QR code help
Why won't my QR code scan on my iPhone or Android phone?
Modern iPhones and most Android phones scan QR codes with the normal camera app. Scanning can be switched off in settings, fail from poor focus or low light, or be limited by older software or the app opening the link.
Common causes
- QR scanning is turned off in camera settings.
- The lens is dirty or the room is dark.
- The phone is too close or too far to focus.
- An older Android phone lacks built-in scanning.
- The link opens in an app or in-app browser that fails.
How to fix it
- On iPhone, open Settings, then Camera, and check that Scan QR Codes is on.
- On Android, open the camera or Google Lens. On some phones, such as Samsung, scanning is a setting inside the camera app.
- Clean the lens, add light and hold steady about a hand span away.
- Tap the banner or link that appears. If nothing appears, try Google Lens or a scanner app.
- If the code scans but the page fails, check that the link starts with https and works on mobile data.
How to prevent it
Test with at least one iPhone and one Android phone, and print a short written web address under the code for anyone who cannot scan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app to scan?
Usually not. The built-in camera works on current iPhones and most Android phones.
Why does it scan but nothing opens?
The destination may be down, blocked or not mobile friendly. Test the link in a browser.