Step‑by‑step: scanning a GiroCode
The basic steps are similar in almost all banking apps:
- Open your banking app and log in if needed.
- Go to the “Transfer”, “Payments” or “GiroCode” section.
- Start the QR scanner – usually a camera or QR symbol.
- Point the camera at the GiroCode on the invoice or screen.
- Check the auto‑filled data (recipient, IBAN, amount, reference).
- Fill in any missing or variable fields (e.g. amount).
- Authorise the transfer using TAN, fingerprint or Face ID.
Differences between iPhone and Android
The actual GiroCode scan happens inside the banking app, so differences between iOS and Android are minor. Typical differences are:
- Navigation: on iOS, scan buttons are often in the bottom tab bar; on Android they may appear in a side menu or as a floating action button.
- Camera permissions: the operating system will ask for camera access the first time you start the QR scanner. You must grant it for scanning to work.
- Screenshots & files: some apps let you scan QR codes directly from screenshots or PDFs on both platforms.
So what really matters is not the OS but how your specific banking app implements the feature.
What if the code is not detected?
Sometimes you need a bit of fine‑tuning for the QR scanner to recognise the GiroCode reliably. The following factors matter:
- Lighting & contrast: ensure good lighting and avoid reflections – especially on glossy paper.
- Distance & focus: don't hold the phone too close or too far away. Many scanners work best at a medium distance.
- Print quality: very small or low‑resolution codes can cause problems. Make sure the code is large and sharp enough.
If scanning from the screen doesn't work, try printing the invoice or zooming in further until the code fills more of the camera view.
Security tip: always check the data
Even though the GiroCode automates many steps, one thing remains essential: always check the displayed data before you authorise the transfer, paying particular attention to:
- the recipient's name,
- the IBAN,
- the amount,
- and the payment reference.
If something looks wrong you can edit individual fields manually or cancel the process. Serious invoice issuers make this verification easy by printing all details clearly in plain text next to the GiroCode.