Troubleshooting • Guide • Fixes

Why Won't My QR Code Scan? 5 Common Fixes

February 12, 2026 Support Team

1. Lighting is Key

The most common reason for scan failure is poor lighting. Ensure there are no glares or shadows crossing the QR code pattern. Turn on your device flashlight if needed.

2. Distance Matters

Don't hold the camera too close. Most cameras need about 10-15cm (4-6 inches) to focus properly. Move back and let the autofocus do its work.

3. Check for Damage

If the QR code is crumpled, torn, or partially obscured, the error correction data might not be enough to recover the link. Try flattening the paper.

4. Inverted Colors

Standard QR codes are black dots on a white background. Some 'artistic' codes are white dots on black. Many older scanners cannot read these 'inverted' codes. Our scanner handles both.

5. Low Contrast

A light blue code on a white background might look nice but is hard for a computer vision algorithm to see. High contrast (Black/White) is always best.

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