QR GUIDE · REVIEWED AUGUST 25, 2026 · SAKSHI KUMARI
QR code not scanning? Troubleshooting guide
Test the actual printed or displayed code on more than one device before publishing it. A QR that works as a large screen image can fail after resizing, printing or placing on a busy background.
Design checks
- Leave a clear, unprinted margin around the code (the quiet zone).
- Use dark modules on a light, solid background; avoid low contrast, gradients and reflections.
- Do not shrink a dense code until individual squares blur together. Shorter URLs generally create less dense codes.
- Keep the code square and undistorted. Avoid cropping, stretching and low-quality screenshots.
- Use error correction as a tolerance for small damage, not as permission to cover a large part of the code with a logo.
Scanning checks
Clean the camera lens, improve light without glare, let the camera focus and increase screen brightness when scanning a displayed code. If printed, check for smudging, folds and poor contrast. Decode the code to confirm the exact destination, not merely that it produces a scan prompt.