QR Code Not Scanning? 9 Fixes That Work

When a QR code will not scan, the cause is almost always one of the items below. Work through them in order.

1. The code is too small

Scanning distance divided by 10 gives a safe width. A code read from 50 cm away should be at least 5 cm wide. See our size and print guide.

2. Not enough contrast

Use a dark code on a light background. Pale colors, gradients with light areas and inverted codes fail on many scanners.

3. No quiet zone

Keep an empty margin of at least four modules around the code. Borders, text and photos touching the code confuse scanners.

4. Too much data

Long URLs create dense patterns. Shorten the link or point to a short page on your own domain.

5. A logo that is too large

Keep the logo small and use high error correction. See how to add a logo safely.

6. Stretched or distorted image

Never resize a code to a non-square shape. Export SVG for print so it stays sharp at any size.

7. Glare, curves and poor printing

Glossy lamination, curved bottles and low-resolution printing all cause failures. Use a matte finish where you can, and print at 300 DPI or higher.

8. Wrong content

A typo in the link, a Wi-Fi network name with the wrong capital letters, or a wrong security type will scan but fail to work. Open the link yourself after scanning.

9. The phone, not the code

Clean the camera lens, try the built-in camera app, and move slightly closer or further away. Test with a second phone to rule out a device problem.