QR Code Not Scanning? 7 Fixes That Work

If your QR code will not scan, the cause is almost always something simple. Work through this checklist from top to bottom.

1. It is too small

Codes smaller than about 2 cm are hard to read, and they need to be bigger if people scan from a distance. See what size a QR code should be.

2. The link is too long

Long links make dense codes with tiny dots. Use a shorter link, or less text, for a simpler pattern that is easier to scan.

3. There is no margin around it

Codes need a blank border (the quiet zone). Do not crop it, and do not let text or images touch the code.

4. Low contrast or inverted colours

Light dots on a dark background, or pale colours, can confuse scanners. Use dark dots on a light background.

5. Glare, folds or smudges

Glossy paper, shiny lamination and creases break up the pattern. Print on matte paper and keep the code flat.

6. The page was printed scaled down

If your print dialog is set to Fit to page, the code can end up smaller than you expect. Print at 100% (Actual size).

7. The destination link is broken

Sometimes the code scans fine but the page it opens is wrong or private. Open the link yourself in a private browser window. For a Google review code, use the Test QR Code button in the Google review QR code generator to check where it leads.

Still not working?

Try a different phone or camera app, and test in good light. Older phones may need a QR scanner app. If it works on some phones but not others, make the code larger and shorten the link.