How to 'scan' on-screen QR code in iOS app?

snozdop

Recently whilst on holiday I got an email informing me of a Plex security breach and asking me to change the password and setup 2FA for the account. Part of the 2FA setup was scanning an on-screen QR code to configure the OTP.

As I was on holiday I only had my iPhone with me, so couldn't use my Mac to 'scan' the on-screen QR code as normal. What's the recommended way of doing this on a single iOS device?

I couldn't find a way of getting 1Password to request an image to scan for the QR code, so I couldn't use a screenshot of the QR code.

In the end I had to AirDrop the screenshot of the QR code I made on my iPhone to my wife's iPhone, then scan it from her screen into 1Password on my iPhone. Rather cumbersome, and needed a second iPhone to do.

Is there some way of choosing a screenshot from my iPhone's Photo Library to be 'scanned' for a QR code on a single iOS device?

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1Password Version: 8.9.3 on iOS
Extension Version: Not Provided
OS Version: iOS 15.6.1
Browser:_ Not Provided

ag_tommy

@snozdop

Use 1Password as an authenticator for sites with two-factor authentication

Looks like you found a usable workaround. I recall having to do that years back between two phones. It's not pretty but it does work.

I was unable to find a way to bring in a code locally. Hopefully, we can improve on this in the future. I like the idea. It would fit with how we can bring in an Emergency Kit when adding an account. I'll let the team know you'd like to see this. Well, actually the both of us. 😉

ref: IDEA-I-1786

snozdop

Thanks.

I know that iOS has no way of 'scanning' its own screen in the way that macOS can, but yeah, it would be great if you could click an icon to open the iOS media picker and choose a previously made screenshot from your Phone Library to be scanned for a QR code in 1Password.

That would remove the need for two separate devices.

ag_tommy

Thanks @snozdop

Enjoy the long weekend and you might want to get prepared for iOS 16. That's if you are looking to upgrade your OS. Cheers!

MrC

This made me curious if a mirror would work with QR codes. I suppose I’ll have to try, as I have no clue if a left/right flip is tolerated.

snozdop

Just found out (from 1PW Twitter Support), that you can scan QR codes from websites using the Safari extension. I never even thought to look in there, so maybe the iOS app needs a pointer to let people know that's an option:

https://support.1password.com/getting-started-safari-ios/#fill-two-factor-authentication-codes