Instagram Launches QR Codes Worldwide

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.

Popular Stories

Apple Shopping Event 2025

Apple Announces 2025 Black Friday Event, Here's What You Can Get

Thursday November 20, 2025 6:28 am PST by
Apple's annual four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event is returning on Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1 in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and others. During the shopping event, customers can get an Apple gift card with...
applecare apple care banner

Apple Brings New AppleCare+ Options to India

Tuesday November 18, 2025 8:42 am PST by
Apple today announced an expansion of AppleCare+ coverage in India, with new options for monthly and annual plans, and the addition of Theft and Loss for iPhone for the first time. Options for monthly and annual AppleCare+ plans in India provide more choice and flexibility, allowing users to keep coverage for as long as they require. Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product...
iOS 26

Everything New in iOS 26.2 Beta 3

Monday November 17, 2025 3:20 pm PST by
Apple provided developers with the third beta of an upcoming iOS 26.2 update, and there are still new features that are being added with each beta that we get. We've rounded up all of the changes that Apple made in beta 3. AirDrop Apple added new AirDrop functionality, providing a way for two people to share files temporarily without having to add one another as contacts. iOS 26.2...
iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange

10 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro

Wednesday November 19, 2025 4:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...
ipad mini 7 feature red and blue

iPad Mini 8: Four Major New Features to Expect

Wednesday November 19, 2025 7:50 am PST by
Apple's eighth-generation iPad mini is highly likely to arrive next year, offering a significant refresh of the device with at least four major new features. OLED Display The next-generation version of the iPad mini could feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple Watch in 2015, ...
Apple Wallet ID Illinois

iPhone Driver's License Feature Launching in Illinois

Tuesday November 18, 2025 8:47 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Starting this Wednesday, November 19, the feature will be available to residents of Illinois. The announcement confirmed that the...
iPhone 17 Pro and Air N1 Feature

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 Wi-Fi Speeds: New Study Reveals the Winner

Tuesday November 18, 2025 10:53 am PST by
A new study has revealed that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air achieve significantly faster average Wi-Fi speeds compared to the iPhone 16 series, thanks to Apple's custom-designed N1 chip. The study was conducted by Ookla, the company behind the popular Speedtest website and app. It said the results are based on global, crowdsourced Speedtest user data...
macbook black friday

The Best Early Black Friday Mac Deals

Tuesday November 18, 2025 7:32 am PST by
We're getting closer to Black Friday, which lands next week on Friday, November 28. In the lead-up to the shopping holiday, we're tracking a few lowest-ever prices on Apple's most popular Macs, including the M4 MacBook Air and brand new M5 MacBook Pro. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment,...
Magic Keyboard Touch ID Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for 140W USB-C Power Adapter, Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad

Tuesday November 18, 2025 1:05 pm PST by
Apple today released updated firmware for several accessories, including the 140W USB-C Power Adapter, the Magic Trackpad 2, the Magic Trackpad USB-C, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad. There is no word on what's included in the updated firmware at this time, but it could offer performance improvements and security updates. Accessory...
watchos 26 workout app

Apple Watch Users Claim Workout App Is Now Worse in Every Way

Thursday November 20, 2025 7:01 am PST by
Apple Watch owners have been voicing their frustration online over changes to the Workout app that Apple introduced in watchOS 26, with many finding the redesigned interface makes starting exercises difficult and exasperating. When Apple launched watchOS 26 in September, the Workout app went from large, easily tapped workout tiles to a scrolling, corner-button interface. Instead of tapping a ...

Top Rated Comments

mollyc Avatar
69 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
69 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
69 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 Avatar
69 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 Avatar
69 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 Avatar
69 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)