How to Scan QR Codes on a Nintendo 3DS or 3DS XL

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Use the QR code reader on a 3DS or 3DS XL

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Scanning from the Main Menu
|
• Scanning QR Codes in Games
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

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QR codes are the small, checkerboard-style bar codes found on many apps, advertisements, and games today. Scanning one can take you directly to a webpage or video, but it can also unlock certain games, characters, and events on your 3DS. We'll show you how to scan QR codes on a 3DS from the HOME menu or within a game.

Quick Steps

1. Go to the 3DS HOME menu.
2. Tap the QR code icon in the bottom-left corner.
3. Align the QR code with the camera on the top screen.
4. Tap OK.
5. Tap OK again.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Scanning from the Main Menu

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1. 1
   Turn on your 3DS and connect to Wi-Fi. You'll need internet access to use your QR scanner.

   • Check your specific QR code and make sure it can be played by the 3DS. Unless it says it's for a specific game, your DS should recognize it.
2. 2
   Go to the HOME menu. There are two camera apps on the 3DS; you must use the one accessed on the HOME menu. The other camera is used for taking regular pictures and does not have the QR code option.
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3. 3
   Press the L and R shoulder buttons. Hold them simultaneously for two to three seconds to pull up the camera.
4. 4
   Click the QR code button on the camera. It will look like a little checkerboard button on the left side of your screen. This should bring up the QR scanner, which will give you specific instructions on scanning the code.
5. 5
   Align the 3DS with the QR code until it scans. A pop-up menu should appear with a destination.

   • Common problems include not centering the code in the camera, too little light, or being too close or far from the code. Make sure the image is flattened and adjust the 3DS slowly until it scans in.
   • If the code is meant for a specific game, you'll likely get a message or error message telling you so. In this case, scan the code within the game instead.
6. 6
   Tap OK. This will confirm the destination and navigate there.
7. 7
   Tap OK again. This will launch the QR code's application.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Scanning QR Codes in Games

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1. 1
   Know which codes are for specific games. Generally, a QR code will have a small image in the middle, designating it for a game. If there is a logo around the code, or the code is otherwise labeled as "for _______ only," this means you must have the appropriate game on to view the code. Any Mii game, for example, has a little "mii" in the center of the QR code's typical checkerboard pattern.
2. 2
   Start up your game normally. Skip the main menu and go straight to the game to input the code. All games have different ways to input QR codes, but they will all happen in the game, not in the main 3DS menu.
3. 3
   Find the in-game QR scanner. This is usually in the main menu or the settings page. However, some games hide these scanners to make the items you scan more valuable. Animal Crossing, for example, makes you talk to Sable once a day for 10 straight days to unlock the QR scanner.

   • If you cannot find the QR code reader, look online or in the game's instruction manual.
4. 4
   Align the QR code with the camera to scan it. Flatten the QR code and make sure it is well-lit. Smooth out any wrinkles and hold the camera steady. Move it slightly if it doesn't read immediately.

   • If you're scanning a QR code on a digital screen, it may take a bit of maneuvering to register due to the pixels.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I open the program that scans the QR codes?

  

  Community Answer

  Just push the L and R shoulder buttons at the same time, and it'll pop up.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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  Not Helpful 13 Helpful 2
• Question

  Can you do this on a 2DS?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes. Press the L and R trigger at the same time. There is a little icon like a chess board. Press that.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 10 Helpful 2
• Question

  What do I do if the QR code refuses to scan no matter what?

  

  Community Answer

  Try to flatten it out, or if it’s online, try to get a better resolution photo or make the image bigger (if it’s small).

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• If you have updated your 3DS recently, you will need the Nintendo eShop and an internet browser to use QR codes.
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