Nothing is more frustrating than a QR code that won't scan. Whether you're trying to scan someone else's code or troubleshooting one you created, this guide covers all the common causes and fixes.
Quick Fixes to Try First
- Clean your camera lens — Smudges cause most scanning failures
- Move closer or farther — Find the optimal distance
- Improve lighting — Avoid shadows and glare
- Hold steady — Don't move while scanning
- Try a different QR scanner app — Some are better than others
Common Problems and Solutions
🔍 Problem: QR Code is Too Small
Codes under 0.8" (2cm) are difficult for most phone cameras to read, especially on older devices.
Fix: Reprint at least 1" x 1" (2.5cm). For scanning from distance, use the 10:1 ratio — 1 inch of code for every 10 inches of scanning distance.
🎨 Problem: Low Contrast
Light-colored QR codes, or codes on colored/busy backgrounds, don't provide enough contrast for scanners.
Fix: Use dark code (black, dark blue) on light background (white, cream). Avoid placing codes over photos or patterns.
📏 Problem: No Quiet Zone
Text, graphics, or borders touching the QR code prevent scanners from identifying its boundaries.
Fix: Ensure white space around all sides of the code. The quiet zone should be at least 4 modules (small squares) wide.
💥 Problem: Physical Damage
Scratches, folds, tears, dirt, or fading have damaged the code beyond its error correction capacity.
Fix: QR codes can tolerate up to 30% damage, but beyond that they fail. Clean the code or obtain an undamaged copy. For future prints, use lamination or protective coating.
🌀 Problem: Distortion
QR codes stretched, warped, or printed on curved surfaces (bottles, mugs) may not scan.
Fix: Always maintain 1:1 aspect ratio (square). For curved surfaces, use larger codes and test from the expected scanning angle.
💡 Problem: Lighting Issues
Too dark, direct glare, or shadows across the code prevent successful scanning.
Fix: Move to better lighting. Avoid glossy materials that cause glare. For outdoor codes, consider matte finishes. In dark venues, ensure adequate ambient light.
📱 Problem: Phone/Camera Issues
Older phones, damaged cameras, or software issues can prevent scanning.
Fix: Clean camera lens. Restart phone. Update camera app. Try a dedicated QR scanner app like "QR Code Reader" or "Scanbot." On iPhone, ensure QR scanning is enabled in Settings → Camera.
🔗 Problem: The Code Works, But Link is Broken
The QR code scans successfully, but leads to a 404 error or broken page.
Fix: This isn't a scanning problem — the destination URL has changed or been deleted. You'll need to create a new QR code with the correct URL.
How to Scan QR Codes
iPhone (iOS 11+)
- Open the Camera app
- Point at the QR code
- Tap the notification banner that appears
If this doesn't work: Settings → Camera → Scan QR Codes (enable)
Android
- Open the Camera app
- Point at the QR code
- Tap the link that appears
If this doesn't work: Try Google Lens (built into most Android phones) or download a QR scanner app from the Play Store.
Preventing Scanning Problems
If you're creating QR codes, follow these best practices:
- Size at least 1" x 1" for handheld scanning
- Use high contrast (dark on light)
- Maintain quiet zone around the code
- Download as SVG for print (scales without quality loss)
- Test on multiple phones before bulk printing
- Use shorter URLs to reduce code complexity
- Avoid placing on glossy or textured materials
Create a Reliable QR Code
Our codes use high error correction for maximum scannability
Generate Free QR CodeStill Not Working?
If you've tried everything and the code still won't scan:
- The code may be corrupted or generated incorrectly
- The code may use a proprietary format your scanner doesn't support
- The code may be from a dynamic QR service that has expired
In these cases, you'll need to contact whoever created the QR code or generate a new one.