Instagram Launches QR Codes Worldwide - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Instagram Launches QR Codes Worldwide

by

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

QR Code Launch Image New

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

Popular Stories

Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Pre-Orders and Release Date

Thursday August 20, 2026 8:00 am PDT by
Apple has yet to reveal when the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra will be announced and released, but the dates usually follow a familiar pattern. As usual, the iPhone event is expected to take place in the first half of September. Labor Day falls on September 7 this year. The last time the holiday was on that day was in 2020, but the iPhone event that year was delayed until October due to...
Read Full Article • 20 comments
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Pre-Orders and Release Date

Sunday August 16, 2026 8:24 pm PDT by
Apple has yet to reveal when the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra will be announced and released, but the dates usually follow a familiar pattern. As usual, the event is expected to take place in the first half of September. Labor Day falls on September 7 this year. The last time the holiday was on that day was in 2020, but the iPhone event that year was delayed until October due to the...
Read Full Article
Apple Event Logo

Apple Accidentally Leaked More Than 10 New Products in macOS Update

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:02 am PDT by
Apple on Monday seeded the macOS 26.7 Release Candidate, and the upcoming software update has seemingly leaked more than 10 new Apple products. macOS 26.7's code contains references to AirPods with infrared cameras for Visual Intelligence, the long-rumored foldable iPhone, an all-new Apple smart home hub, the first-ever MacBook and iPad mini models with OLED displays, an updated Siri Remote...
Read Full Article • 81 comments

Top Rated Comments

mollyc Avatar
mollyc
78 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 Avatar
twinlight
78 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 Avatar
Apple Macintosh 128K
78 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)
Apple Macintosh 128K Avatar
Apple Macintosh 128K
78 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)
Bustycat Avatar
Bustycat
78 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)
WannaGoMac Avatar
WannaGoMac
78 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)
Read All Comments