Fix a QR code that won't scan in minutes. Learn the most common causes: size, quiet zone, contrast, print quality, data density, glare, and camera issues.
If your QR code won't scan, don't panic—most issues are caused by a few common problems like wrong size, poor contrast, or a missing quiet zone. Use this step-by-step checklist to fix your QR code in minutes.
Quick tip: Test with 2–3 different phones (iPhone + Android) and in different lighting before reprinting.
1) Make the QR Bigger (Most Common Fix)
Small QR codes fail, especially on print.
Fix: Increase the QR width and re-test.
Rule of thumb: QR size ≈ scan distance ÷ 10 (10:1 rule).
(Internal link: your Size Guide article)
2) Add a Proper Quiet Zone (Clear Margin)
A QR needs empty space around it so the camera can detect boundaries.
Fix: Leave a clean margin around the code.
Avoid text, borders, patterns, or design elements touching the QR.
If you must add a frame, make sure it sits outside the quiet zone.
3) Improve Contrast (Dark on Light Wins)
Low contrast is a scan killer.
Fix: Use a dark QR on a light background.
Avoid:
Light gray on white
Neon colors
Gradients behind the QR
(Internal link: your Colors article)
4) Remove Glare (Especially on Glossy Prints)
Reflections can hide QR modules from the camera.
Fix:
Avoid glossy laminate on important QR prints
Test under strong light and from different angles
Use matte paper when possible
5) Your QR Contains Too Much Data (High Density)
Long URLs and big text create dense codes with tiny squares.
Fix:
Use shorter URLs (clean links)
Remove unnecessary tracking parameters
Prefer linking to a landing page rather than embedding long text
Then regenerate the QR.
6) The QR Was Exported Too Small (Blurry When Resized)
If you export a small PNG then scale it up in Canva/Word, it becomes blurry.
Fix:
Prefer SVG for print (vector)
For PNG: export large enough (e.g., 600×600 px or more)
Print at 300 DPI quality
7) Too Close / Too Far Scan Distance
Even perfect QR codes fail if the user scans from the wrong distance.
Fix:
Make the QR larger for public posters
Encourage users to step back slightly if too close
8) Logo in the Center Is Too Big
A center logo can block the QR pattern.
Fix:
Reduce logo size
Increase QR size
Increase error correction (if supported)
(Internal link: error correction article)
9) Inverted Colors (Light on Dark) Can Fail
Some scanners struggle with inverted QR.
Fix: Use standard dark-on-light unless you've tested widely.
10) Background Patterns Are Confusing the Scanner
Busy backgrounds reduce readability.
Fix:
Use a solid background behind the QR
Add a white "plate" behind the QR (with quiet zone)
11) Printing Issues (Ink Spread / Low Quality)
Ink bleed (especially on cheap paper) can blur modules.
Fix:
Increase QR size
Use higher print quality
Avoid very thin lines or overly rounded designs
12) It's Not the QR—It's the Phone/Camera App
Sometimes the scanner app or camera struggles.
Fix:
Try another scanning app
Clean the camera lens
Update the phone OS
Test with a different device
Quick "Fix in 60 Seconds" Checklist
✅ Bigger size
✅ Clear quiet zone
✅ Dark on light
✅ Solid background
✅ Export higher quality (SVG / large PNG)
✅ Re-test on iPhone + Android
CTA: Create a fresh QR code now with SmartQR (link to your generator).
FAQ
Why is my QR code not scanning on paper?
Common causes: it's too small, blurry, has poor contrast, or lacks a quiet zone.
What is the best QR code size to avoid scanning problems?
For business cards, start at ~2–2.5 cm. For posters, often 8–12 cm or more depending on distance.
Does adding a logo break a QR code?
It can if it's too big. Reduce logo size and increase QR size, then test.
Is SVG better than PNG?
Yes for print, because SVG stays sharp at any size.
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