Why Won't My QR Code Scan?

Troubleshooting QR code scanning issues is one of the most common support requests. This comprehensive guide will help you identify and fix scanning problems.

Common Scanning Issues

Size Problems

Issue: QR code is too small to scan reliably Solution:

• Minimum size: 2cm x 2cm (0.8" x 0.8")
• Follow the 10:1 rule: scanning distance to size ratio
• Test with actual printing/display conditions

Contrast Issues

Issue: Insufficient contrast between code and background Solution:

• Use dark codes on light backgrounds
• Avoid light codes on dark backgrounds
• Ensure at least 50% contrast difference
• Test in different lighting conditions

Quality Problems

Issue: Low resolution or pixelated QR codes Solution:

• Use vector formats (SVG) when possible
• Generate at high resolution for print
• Avoid excessive compression
• Re-generate if image is degraded

Device-Specific Issues

iPhone Scanning

Common Problems:

• Camera app not recognizing QR code
• iOS version too old (requires iOS 11+)
• QR code detection disabled

Solutions:

• Update iOS to latest version
• Check Settings > Camera > Scan QR Codes is enabled
• Try third-party QR scanner apps
• Ensure good lighting and steady hands

Android Scanning

Common Problems:

• Camera app varies by manufacturer
• Google Lens not available
• Default camera doesn't support QR codes

Solutions:

• Download Google Lens or dedicated QR scanner
• Check if manufacturer's camera app supports QR codes
• Try different scanning angles
• Ensure camera permissions are granted

Environmental Factors

Lighting Issues

Problem: Poor lighting affecting scan quality Solutions:

• Ensure adequate lighting on QR code
• Avoid reflective surfaces that create glare
• Use flashlight feature if available
• Avoid scanning in direct sunlight

Surface Problems

Problem: QR code on curved or textured surfaces Solutions:

• Place QR codes on flat, smooth surfaces
• Avoid curved surfaces like bottles or cylinders
• Ensure surface isn't reflective or glossy
• Consider material when printing

Distance and Angle

Problem: Scanning from wrong distance or angle Solutions:

• Start close and slowly move away
• Hold device parallel to QR code
• Avoid extreme angles
• Keep steady while scanning

Technical Troubleshooting

URL Issues

Problem: QR code contains invalid or broken URL Testing:

• Manually type URL to verify it works
• Check for typos in the original URL
• Ensure website is accessible from mobile
• Verify URL format is correct

QR Code Corruption

Problem: QR code data is corrupted or incomplete Solutions:

• Re-generate the QR code
• Use higher error correction level
• Verify original data input was correct
• Check if file was corrupted during transfer

App-Specific Issues

Problem: Specific scanning app not working Solutions:

• Try different QR scanner apps
• Update current scanning app
• Clear app cache and data
• Restart device and try again

Design-Related Problems

Over-Customization

Problem: Too much customization affecting readability Issues:

• Logo too large (over 20% of code area)
• Insufficient contrast with custom colors
• Complex background patterns
• Rounded corners affecting corners

Solutions:

• Reduce logo size to under 20%
• Use high contrast color combinations
• Simplify background design
• Test extensively after customization

Format Issues

Problem: Wrong file format or compression Solutions:

• Use PNG or SVG for best quality
• Avoid JPEG compression for QR codes
• Ensure sufficient resolution
• Re-export at higher quality

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1. Basic Checks

• QR code is at least 2cm x 2cm
• Good contrast (dark on light)
• Flat, non-reflective surface
• Adequate lighting

2. Device Checks

• Camera app supports QR codes
• Try different scanning apps
• Update device software
• Clean camera lens

3. Content Checks

• Test URL manually
• Verify QR code content
• Check for special characters
• Ensure mobile compatibility

4. Environmental Checks

• Different lighting conditions
• Various scanning distances
• Multiple angles
• Different devices

Prevention Tips

Design Phase

• Use QR Tracker's preview feature
• Test with multiple devices before finalizing
• Choose high error correction levels
• Keep design simple and clean

Deployment Phase

• Test in actual conditions
• Print test copies first
• Monitor scan analytics
• Have backup QR codes ready

Maintenance

• Regularly test existing QR codes
• Monitor analytics for drop in scans
• Update codes when destinations change
• Replace damaged physical codes

When to Contact Support

Contact our support team if:

• Multiple users report scanning issues
• QR codes worked before but stopped
• Analytics show sudden drop in scans
• Technical error messages appear

Testing Tools

Use these tools to diagnose issues:

• QR Tracker Preview: Built-in testing
• Multiple Scanner Apps: ZXing, QR Code Reader, Google Lens
• Different Devices: iOS and Android testing
• Online QR Validators: Verify code structure

Still having issues? Contact our support team with specific details about your problem, including:

• Device type and OS version
• Scanning app used
• QR code size and placement
• Photos of the QR code
• Any error messages

We're here to help you get your QR codes working perfectly!