush analysts Daniel Ives and Strecker Backe explained that the iPad will be the main focus of Apple's "Spring Loaded" event, with new entry-level iPad, iPad mini, and ...

Read Full Article • 187 comments

Apple Event 2021: Everything Apple Announced at Its 'Spring Loaded' Event in Just 6 Minutes

Tuesday April 20, 2021 4:23 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today held its first event of 2021, and it was one of the most exciting events that we've seen in some time. Apple announced a whole slew of new products, including an M1 iMac, an M1 iPad Pro, a refreshed 4K Apple TV, and the long-awaited AirTags. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. It took Apple an hour to introduce all of the new devices during its virtual...

Read Full Article • 130 comments