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QR code not scanning? A fast troubleshooting checklist

The real-world reasons QR codes fail (contrast, quiet zone, blur, density, glossy print) and the quickest fixes that work on iPhone/Android.

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On this page
  1. Step 1: Confirm the payload is valid
  2. Step 2: Fix the “3 killers”
  3. Step 3: Reduce density (if needed)
  4. Quick test routine
Quick steps
  1. Validate the QR content: Open the URL or verify WiFi/vCard details before blaming the QR.
  2. Fix the core print issues: Add a quiet zone, increase size, and improve contrast.
  3. Reduce density: Shorten URLs or remove extra vCard fields if scans are slow.
  4. Retest and reprint: Scan on iPhone and Android under real lighting before bulk prints.

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If your QR code doesn’t scan, it’s usually not “the QR generator” — it’s print/contrast/size/density. Here’s the fastest way to fix it.

Step 1: Confirm the payload is valid#

  • For URLs, open the destination directly first (no redirects that block mobile).
  • For WiFi, verify SSID/password and encryption. See: WiFi format guide.
  • For vCard, keep fields minimal. See: vCard fields guide.

Step 2: Fix the “3 killers”#

1) Not enough quiet zone (margin)
Keep a blank margin around the QR (at least 4 modules). Don’t crop it in Canva/Figma/Word.
2) Too small for the distance
For business cards: 20–25mm. For posters/menus: go larger. See: size guide.
3) Blur / low contrast / glossy reflections
Dark on light, sharp edges, avoid glossy laminate reflections, avoid busy backgrounds.

Step 3: Reduce density (if needed)#

  • Use a shorter URL (remove long tracking params if you can).
  • For vCard, remove non-essential fields.
  • Print larger if the payload must be long.

Quick test routine#

  1. Test on iPhone camera + one Android camera.
  2. Test under indoor lighting (not only your desk lamp).
  3. Test from the real scan distance (30–50cm for cards; 1–2m for posters).

If it still fails, regenerate with a larger size and download SVG (print sharp). See: SVG vs PNG guide.

Continue reading

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Beaconstac alternative: evaluate dynamic QR vs free static QR generators
Looking for a Beaconstac alternative? Learn how to evaluate dynamic QR platforms vs free static QR generators: editability, analytics, print quality (SVG), privacy, and bulk export.
Next →
SVG vs PNG for QR codes: which one should you download?
When SVG is mandatory (printing), when PNG is fine (screens), and how resizing affects scan reliability.

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How to scan a QR code from an image, screenshot, or photo in your browser (privacy-friendly). Tips if decoding fails.
Exact WIFI: payload format, what “Encryption” means, and how to avoid scan failures on iPhone/Android (special chars, hidden networks).
Best QR size for business cards: 20–25 mm (0.8–1.0"). Includes US/EU/JP card dimensions, quiet zone rule (4 modules), and a print checklist.

Quick answers

Common questions

What are the top scan killers?
Missing quiet zone, low contrast, glossy print, and QR too small.
Should I change error correction?
Increase size first; higher correction can make codes denser.
Why does my QR not scan on some phones?
Most failures come from no quiet zone, low contrast, small size, or dense content.
How do I fix scan failures quickly?
Increase size, improve contrast, shorten the QR content, and retest on iPhone and Android.
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