You can now trigger Applets by scanning a QR code. Our range of new triggers added to the Camera widget service create all-new ways to trigger your Applets. Get the latest version of our iOS or Android apps to try it yourself or keep reading to see what is possible with our new additions!

How to use QR code scanning in automation

Maintain QR code history

QR codes are increasingly prevalent in our day-to-day life, but it’s pretty difficult to keep track of the information you scanned. You often scan a flyer or code to get more information about an event or product, then you never see that webpage again. Keep a history of the QR codes you have scanned by adding them to a spreadsheet, emailing them to yourself, or sending them to a specific channel on Slack, Telegram, or via Android SMS.

Send yourself a reminder or task regarding a saved link

Create a task in your task management tool to be sure you follow up on information from a QR code. Add the content from a QR code to Todoist, Google Tasks, or iOS Reminders so you can take a deeper dive when you have time.

Quickly add events to your calendar

Scan and quickly add a calendar reminder the next time you see a flyer with event information.

Location check in

If you have a QR code at a location you visit frequently, such as a work space or store, checking in via a quick scan can make your day a little simpler!

Time tracking or logging

A QR code can be a quick and easy way to track your work hours or log time. You can customize your own codes based on different clients or task types and add them all to a common spreadsheet.

Save a contact from a QR code

QR codes are becoming more common at conferences, networking events, and get-togethers as a way to share contact information. Quickly add and save contact information to a Google Sheet, as a task to remind you to follow up, or directly to your Google or iOS Contacts!

Applets to try

We have a few Applets that are available for you to connect immediately. The complete list of new triggers is listed below. If you don’t see an Applet that works for your needs, you can easily use any of the triggers below to create your own custom automation.

New Camera widget triggers on IFTTT

Any QR code scanned

This Trigger runs your Applet every time any QR code is scanned, regardless of its content.

Any URL QR code scanned

This Trigger only runs when the scanned QR code contains a URL (starts with http:// or https://). Use this if you only want to trigger your Applet from web-based QR codes and ignore other types of data.

Specific QR code scanned

If you want your Applet to run only when scanning a particular QR code, use this Trigger. In the "QR code" field, enter the exact content or destination of the code.

For example, if you enter https://ifttt.com/ into the QR Code field, then if you scan a QR code that leads to that URL, the Applet will run. This is useful when you’re wanting your Applet to only run for specific QR codes.

QR code scanned – wildcard match

This option allows you to match patterns using simple wildcards. Use the asterisk (*) to represent any characters before or after your keyword.

QR code scanned – regular expression match

Regular expressions (regex) let you define powerful, flexible patterns to match specific QR code formats.

Read our Help center guide for more information on wildcard and regular expression triggers here.

How to get started with IFTTT’s QR code scanner

You will need the app to use any of our Camera widget Applets. You can download the IFTTT app on the Apple App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android.

Once you have enabled or created a QR code trigger Applet that suits your needs, you can add the Camera widget directly to your home screen for quick access. To do this follow the steps below:

1. Open the IFTTT app
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right
3. Tap Widgets
4. Tap your QR code widget
5. Use your camera to scan the QR code and your Applet will fire

Make your own QR code

Create your own QR codes that you can place in your home or work area to trigger certain workflows on your behalf. Dozens of free tools exist online that will allow you to create your own QR code, including this simple one from Canva here.

Once you have a QR code and link specified, you can quickly use any of the QR code triggers to create your next Applet.

More Camera widget Applets

Our Camera widget is one of the most popular ways to automate on Android and iOS devices. Check out some of the other exciting ways that IFTTTers are integrating their workflows with this easy-to-use widget.

Find more Applets on Explore

There are endless ways to automate with over 1000 services available on IFTTT. Check out hundreds of thousands existing Applets available to connect today.