Troubleshooting
QR Code Not Scanning? 9 Fixes That Work
Why QR codes fail to scan and how to fix them: contrast, size, quiet zone, logo size, inverted colors, glare and dense content. Checklist included.
When a QR code won't scan, the cause is almost always one of these nine things. Work down the list.
- Too small. Use the 10:1 rule: code width at least one tenth of the scanning distance, and never under 2 cm.
- Low contrast. The code must be clearly darker than its background. Aim for a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 or more.
- Inverted colors. A light code on a dark background fails on many phones and older scanners. Flip it to dark on light.
- No quiet zone. Text or borders touching the code confuse scanners. Leave a clear margin around it.
- Logo too big. Shrink the logo or raise error correction to H.
- Too much content. Long links make dense codes. Shorten the link or remove tracking parameters.
- Glare. Glossy lamination or screens at an angle reflect light. Use matte finishes or tilt the phone.
- Blurry print. Low-resolution PNGs blur when enlarged. Use SVG or a larger PNG.
- Broken destination. If the code scans but the page doesn't load, the link itself is wrong or the page moved.
Test before printing
The generator decodes every preview and shows a green "Scan test passed" chip when the design reads. Still, print one copy at the real size and test it with two different phones before a full run.
Make it yourself in under a minute
Open the generator
The Custom QR code generator opens with the right content type already selected.
Fill in the content
Enter the link, network, contact or message. The preview updates instantly.
Brand it (optional)
Add your logo and colors. The scan test checks every change.
Download and print
Black codes download free as PNG. Use SVG for print with a paid plan.
