https://qrtracker.io/assets/WhyWontQRCodeScan-DyMCDrDF.js

1import{j as e}from"./index-DWIxkO13.js";import{H as n}from"./HelpArticle-Ivu35TNA.js";import{L as s}from"./vendor-BOYdj2Dv.js";import"./card-k8AHJ3OW.js";import"./badge-BYNyj8hk.js";import"./MetaTags-BtyciTQp.js";import"./StructuredData-BqZS-PHH.js";import"./CanonicalLink-BlzyqQ7U.js";import"./botDetection-ConwzMtR.js";import"./usePrerenderReady-C7C5xHsZ.js";import"./chevron-right-DwjPwwrn.js";import"./calendar-B4jy4Sa3.js";import"./thumbs-up-DYLunogI.js";function y(){const r=[{question:"Why does it scan on my phone but not someone else's?",answer:"Different phones have different camera quality and QR scanning software. Older devices may struggle with low-contrast or small codes. Always test on multiple devices, especially budget Android models and older iPhones."},{question:"Do QR codes expire?",answer:"Static QR codes never expire – the data is embedded permanently. Dynamic QR codes (like QRTracker's) don't expire either, but the destination URL could change or be disabled by the creator."},{question:"My QR code is blurry. What do I do?",answer:"Export at higher resolution (300 DPI for print) or use SVG format, which scales infinitely. If it's already printed, you may need to reprint at a larger size with better quality."}],i=[{title:"Free QR Code Generator Guide",url:"/help/article/free-qr-code-generator",category:"Getting Started"},{title:"How to Design a Custom QR Code",url:"/help/design-custom-qr-code",category:"Design & Customization"},{title:"QR Code Security & Compliance Best Practices",url:"/help/security-compliance",category:"Security & Compliance"},{title:"How to Create Your First QR Code",url:"/help/create-first-qr-code",category:"Getting Started"},{title:"QR Code Size and Placement Guidelines",url:"/help/article/qr-code-size-and-placement-guidelines",category:"Best Practices"},{title:"Tracking Not Working? Here's Why",url:"/help/article/tracking-not-working-why",category:"Troubleshooting"}];return e.jsx(n,{title:"Why Won't My QR Code Scan? Troubleshooting QRTracker QR Codes",category:"Troubleshooting",metaTitle:"Why Won't My QR Code Scan? Troubleshooting",metaDescription:"Fix QR code scanning issues with this 7-step troubleshooting guide. Resolve contrast, size, blur, lighting, and link problems.",breadcrumbs:[{label:"Troubleshooting",href:"/help#troubleshooting"}],relatedArticles:i,faqs:r,currentUrl:"/help/article/why-wont-my-qr-code-scan",lastUpdated:"2025-01-15",children:e.jsxs("div",{className:"space-y-8",children:[e.jsxs("p",{className:"lead text-lg text-muted-foreground",children:["If your QRTracker QR code isn't scanning reliably, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and fix the issue. We'll walk through the 7 most common scanning problems, from print size and color contrast to broken links and environmental factors, with specific solutions for both iPhone and Android camera apps. See also our ",e.jsx(s,{to:"/help/design-custom-qr-code",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:"design guide"})," and",e.jsx(s,{to:"/help/article/free-qr-code-generator",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:"Free QR Code Generator Guide"})," to prevent these issues during creation. If you need to regenerate a broken code, open the ",e.jsx(s,{to:"/generate",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:"QR code generator"}),". For a deeper look at how scan data is collected, see our guide to ",e.jsx(s,{to:"/qr-code-tracking",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:"QR code tracking"}),"."]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"1. Check the Print Size and Resolution"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"})," QR codes that are too small or printed at low resolution won't scan reliably."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Minimum Size:"}),' 2cm × 2cm (0.8" × 0.8") for close-range scanning']}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Recommended Size for Posters/Signage:"})," 5cm × 5cm or larger"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Resolution:"})," Export at 300 DPI minimum for print. Use SVG format for infinite scalability."]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Viewing Distance Rule:"}

1)," The farther away users are, the larger your code needs to be. For every meter (3.3 feet) of distance, add 1cm to the code size."]})]}),e.jsx("div",{className:"bg-muted p-4 rounded-lg mt-4",children:e.jsxs("p",{className:"text-sm",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Quick Test:"})," If you can't read the small squares (modules) with your naked eye, it's probably too small to scan consistently."]})})]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"2. Check Color Contrast"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"})," Low contrast between foreground and background makes QR codes unreadable to cameras."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Contrast Ratio:"})," Aim for 4.5:1 minimum (use an online contrast checker)"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Best Practice:"})," Dark foreground on light background (black on white, navy on cream, etc.)"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Avoid:"})," Light gray on white, yellow on white, dark blue on black"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Test:"})," Convert your design to grayscale – if the code is hard to see, contrast is too low"]})]}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mt-4",children:["Learn more about safe color combinations in our",e.jsx(s,{to:"/help/design-custom-qr-code",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:" design customization guide"}),"."]})]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"3. Check for Blurry or Damaged Artwork"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"})," Blurry, pixelated, or physically damaged codes can't be decoded."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Use Vector Formats:"})," Download SVG instead of PNG for print – vectors never pixelate"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Check Print Quality:"})," If printed, ensure the printer is set to high quality (not draft mode)"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Avoid Over-Compression:"})," Don't compress PNG files too aggressively – it creates artifacts"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Physical Damage:"})," Scratches, tears, or fading can make codes unscannable. Reprint if necessary."]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Laminate or Protect:"})," For outdoor use, laminate codes to prevent weather damage"]})]})]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"4. Test the Link It Points To (No 404s / Bad Redirects)"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"})," The QR code scans, but the link is broken or leads to an error page."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Test the URL Manually:"})," Copy and paste the destination link into a browser – does it work?"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Check for Typos:"})," A single character error breaks the link"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Verify HTTPS:"})," Some devices block non-secure (HTTP) links"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Check Redirects:"})," If using a URL shortener or redirect, make sure it's still active"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Monitor Expiration:"})," Some platforms expire links after a certain period"]})]}),e.jsx("div",{className:"bg-primary/5 p-4 rounded-lg mt-4",children:e.jsxs("p",{className:"text-sm",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"QRTracker Advantage:"})," Dynamic QR codes let you update the destination URL without reprinting. If you find a broken link, just edit it in your dashboard."]})})]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"5. Try a Different Phone / Better Lighting"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"}

1)," Environmental factors or device limitations prevent scanning."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Test on Multiple Devices:"})," Try both iPhone and Android. Older or budget phones may struggle."]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Improve Lighting:"})," Bright, even lighting works best. Avoid harsh shadows or direct glare."]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Adjust Angle:"})," Hold the phone parallel to the QR code, not at a steep angle"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Distance:"})," Start 15-20cm away and move closer if needed"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Clean Camera Lens:"})," A dirty lens reduces focus and scan accuracy"]})]})]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"6. Check Camera Permissions"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"})," The phone's camera doesn't have permission to scan QR codes."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"iPhone:"}),' Go to Settings → Camera → enable "Scan QR Codes"']}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Android:"})," Open Camera app settings and enable QR code scanning"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Third-Party Apps:"})," If using a scanner app, check app permissions in device settings"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Update Software:"})," Make sure the phone OS is up to date – older versions may lack QR support"]})]})]}),e.jsxs("section",{children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"7. Your Code Might Be Over-Decorated"}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mb-4",children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Problem:"})," Excessive customization (large logo, gradients, patterns) interferes with scanning."]}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:e.jsx("strong",{children:"Solution:"})}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"list-disc pl-6 space-y-2",children:[e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Logo Size:"})," Keep logos under 30% of the code area"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Avoid Gradients:"})," Solid colors scan better than gradients or patterns"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Don't Distort:"})," Never stretch or warp a QR code – keep it perfectly square"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Simplify Frames:"})," Complex frames can confuse scanners – stick to simple borders"]}),e.jsxs("li",{children:[e.jsx("strong",{children:"Test After Every Change:"})," Scan the code every time you add a design element"]})]}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mt-4",children:["Review our guide on",e.jsx(s,{to:"/help/design-custom-qr-code",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:" safe design practices"})," to balance aesthetics with functionality."]})]}),e.jsxs("section",{className:"bg-primary/5 p-6 rounded-lg",children:[e.jsx("h2",{className:"text-2xl font-bold mb-4",children:"Quick Diagnostic Checklist"}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:"Run through this checklist before deploying or reprinting:"}),e.jsxs("ul",{className:"space-y-2",children:[e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Size is at least 2cm × 2cm (larger for distance scanning)"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Contrast ratio is 4.5:1 or higher"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Image is crisp, not blurry or pixelated"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Destination link works when tested manually"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Scans successfully on both iPhone and Android"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Works in different lighting conditions"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Camera permissions are enabled"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ Logo covers less than 30% of code area"}),e.jsx("li",{children:"✓ No gradients, patterns, or distortion"})]})]}),e.jsxs("section",{className:"bg-muted p-6 rounded-lg",children:[e.jsx("h3",{className:"text-xl font-bold mb-3",children:"Still Having Issues?"}),e.jsx("p",{className:"mb-4",children:"If you've tried all these fixes and your QR code still won't scan, it may be a more complex issue. Send us your QR code file and we'll review it for free."}),e.jsx(s,{to:"/contact",children:e.jsx("button",{className:"bg-primary text-primary-foreground px-6 py-2 rounded-md hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors",children:"Send QR Code for Review"})}),e.jsxs("p",{className:"mt-4 text-sm text-muted-foreground",children:["Also consider reviewing our",e.jsx(s,{to:"/help/security-compliance",className:"text-primary hover:underline",children:" security best practices"})," to make sure users trust that the code is safe to scan."]})]})]})})}export{y as default};