Open Barcode Inspector
The standard scanner starts automatically and watches for QR, UPC, EAN, Code 128, Data Matrix, PDF417, and other supported formats.
First launch
Barcode Inspector needs camera access to scan a live barcode. When iOS asks, tap Allow. If access was previously denied, open:
Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → Barcode Inspector
Scan a standard barcode
Fill the scanning area
Hold the phone steady with the full barcode visible. Move slightly farther away if the code is too large or cannot focus.
Review Barcode Details
Barcode Inspector identifies the format and displays the decoded value and any additional information it can interpret.
Scan a USPS Intelligent Mail barcode
Intelligent Mail uses a specialized 65-bar pattern and has its own scanner.
Tap Open USPS IMb Scanner
From the main scanner, use the large Open USPS IMb Scanner button. You can also find it in the three-dot menu after a standard scan.
Keep the full barcode visible
Hold the mailpiece flat, avoid glare, and keep all 65 bars inside the camera view. Good contrast and even lighting improve recognition.
Inspect the decoded fields
The result separates the complete value, USPS tracking data, routing data, and physical barcode information into readable sections.
Important: An IMb is not a QR code. Use the dedicated IMb scanner instead of waiting for the standard scanner to recognize it.
Scan from an existing photo
- Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Choose Scan from Photo.
- Select an image from Photos.
- Review the decoded result.
Photo access is used only to select the image you choose. Barcode processing occurs on your device.
Work with the result
- Tap the copy control beside a field to copy only that value.
- Tap Copy All Data to copy the complete formatted inspection.
- Tap Share Results to create a readable text report for email, AirDrop, Messages, or another compatible app.
- Tap Scan Another to return to the camera.
Tips for difficult scans
- Flatten curled or wrinkled mail.
- Avoid shadows across the bars.
- Use the Flashlight option from the three-dot menu when lighting is poor.
- Keep the camera lens clean.
- Try a photo if the live camera cannot hold focus.
- Make sure the entire barcode is present and not hidden by a window edge or envelope seam.
Need the data on a computer?
Barcode Inspector can send a clean text report through email, AirDrop, Messages, or compatible chat apps.