Why is my QR Code not working? 12 Common problems and fixes

1. The QR code is too small

QR codes need enough visual detail to be scanned. If the code is printed too small or displayed at a tiny size on screen, the camera cannot detect the pattern clearly.

Fix:

• Increase the size of the QR code

• Make sure it is at least 2 x 2 cm when printed

• Avoid shrinking QR codes inside busy designs

2. The image is blurry or low resolution

If your QR code looks pixelated or unclear, it may not scan. This is especially common when QR codes are downloaded in low resolution or compressed through messaging apps.

Fix:

• Regenerate the QR code in high resolution

• Use PNG or SVG formats for better clarity

• Avoid screenshotting QR codes when possible

3. Poor contrast between colors

QR codes need strong contrast between the foreground and background. Light gray on white or pastel colors may look attractive but often fail during scanning.

Fix:

• Use dark foreground and light background

• Avoid gradients

• Do not invert colors unless tested

4. The QR code is damaged or partially covered

If part of the QR code is torn, scratched, folded, or covered by another design element, scanning may fail. Although QR codes have error correction built in, severe damage prevents decoding.

Fix:

• Reprint the QR code

• Avoid placing logos over critical areas

• Keep enough white space around the code

5. The quiet zone is missing

A QR code needs a blank margin around it, called a “quiet zone.” If design elements or text are placed too close to the edges, scanners may not recognize the boundaries.

Fix:

• Leave at least 4 modules of white space around the code

• Avoid placing the QR code too close to other graphics

6. The link inside the QR code is broken

Sometimes the QR code scans successfully, but the page shows a 404 error. That means the issue is not the QR code itself, but the URL inside it.

Fix:

• Check if the destination link still works

• Update the link if you are using a dynamic QR code

• Make sure the URL is typed correctly before generating the code

Understanding how data is stored inside a QR code makes this easier to troubleshoot, especially if you are unsure what information was embedded.

7. The QR code has expired

Some dynamic QR codes expire after a set period, especially if created using temporary services. If the QR code was generated for an event or campaign, it may no longer be active.

Fix:

• Check expiration settings

• Regenerate the QR code if necessary

• Use a reliable QR code generator with long-term support

8. The camera cannot focus properly

Sometimes the issue is not the QR code, but the device scanning it. If the camera struggles to focus, detection fails.

Fix:

• Clean your camera lens

• Move slightly closer or farther

• Improve lighting conditions

• Hold your phone steady

If you need help with correct scanning methods, knowing how to scan a QR code on iPhone properly can eliminate many device-related issues.

9. The QR code is displayed on a reflective surface

Glare from glossy packaging or screens can distort the pattern. Even a small reflection can prevent successful scanning.

Fix:

• Tilt the device slightly

• Reduce screen brightness

• Change the angle to remove glare

10. The QR code was generated incorrectly

If the QR code was created using a faulty generator or incorrect data format, it may never work properly. For example:

• incomplete URLs

• missing https

• unsupported data types

Fix:

• Regenerate using a trusted QR code generator

• Double-check the data before creating the code

11. The QR code contains too much data

QR codes can store large amounts of information, but overloading them makes the pattern dense and harder to scan. This often happens when embedding long URLs without shortening them.

Fix:

• Shorten long URLs before generating

• Use dynamic QR codes when possible

• Avoid embedding unnecessary text

12. You are scanning from a screenshot or compressed image

QR codes often fail when scanned from screenshots shared through messaging apps. Compression reduces detail, making detection inconsistent.

Fix:

• Use the original image instead of a compressed version

• Zoom in slightly before scanning

• Use a scanner that supports scanning from saved photos reliably

If you frequently scan QR codes from screenshots, using a scanner designed for detecting QR codes inside images can improve accuracy.

Quick checklist to test your QR code

If your QR code is not working, check:

• Is the image high resolution?

• Is there strong contrast?

• Is the link still active?

• Is the quiet zone intact?

• Is the QR code large enough?

• Are lighting conditions good?

Testing on multiple devices can also help confirm whether the issue is with the code or the scanner.

When the issue is not the QR code but the scanner

Sometimes the QR code works fine, but the scanning app struggles. Built-in camera scanners work well in most cases, but performance can vary depending on lighting, focus, or image quality.

If you regularly scan QR codes for tickets, payments, menus, or business purposes, using a dedicated QR code reader can improve consistency, especially when scanning from screenshots or saved images.

Final thoughts

If your QR code is not working, the problem is usually fixable. Most failures are caused by size, contrast, image quality, broken links, or scanning conditions.

By adjusting design, regenerating the code correctly, and testing in proper lighting, you can resolve nearly all QR scanning issues quickly. Before assuming the code is broken, check the basics. In most cases, the solution is simpler than it seems.