Troubleshooting a code that will not scan

There are two kinds of problems. Either the phone cannot read the code at all, or it reads it and then shows a message instead of your content. Start with the one you see.

The phone does not react

• Too small or too far: make the code wider, about one tenth of the scanning distance, and at least 2 cm (0.8 in).
• Low contrast: use dark dots on a light background. Pale colors, gray on gray and busy photos behind the code all cause trouble.
• Inverted colors: light dots on a dark background fail on many phones. Swap them.
• Missing quiet zone: the light border around the code was cropped, or text sits right against it. Keep a clear border of at least 4 dots.
• Logo too large: keep it to about 30% of the code's width.
• Glare: glossy paper or lamination reflects light. Tilt the phone, or reprint on matte.
• Damaged or curved: scratches, folds and tight curves break up the pattern.
• Camera: clean the lens, hold steady for a second and make sure there is enough light.
• Older phones: some phones from before 2018 need a scanner app. Newer iPhone and Android cameras read codes directly.

More on size and contrast in the printing guide.

The phone shows a message

Owners can change all of these from the code's page in the dashboard. See access rules and What happens when a plan ends.

It opens, but the page is broken

If a website code opens an error page, the website itself is the problem. Fix the site, or edit the code to point somewhere else. Our link health alerts email you when this happens.