QR code not scanning? Here's how to fix it
Most scanning problems come down to a few causes. Work through this list from the top; the first ones are the most common.
1. Too little contrast
Phones need a dark code on a light background. Pastel on white, grey on grey or dark on dark often fails. Use black or a deep colour on white.
2. A light code on a dark background
Inverted codes look stylish, but many phones and scanner apps can't read them. Swap the colours.
3. Too small for the distance
A code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance. 2 cm works on a business card, not on a poster across the room.
4. No white border
Text, the edge of a frame or a photo touching the code confuses scanners. Leave a clear margin all around it.
5. The logo is too big
A logo covers part of the pattern. Keep it small and use High error correction; the generator switches to it automatically when you add a logo.
6. Glare, curves and creases
Glossy lamination, glass, bottles and folded paper bend or hide parts of the code. Use matte material and a flat spot.
7. Too much data
Long links, long text and full contact cards make a dense pattern. Use a shorter link or fewer fields, or print the code bigger.
8. The code scans but the link doesn't open
If the camera reacts but nothing loads, the problem is the destination: a typo, a deleted page, or a short link from a service that closed or expired. Open the link yourself to check.
9. An old phone
Phones from the last few years read QR codes straight from the camera app. On older ones, a free scanner app helps. For Wi-Fi codes, many Android phones also have a scanner in the Wi-Fi settings.
Test before you print
- Scan with two different phones, ideally an iPhone and an Android.
- Scan the printed version, not just the screen.
- Try it from the real distance, in the real light.