Why won't my QR code scan? - a sad saga + helpful tips

[leeamtheone]

When QR codes fail to scan, it can be frustrating - for me. People won't ask me how to make a QR code, but why doesn't it work properly? And by people, I mean half of my family over the last several months. I am talking about sharing wedding photos, Wi-Fi credentials, and a couple of (unfortunate) business use cases. So, I will rant in the form of an educational essay here. At the end of the day, maybe someone will find it helpful, and I will feel somewhat better.

So, one common issue is the size of the QR code. If it's too small, scanners may struggle to read it accurately. Aim for a minimum size of around 2 x 2 cm to ensure readability across different devices.

Another consideration is the QR code generator itself. Using a reliable and secure generator ensures that your codes are safe to use and that they won't try to blackmail you into subscribing to reactivate your code. Yes, uncle Bob, if you have asked me before printing all those flyers, I would have told you not to use that generator.

Moving on, background and color contrast are also important. A QR code needs a clear, uncluttered background to stand out effectively. A light-colored background with a contrasting dark QR code is a good choice. Avoid placing QR codes on busy or textured surfaces, as this can interfere with scanning. Inverting colors to make it cooler - not a way to go.

And now I'll make a QR code for this URL and put it on Christmas cards this winter.

 

[redeye]

if you can see the blocks in the camera, it should scan… although…

turn on the feature in iPhone settings. (my moms iPhone 13 would not until i turned it on, and my iPhone 8 would)

 

[leeamtheone]

Settings can also play a role. Only for these silly guys, there were different reasons, mostly those I mentioned - size, unreliable generator, playing a bit too much with customization. If only any of them had asked me, I would have told them which generator to use and how to approach this. This way, the best I could do is rant here, and send a circular email with this article answering the eternal question - why doesn't my QR code work? I had to make sure they don't fix one mistake but add another the second time. Like, the one that made it too small tries to go crazy with colors in the second attempt. You never know.