Question 1

Why is my QR code not scanning?

Accepted Answer

Almost always the image. The usual causes are low contrast between the code and its background, light squares on a dark background, no white border around the code, printing it too small for the distance people scan from, blur, glare on a glossy or curved surface, and damage or dirt. Upload a photo above and the checker points to the one that applies.

Question 2

Why does my QR code scan but go nowhere?

Accepted Answer

The printed code is fine, but something it depends on has stopped. Common reasons are a QR company trial or subscription that ended, a link shortener that retired the link, a web page that was moved or taken down, or a domain that was not renewed. The checker follows the link the way a phone does and shows where it stops.

Question 3

Can I fix a printed QR code without reprinting?

Accepted Answer

Only whoever controls its redirect can bring the same code back, so if it depends on a QR company, reactivating that account usually works. If that is not possible, you can print a new code as a sticker and cover the old one, which is usually much cheaper than reprinting menus, flyers or packaging.

Question 4

How big should a cover sticker be?

Accepted Answer

Measure the old code edge to edge and add 8 mm, so the sticker overlaps by 4 mm on every side and no part of the old pattern shows. The sheet generator does this for you, with a minimum of 25 mm. Print at 100% scale, not fit to page, so the size comes out right.

Question 5

What happens to a replacement code if I stop paying?

Accepted Answer

A replacement made on a QRForever account is a dynamic code: it works while the plan is active. If the plan lapses, it pauses rather than being deleted, and the same printed code works again when you pay. If you would rather never depend on a plan, take the static replacement, which never expires but can never be edited.

Question 6

Is the free static replacement really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is made in your browser, needs no account, and holds your link directly, so nothing can switch it off. The trade off is that it can never be changed and it does not count scans, so if the link moves again you will need another sticker.

Question 7

Does checking a code count as a scan?

Accepted Answer

To see where a code goes, the checker visits its link the same way a phone would, so it may show up as one visit in the code owner's statistics. The photo itself is read on your device.

QR Code Not Working? Find Out Why and Fix It

Common reasons, and the fix

Won't scan

Scans but goes nowhere

Cover it, don't reprint it

Questions people ask