QR codes are widely used for quickly accessing websites, videos, contact info, and more. However, there are many reasons why your QR code may not be working.
Let’s explore the most common issues and mistakes people make when creating QR codes, and how to ensure your QR code always works as expected.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Too small | Size is below the minimum scanning threshold. | Ensure the QR code is at least 2 x 2 cm or larger for better scanning reliability. |
| Low contrast | QR code color blends with the background. | Use dark colors for the QR code and a light, contrasting background for better visibility. |
| Blurry QR code | Poor print quality or low image resolution. | Print the QR code at a high resolution and ensure sharp edges to avoid pixelation. |
| Broken link | The URL embedded in the QR code is incorrect or expired. | Double-check the URL and use dynamic QR codes that allow updating links when needed. |
| Complex QR code | Contains too much data, causing small modules. | Simplify the QR code by reducing the amount of data or using a URL shortener to keep it scannable. |
| Bad light or glare | Glare or poor lighting makes the code hard to scan. | Ensure the QR code is displayed in an area with good lighting and minimal glare. |
| Disabled QR code | Subscription or service for dynamic QR code has expired. | Reactivate the QR code by renewing the subscription or use a static code if frequent changes aren’t needed. |
The QR Code is Too Small
QR codes need to be a certain size to scan properly, especially on printed materials.
The recommended minimum size for a QR code is 2 cm x 2 cm for print. Anything smaller might be too difficult for a smartphone camera to detect accurately.
Solution: Always follow the minimum size guidelines for your use case. If you’re placing the QR code on a business card, keep it large enough (around 2 cm) to scan reliably, but not too overwhelming for the design.
Low Contrast With the Background
QR codes rely on clear contrast between the black squares and the white background. If your QR code blends into the background, the scanner won’t be able to distinguish the code properly.
Solution: Ensure that the QR code has a high contrast ratio, ideally with a black code on a white background. Avoid dark backgrounds or using complex images behind the code. Learn more about QR code design.
Blurry QR Code
Resizing a QR code improperly or using a low-resolution image can result in a blurry, hard-to-read code. This is a common mistake when downloading a low-resolution QR code or scaling it too much in design software.
Solution: Always use a high-resolution image (at least 300 DPI for print) when creating your QR code. If you need to resize the QR code, us a vector format like PDF or SVG.
Broken or Expired Link
If your QR code leads to a broken or expired URL, it simply won’t work. This is especially common with static QR codes, where the URL cannot be updated once created.
Solution: Use dynamic QR codes that allow you to update the URL or content behind the code, even after it’s printed or distributed. This ensures that your QR code will always work, even if the destination link changes.
The QR Code is Too Complex
The more data you store in a QR code (like a long URL or extra information), the more complex the design becomes. This complexity can make the QR code harder to scan, especially if the size is too small.
Solution: Keep the data inside the QR code minimal. For longer URLs, use a dynamic QR code to shorten the code length. If you need to store more information, increase the size of the QR code accordingly.
Bad Lighting or Reflection
In some cases, the environment in which the QR code is being scanned may affect its readability. Low light or glare from reflective surfaces can interfere with the scanner’s ability to pick up the code.
Solution: Ensure that your QR code is placed in well-lit areas, especially if it’s printed on glossy materials. Avoid placing the code where it will catch strong reflections.
The QR Code Is Disabled
One reason your QR code might not work is that it has been disabled. This can happen if you’re using a dynamic QR code that’s connected to a service and the account is no longer active, or if the code has exceeded its usage limit.
Solution: If you’re using a paid service, ensure your subscription is active and that your code hasn’t expired or hit any limits. If the QR code was generated with a free service, verify if the provider has disabled it due to inactivity or restrictions on free plans.
Tips for Ensuring Your QR Code Always Works
✅ Keep it Simple
Simplify the data stored in the QR code, especially if you’re using long URLs. Use a URL shortener to make the code less complex and easier to scan.
✅ Use Dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic QR codes allow you to update the content behind the code at any time. If the link changes, you can simply update the code without reprinting.
✅ Test Across Devices
Before distributing your QR code, test it on various devices and in different environments to ensure it works reliably.
Frequently asked questions
Make sure the size is at least 2 cm in width. If the code is not scanning correctly, it’s possible the QR code color against the background doesn’t have enough contrast.
Several factors can lead to QR code scanning failures. Damage to the code, low contrast, outdated codes, or issues with the scanning device can all result in failed scans.
QR codes may not display the intended content due to encoding errors or issues with the linked content. Double-check the encoding and ensure that the linked content is accessible. You can use a QR code scanner tool for this purpose.
QR code malfunctions often occur due to physical damage, poor printing quality, or errors in code encoding. These issues can prevent successful scanning.
Verify the contents of the encoded data. You can use a QR code scanner tool for this purpose. Improve the quality of the printed code and ensure that it’s scannable in different lighting conditions. You should avoid having the QR code a similar color as the background.
If your QR code doesn’t open the expected website or app, check that the link is correct and valid. Additionally, ensure that your device has the necessary app installed to handle the code’s content.
To ensure the reliability of your QR code, always test your QR code for scanning before printing. Secondly, make sure that you control the link it points to. You can use dynamic QR codes so you will never have to worry about broken links again.
A blurry QR code usually results from low resolution or improper resizing. Always use a high-resolution image and avoid stretching the code beyond its intended size.
While you can resize a QR code, ensure that you maintain the aspect ratio and resolution. Incorrect resizing may render the code unreadable.
