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Troubleshooting QR Code Issues

8 min read • Updated Nov 2025
What you'll learn: How to diagnose and fix common QR code problems quickly and effectively.

Encountering issues with your QR codes? You're in the right place.

This guide covers the most common QR code problems and their solutions. Most issues can be resolved in minutes.

Still stuck? If you don't find your answer here, contact our support team—we're here to help!

1 QR Code Won't Scan

This is the most common issue. Here's how to diagnose and fix it:

Diagnose the Problem

Symptoms: Camera can't focus, code looks blurry, scanner doesn't recognize it

Solution:

  • Minimum size for print: 2cm x 2cm (0.8in x 0.8in)
  • Regenerate at larger size
  • For posters: use 10cm+ (4in+)
  • For billboards: use 50cm+ (20in+)
Rule of thumb: Scanning distance = QR code size × 10. A 3cm code should be scanned from ~30cm away.

Symptoms: Code looks washed out, light colors, difficult to distinguish pattern from background

Solution:

  • Use dark foreground (pattern) on light background
  • Black on white is the safest choice
  • Avoid: light gray on white, yellow on white, pastels
  • Test contrast ratio (aim for 4.5:1 minimum)
Regenerate with Better Contrast

Symptoms: Part of code is torn, folded, dirty, or covered (by logo, sticker, etc.)

Solution:

  • Regenerate with higher error correction (use High level)
  • Keep quiet zone clear (4+ modules of white space on all sides)
  • If adding logo: use High error correction and keep logo under 20% of code size
  • Replace damaged physical codes

Symptoms: Code scans in some conditions but not others, reflective surface, shadows

Solution:

  • Move to better lighting
  • Adjust angle to avoid glare
  • Use matte finish for printed codes (not glossy)
  • For outdoor use: ensure adequate lighting or use reflective materials

Symptoms: Code appears stretched, squished, or warped

Solution:

  • QR codes MUST be perfectly square
  • Don't resize with aspect ratio unlocked
  • Avoid placing on curved surfaces
  • Re-download original file and use as-is

Symptoms: Some devices scan it, others don't

Solution:

  • Test with multiple scanner apps
  • Use iPhone/Android native camera apps (most reliable)
  • Ensure URL includes "https://" prefix
  • Avoid special characters or very long URLs
Quick Diagnostic Steps:
  1. Test on a different device
  2. Try different lighting conditions
  3. Check if quiet zone (white border) is intact
  4. Verify contrast is sufficient
  5. Measure physical size (minimum 2cm)
  6. Regenerate with High error correction if uncertain

3 QR Code Shows Wrong Content

Important: Standard QR codes cannot be edited after creation. The pattern is directly based on the encoded data.
If you need to change the destination:
  • Option 1 (Static QR): Generate a new QR code with correct content and redistribute
  • Option 2 (Dynamic QR - Pro/Enterprise): Update the redirect URL in your dashboard without changing the QR code
  • Option 3 (URL Shortener): If you used a URL shortener, update the shortlink destination
Prevention:
  • Double-check URLs before generating
  • Test scan the code before mass printing
  • Use dynamic QR codes for campaigns where content might change
  • Keep a record of what each QR code links to
Upgrade to Dynamic QR Codes

4 Landing Page Loads Slowly

If users scan your QR code but the page takes too long to load, they'll abandon it.

Troubleshooting Steps:
  1. Test page speed: Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix
  2. Optimize images: Compress and properly size all images
  3. Minimize scripts: Remove unnecessary JavaScript
  4. Enable caching: Set up browser caching
  5. Use CDN: Serve static assets from a CDN
  6. Check hosting: Ensure your hosting can handle traffic
Target: Pages should load in under 3 seconds on mobile. Longer = higher abandonment rate.
Mobile Optimization:
  • 95%+ of QR scans are from mobile devices
  • Test on actual phones, not just desktop
  • Use responsive design
  • Avoid large files, auto-play videos, or heavy animations

5 Analytics Data Missing or Incorrect

Common Analytics Issues:

Possible Causes:

  • QR code created before upgrading to paid plan (Free plan has no analytics)
  • Data takes a few minutes to appear (refresh after 5-10 minutes)
  • Browser cache showing old data (hard refresh: Ctrl+Shift+R)
  • Looking at wrong QR code in dashboard

Solution: Verify you have an active Starter/Pro/Enterprise plan. Create new QR codes to enable tracking.

Considerations:

  • We only count unique scans per 24 hours to prevent inflated numbers
  • Users with ad blockers may not be tracked
  • Users who scan but don't click through aren't counted
  • Preview scans by phone cameras aren't always counted

Note: Our analytics show actual engagement, not just camera opens. This gives you accurate campaign data.

Geographic data is based on IP address, which can sometimes be inaccurate:

  • VPN users appear in VPN server location
  • Some IP databases have outdated location info
  • Mobile users may show carrier location, not actual location

Geographic data is generally 85-95% accurate at country level, less accurate at city level.

Learn More About Analytics →

6 Can't Download QR Code

Troubleshooting Download Problems:
Problem Likely Cause Solution
Download button doesn't work JavaScript error, browser extension blocking Disable ad blockers, try different browser, check console for errors
File downloads as .txt or .html Browser MIME type issue Right-click → "Save link as" and manually add .png/.svg/.pdf extension
Downloaded file won't open Corrupted download, wrong file association Re-download, check file extension, try different image viewer
SVG/PDF not available Feature requires paid plan PNG is available on all plans. Upgrade for SVG/PDF
Tip: If downloads repeatedly fail, try a different browser or disable browser extensions temporarily.

7 Account and Login Issues

  1. Go to the Login page
  2. Click "Forgot Password"
  3. Enter your email address
  4. Check your email for reset link (check spam folder!)
  5. Follow link to create new password

If you don't receive the email within 10 minutes, contact support.

Wait time: Subscriptions typically activate within 5 minutes of payment.

If still not active after 30 minutes:

  1. Check your email for payment confirmation
  2. Verify payment was successful in your bank/card statement
  3. Log out and log back in
  4. Check Subscription page for status
  5. If still not resolved, contact support with payment confirmation

  • Verify subscription is active on Subscription page
  • Log out and log back in to refresh permissions
  • Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)
  • Check that feature is included in your plan tier
  • Try different browser to rule out browser-specific issues

Still not working? Contact support with your account email and subscription details.

  1. Go to Subscription page
  2. Click "Cancel Subscription"
  3. Confirm cancellation

You'll retain access until end of current billing period. No refunds for partial months.

If cancellation button doesn't appear, contact support for assistance.

Still Having Issues?

Our support team is here to help! When contacting us, please include:

  • Detailed description of the problem
  • Steps you've already tried
  • Screenshots if applicable
  • QR code ID or URL (if relevant)
  • Browser and device information
Contact Support Team

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Prevent issues before they happen

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FAQ

Quick answers to common questions

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