Where your phone stores its QR code

Your phone's QR code is usually in the Settings app under a section called "About Phone" or "Device Information". The exact location depends on whether you use Android or iPhone, but both systems store it in the same general area — the settings that show your phone's serial number and other hardware details.

The QR code itself is a unique identifier for your device. It encodes your phone's serial number, IMEI (the number that identifies your phone on cellular networks), or both. When you scan it with another device, that code pulls up your phone's information without you having to type anything manually.

Key Takeaways

  • On Android, open Settings, scroll to "About Phone", and look for a QR code near the top or in a section labeled "Device Information" or "Status".
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, tap "General", then "About", and scroll down to find the QR code at the bottom of the screen.
  • You can take a screenshot of your QR code and save it to your photo library for later use.
  • If you cannot find a QR code in Settings, your phone model may not display one — older devices sometimes lack this feature.
  • The QR code encodes your device's serial number or IMEI, so treat screenshots of it the same way you would treat those numbers.

Finding it on Android phones

Open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the main menu. Tap "About Phone" or "About Device" — the exact wording varies by manufacturer. You should see a QR code displayed near the top of this screen, usually above or next to your phone's serial number and IMEI.

Some Android phones place the QR code in a different location. If you do not see it in "About Phone", try tapping "Device Information" or "Status" instead. Samsung phones sometimes put it under "Device Care" or "Phone Information". If you still cannot locate it, your phone model may not generate a QR code in Settings.

Once you find it, you can take a screenshot by pressing the volume-down and power buttons at the same time (or use whatever screenshot method your phone uses). The image saves to your photo library automatically.

Finding it on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap "General". Then tap "About". Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen — the QR code appears at the very end of this list, below your phone's serial number and other identifiers.

The QR code on iPhone is smaller than on some Android devices, but it functions the same way. You can take a screenshot using the side button and volume-up button together, or use the screenshot gesture if you have that enabled. The screenshot saves to your Photos app.

What to do with your QR code once you have it

You can share your QR code with someone who needs to identify your phone — for example, a repair technician, your phone carrier, or a device management system at work. They can scan it with any QR code reader to pull up your phone's serial number and IMEI without asking you to read the numbers aloud or type them out.

If you take a screenshot, store it somewhere safe. The QR code encodes the same information as your serial number and IMEI, so treat it with the same care you would use for those numbers. Do not share it publicly or with people you do not trust.

When your phone might not have a visible QR code

Older Android phones and iPhones may not display a QR code in Settings at all. If you have scrolled through "About Phone" or "About" and found no QR code, your device straightforward does not generate one. This is not a problem — you can still provide your serial number and IMEI to anyone who needs them by reading the numbers directly from the same Settings screen.

Some phones also hide the QR code behind a toggle or additional menu. If you see an option that says "Show QR Code" or "Device QR Code", tap it to reveal the code.

Troubleshooting if you cannot find it

Make sure you are in the correct Settings section. On Android, "About Phone" is usually at the very bottom of the Settings menu — you may need to scroll past several other options to reach it. On iPhone, "About" is in the "General" section, not in "Privacy" or other submenus.

If you are still stuck, try searching within Settings. On Android, open Settings and use the search bar at the top to type "QR code" or "serial number". On iPhone, you can search Spotlight (swipe down from the home screen) and type "Settings", then navigate to General > About. Both methods should take you directly to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone's QR code to unlock it or access my accounts?

No. Your phone's QR code only encodes your device's serial number and IMEI — it does not unlock your phone or give access to your accounts. It is purely an identifier, like a barcode on a product.

Is it safe to share a screenshot of my QR code?

Your QR code contains the same information as your serial number and IMEI, which are not secret. However, you should only share it with people who have a legitimate reason to identify your phone — repair shops, your carrier, or your employer's IT department. Do not post it on social media or share it with strangers.

What if I lose my phone and someone scans the QR code?

Scanning your QR code only reveals your phone's serial number and IMEI. It does not unlock your phone, access your data, or let someone track you. Your phone's security features — your lock screen password, biometric authentication, and Find My Device — are what protect your phone if it is lost.

Can I generate a new QR code for my phone?

No. Your phone's QR code is tied to your device's hardware identifiers and cannot be changed or regenerated. It is the same throughout your phone's lifetime.