QR Code Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Wondering why is my QR code not working? Whether you can't scan a QR code or one you created won't work — we'll help you fix it in minutes. Step-by-step guides for every device and every issue.
Can't scan a QR code?
iPhone & Android fixes →
Created a QR code that won't scan?
Design & technical fixes →
Not sure? Start with our Quick-Fix Checklist — it covers both.
Start here
Quick-Fix Checklist: Try These First
Asking yourself “why is my QR code not working?” These six steps resolve most QR code scanning problems in under two minutes.
Step 1
Clean Your Camera Lens
Fingerprints and dust are the number one overlooked cause of scanning failures. Wipe your phone’s camera lens with a soft cloth before trying again.
Step 2
Move to Better Lighting
QR codes need even, indirect light. Avoid direct glare on glossy surfaces and deep shadows. If scanning outdoors, find a shaded spot.
Step 3
Hold Steady at 6–12 Inches
Too close and the camera can’t focus. Too far and the code is too small to read. Hold your phone 6 to 12 inches from the QR code and keep it steady.
Step 4
Check Your Internet Connection
The code may scan fine but the page won’t load without WiFi or mobile data. This is not a QR code problem — it’s a connectivity issue.
Step 5
Try a Different Scanner App
Switch from your default Camera app to Google Lens, or download a dedicated QR reader. Some camera apps handle QR codes better than others.
Step 6
Inspect the QR Code Itself
Is the QR code damaged, faded, blurry, or tiny? If the physical code is compromised, no phone will scan it reliably.
Still not working? Keep reading for device-specific fixes below. Got it working? Create a QR code that works every time →
iPhone troubleshooting
QR Code Not Working on iPhone? Here's How to Fix It
If your QR code is not working on iPhone, these steps cover all models including iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, and earlier.
Step 1
Enable QR Code Scanning in Camera
Try this first — it's the most common reason iPhones stop scanning QR codes. Go to Settings → Camera → Scan QR Codes and toggle it ON.
What you should see: Point your camera at a QR code. A yellow notification banner with the URL should appear at the top of the screen within 1 to 2 seconds.
Step 2
Use the Right Camera Mode
QR scanning only works in Photo mode. Switch away from Video, Portrait, or Panorama. Point your camera at the QR code and wait for the notification banner.
What you should see: A yellow banner appears at the top showing the QR code's destination URL.
Step 3
Check Your iOS Version
QR code scanning requires iOS 11 or later. Go to Settings → General → About to check your version. If you're running an older iOS, download a free QR scanner app from the App Store.
Step 4
Try the Control Center Scanner
Add Code Scanner to your Control Center: Settings → Control Center → add “Code Scanner.” Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen and tap the Code Scanner icon.
What you should see: A dedicated scanning interface opens with a viewfinder and flashlight toggle.
Step 5
Use Live Text (iOS 15+)
Point your camera at the QR code and tap the Live Text icon (the text-in-box icon). This method works even when the QR scanning toggle in Camera settings is turned off.
Step 6
Try Google Lens
Open the Google app → tap the camera icon → point at the QR code. Google Lens works as a universal bypass when the native Camera app can't read the code.
Or scan using our free online QR scanner — no app needed.
Android troubleshooting
QR Code Not Working on Android? Here's How to Fix It
If your QR code is not working on Android, settings vary by manufacturer and model. Here are the most common fixes.
Step 1
Enable QR Scanning in Camera
Open your Camera app → tap the Settings gear icon → enable “Scan QR codes.” The toggle location varies by manufacturer, but it's usually in Camera Settings.
What you should see: Point your camera at a QR code. A link or popup should appear within 1 to 2 seconds.
Step 2
Samsung-Specific Fix
On Galaxy devices: Camera → Settings → “Scan QR codes” toggle. Also check Quick Settings: swipe down from the top and look for a “Scan QR code” tile. On newer models, Bixby Vision can also scan QR codes.
Step 3
Google Pixel Fix
Open Camera → tap “More” or “Suggestions” → enable QR code scanning. Alternatively, use Google Lens directly from the search bar widget on your home screen.
Step 4
Use Google Lens (All Android)
Open the Google app → tap the camera or Lens icon → point at the QR code. Or long-press the home button and select “Search with your camera.” Google Lens works on virtually every Android device regardless of your Camera app.
What you should see: Google Lens highlights the QR code and shows the destination URL with an option to open it.
Step 5
Check Camera Permissions
Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Permissions → ensure Camera access is granted. Also check browser permissions if you're scanning QR codes through Chrome or another browser.
Step 6
Download a Third-Party Scanner
If your phone runs Android 8 or earlier (pre-Android 9), it likely lacks native QR scanning. Download a reputable QR scanner app from the Play Store. Look for apps with high ratings and no excessive ad permissions.
Or skip the camera entirely — use our free online QR scanner.
Alternative methods
Still Can't Scan? Try These Alternative Methods
Scan from a Screenshot or Saved Image
Save or screenshot the QR code, then open Google Lens and select the image from your gallery. This also works for QR codes in PDFs, emails, documents, or social media posts you can’t point your camera at.
Scan a QR Code on Your Own Screen
Can’t scan a code that’s on your phone’s screen? Screenshot it and use the method above. On desktop, right-click the QR code image and select ‘Search image with Google Lens’ to decode it.
Scan from a Computer Screen
If scanning a QR code on a monitor: set screen brightness to maximum, reduce glare, and zoom in on the code. Browser extensions can also decode QR codes directly from images on screen.
Try a Different Device
If one phone can’t scan the code, try another. This quickly eliminates device-specific issues. If nobody’s phone can scan it, the QR code itself is the problem, not the devices.
Is It Your Phone or the QR Code?
The key diagnostic question: Can other people scan it? If yes, your device or settings need fixing — go back to the iPhone or Android sections above. If nobody can scan it, the QR code itself is broken — continue to the creator fixes below.
The scan-but-no-load confusion: Does the QR code scan but the page doesn't load? That's not a QR code problem — check your WiFi or mobile data connection first.
Use our free QR scanner — works from any browser, no app needed.
Design fixes
Made a QR Code That Won't Scan? Fix These Design Issues
01
Missing or Too-Small Quiet Zone
The blank border around your QR code must be at least 4 modules wide. Common cause: cropping the image too tight, or placing text and logos too close to edges. Fix: regenerate with proper margins, or manually add white space around the code.
02
Poor Color Contrast
QR codes need dark modules on a light background. Common cause: light gray on white, or dark blue on black. Fix: minimum 40% contrast ratio. Black on white is safest. If using brand colors, keep the pattern dark and background light. Inverted colors (light on dark) fail on many older devices.
03
Blurry or Low-Resolution Image
Common cause: screenshotting a QR code and enlarging it, or saving as low-quality JPEG. Fix: always download as SVG or high-resolution PNG (300+ DPI for print). Never screenshot and resize a QR code.
04
Too Small for Scanning Distance
Rule of thumb: 1 inch of QR code per 10 feet of scanning distance. Minimum size: 2 cm × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 inches) for handheld scanning. Common cause: QR code on a poster or banner that’s too small relative to viewing distance.
05
Over-Customization or Distortion
Logos covering more than 30% of the code, non-square shapes, and gradient fills can all prevent scanning. Fix: keep customization subtle. Use a QR generator that validates scannability after customization.
Create a QR code designed for reliability — Free QR Code Generator →
Technical fixes
Technical Reasons Your QR Code Stopped Working
01
Broken or Changed Destination URL
The number one technical cause. You deleted the page, changed your site structure, or had a typo in the URL. Static QR codes: can't fix without reprinting — the URL is baked into the pattern. Dynamic QR codes: update the destination in your dashboard, no reprinting needed. How to Edit a QR Code →
02
Too Much Data Encoded
Long URLs create dense, complex QR patterns that are harder for cameras to read. Fix: use a URL shortener, or use a dynamic QR code which stores a short redirect URL instead of the full destination.
03
Expired Campaign or Scan Limits
Some platforms deactivate QR codes after a trial period or scan limit. QRKIT QR codes never expire and have no scan limits — even on the free plan. Do QR Codes Expire? →
04
SSL and HTTPS Issues
Your QR code links to http:// but the site redirects or blocks non-HTTPS traffic. Fix: always use https:// in your URLs. Test the full URL in a browser before encoding it into a QR code.
05
Redirect Chains or Server Errors
Multiple redirects (301 → 302 → final destination) slow loading and can trigger timeouts on mobile connections. Fix: link directly to the final destination URL. Avoid stacking link shorteners that add extra redirect hops.
Environmental factors
Environmental Factors That Block QR Code Scanning
Poor Lighting
Too dark, too bright, or direct glare on glossy or laminated surfaces. Move to even, indirect light for the best results.
Surface Material
Glossy and metallic surfaces reflect light, interfering with scanning. Matte finishes scan better. Avoid placing QR codes behind glass.
Physical Damage
Faded, scratched, torn, or water-damaged codes may be unreadable. If more than 30% of the code is damaged, regenerate and reprint it.
Screen Display Issues
QR codes on screens need full brightness, no cracks over the code area, and a zoomed-in display. Low screen brightness is a common overlooked cause.
Internet Connection (Post-Scan)
The QR code scans fine but the page won’t load. This is not a QR code problem — it’s a connectivity issue. Check your WiFi or mobile data.
Pro tip: Always test your QR code in the same conditions where it will be scanned. Print a test copy and scan it from the intended distance, in typical lighting.
Decision guide
Should You Fix Your QR Code or Create a New One?
Swipe to see all columns →
| Situation | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Broken URL (dynamic code) | Fix — update URL in dashboard | No reprint needed |
| Broken URL (static code) | Regenerate | URL is baked into the pattern |
| Design issue (too small, low contrast) | Regenerate with correct settings | Can’t resize or recolor after encoding |
| Physical damage (faded, torn) | Reprint same code | Code data is fine; physical copy is damaged |
| Expired or deactivated campaign | Reactivate or switch to QRKIT | Some platforms impose limits. Do QR codes expire? |
| Works on some devices, not others | Regenerate with simpler design | Reduce data density, increase contrast |
Creating a new QR code? Make it right this time → · Need to edit an existing one? How to Edit a QR Code →
QR Code Not Working — Frequently Asked Questions
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