Why Is My QR Code Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Your QR code isn't working? Don't worry—most QR code issues are easy to fix. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide covers the most common problems, their solutions, and how to prevent issues in the future.

Quick Answer: Why Is My QR Code Not Working?

Common causes:

1. Poor lighting - QR code too dark or too bright
2. Wrong distance - Too close or too far away
3. Damaged QR code - Physical damage or low quality
4. Broken destination - Link doesn't work or content removed
5. Scanner issues - Outdated app or camera problems

Quick fixes: Improve lighting, adjust distance, test with different scanners, verify destination works.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: QR Code Not Detected

Symptoms: Scanner can't find or recognize the QR code.

Causes:

• Poor lighting conditions
• QR code too small or too far
• Camera lens dirty
• QR code damaged or low quality
• Insufficient contrast

Solutions:

1. Improve Lighting

   • Move to well-lit area
   • Avoid direct sunlight (creates glare)
   • Use additional light source if needed
   • Ensure even lighting across QR code

2. Adjust Distance

   • Move closer (if too far)
   • Move further (if too close)
   • Optimal distance: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
   • Hold phone steady

3. Clean Camera Lens

   • Wipe lens with soft cloth
   • Remove fingerprints
   • Check for scratches
   • Use lens cleaning solution if needed

4. Check QR Code Quality

   • Ensure high resolution
   • Verify sufficient contrast
   • Check for damage or distortion
   • Recreate if necessary

5. Try Different Scanner

   • Use built-in camera app
   • Try different QR scanner app
   • Test on multiple devices
   • Use online scanner

Try Our Online Scanner →

Problem 2: "Invalid QR Code" Error

Symptoms: Scanner reads code but shows error message.

Causes:

• Corrupted QR code data
• Invalid data format
• Unsupported QR code type
• Encoding errors

Solutions:

1. Verify QR Code Data

   • Check if data is valid
   • Ensure correct format
   • Verify encoding
   • Test with sample data

2. Check QR Code Type

   • Ensure scanner supports type
   • Try different scanner
   • Verify compatibility
   • Check for special characters

3. Recreate QR Code

   • Generate new code
   • Use correct data format
   • Test before deploying
   • Verify with multiple scanners

Problem 3: Link Not Working / Page Not Found

Symptoms: QR code scans successfully but destination doesn't load.

Causes:

• Broken or expired URL
• Website down or moved
• Internet connection issues
• Redirect problems (dynamic QR codes)
• Subscription expired (dynamic QR codes)

Solutions:

1. Check Destination URL

   • Verify URL is correct
   • Test URL in browser
   • Check if website exists
   • Verify URL is accessible

2. Test Internet Connection

   • Check WiFi or mobile data
   • Try different network
   • Verify connection speed
   • Test other websites

3. For Dynamic QR Codes

   • Check subscription status
   • Verify redirect is active
   • Update destination if needed
   • Contact support if issues persist

4. Verify Content Exists

   • Check if page was deleted
   • Verify content is published
   • Test direct access
   • Check for access restrictions

Problem 4: QR Code Too Small or Too Large

Symptoms: Scanner can't focus or QR code appears distorted.

Causes:

• Incorrect size for scanning distance
• Poor resolution
• Scaling issues
• Print quality problems

Solutions:

1. Use Correct Size

   • Minimum: 2x2 cm (0.8x0.8 inches)
   • Recommended: 5x5 cm (2x2 inches)
   • For distance: 1 cm per meter of distance
   • Larger is usually better

2. Ensure High Resolution

   • Use vector format (SVG) when possible
   • Minimum 300 DPI for print
   • High-quality PNG for digital
   • Avoid pixelation

3. Maintain Aspect Ratio

   • Don't stretch or compress
   • Keep square shape
   • Preserve proportions
   • Use original dimensions

Problem 5: QR Code Partially Damaged

Symptoms: Scanner reads code but with errors or missing data.

Causes:

• Physical damage
• Fading or wear
• Partial obstruction
• Low error correction level

Solutions:

1. Use Higher Error Correction

   • Level H (High): 30% recovery
   • Level Q (Quartile): 25% recovery
   • Level M (Medium): 15% recovery
   • Level L (Low): 7% recovery

2. Protect QR Code

   • Use durable materials
   • Apply protective coating
   • Laminating for paper
   • Avoid high-traffic areas

3. Recreate if Necessary

   • Generate new code
   • Use higher error correction
   • Print on better material
   • Replace damaged codes

Problem 6: Scanner App Issues

Symptoms: App crashes, freezes, or doesn't work properly.

Causes:

• Outdated app version
• Device compatibility issues
• Camera permissions
• Software bugs

Solutions:

1. Update App

   • Check for updates
   • Install latest version
   • Restart device
   • Clear app cache

2. Check Permissions

   • Grant camera permission
   • Allow location (if needed)
   • Check privacy settings
   • Reset permissions if needed

3. Try Alternative Scanner

   • Use built-in camera app
   • Try different QR scanner
   • Use online scanner
   • Test on other device

Use Our Free Online Scanner →

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Process

Step 1: Verify QR Code Scans

Test with multiple scanners:

1. Try built-in camera app
2. Test with QR scanner app
3. Use online scanner
4. Test on different device

If none work: QR code may be corrupted or damaged.

Step 2: Check Physical Condition

Inspect QR code:

1. Look for damage or wear
2. Check for fading
3. Verify contrast
4. Ensure clean surface

If damaged: Recreate QR code.

Step 3: Test Destination

Verify destination works:

1. Scan QR code
2. Note the destination
3. Test destination directly
4. Check if accessible

If destination broken: Update or fix destination.

Step 4: Check Environment

Verify scanning conditions:

1. Check lighting
2. Verify distance
3. Test angle
4. Ensure stability

If conditions poor: Improve environment.

Prevention Tips

1. Create High-Quality QR Codes

Best practices:

• Use high resolution
• Ensure sufficient contrast
• Choose appropriate error correction
• Test before deploying

Create Quality QR Codes →

2. Print on Durable Materials

Recommendations:

• Use quality paper or materials
• Apply protective coatings
• Consider laminating
• Use appropriate size

3. Test Before Deploying

Always test:

• Scan with multiple devices
• Test in different lighting
• Verify destination works
• Check on various scanners

4. Monitor and Maintain

Regular checks:

• Test QR codes periodically
• Verify destinations work
• Update if needed
• Replace damaged codes

5. Use Appropriate Error Correction

Choose based on use:

• Level H: Outdoor, industrial, high damage risk
• Level Q: General use, moderate damage risk
• Level M: Clean environments, standard use
• Level L: Controlled conditions, maximum data

Advanced Troubleshooting

For Dynamic QR Codes

Check subscription:

• Verify subscription is active
• Check expiration date
• Renew if needed
• Contact support if issues

Verify redirect:

• Test short URL directly
• Check redirect settings
• Verify destination
• Update if needed

Analytics issues:

• Check dashboard access
• Verify tracking enabled
• Check data retention
• Contact support

For Static QR Codes

Data verification:

• Verify encoded data
• Check data format
• Test encoding
• Recreate if corrupted

Destination issues:

• Verify URL is permanent
• Check if content exists
• Test accessibility
• Update if moved

Getting Help

Still Not Working?

Try these resources:

1. Test with our scanner: Free Online QR Scanner
2. Create new QR code: QR Code Generator
3. Contact support: Get Help
4. Check FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Common Support Questions

Q: My QR code worked before but stopped working. A: Check if destination URL is still active, subscription status (for dynamic codes), or if QR code is damaged.

Q: Scanner says "invalid QR code" but I just created it. A: Verify data format, try different scanner, check for encoding errors, recreate if needed.

Q: QR code scans but link doesn't work. A: Test URL directly, check internet connection, verify website is accessible, check for redirect issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't my phone scan QR codes?

Common reasons:

• Outdated operating system
• Camera app doesn't support QR codes
• Camera permissions not granted
• Dirty camera lens

Solutions: Update OS, grant permissions, clean lens, use QR scanner app.

Do QR codes expire?

Static QR codes: Never expire.

Dynamic QR codes: Work as long as subscription is active.

Destination content: This can expire or be removed.

Learn More →

Can damaged QR codes still work?

Yes, if error correction is sufficient:

• Level H: Up to 30% damage
• Level Q: Up to 25% damage
• Level M: Up to 15% damage
• Level L: Up to 7% damage

Why does my QR code work on some phones but not others?

Possible reasons:

• Different scanner apps
• Camera quality differences
• OS version differences
• App compatibility issues

Solution: Test with multiple devices and scanners.

Conclusion

Most QR code issues are solvable with proper troubleshooting:

• Check basics first: Lighting, distance, quality
• Test systematically: Multiple scanners, devices, conditions
• Verify destinations: Ensure links and content work
• Prevent issues: Use quality codes, proper materials, regular testing

Need help? Contact our support team →

Create a new QR code: Free QR Code Generator →

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Related Articles:

• How to Scan QR Code
• How to Create a QR Code
• Can QR Code Expire?

Tools:

• QR Code Scanner
• QR Code Generator