QR Code Troubleshooting
Fix QR codes that won't scan — contrast, size, logos, data, and destination problems.
Good vs problematic QR codes
Most scanning problems come down to a few visual factors. Here is a comparison of what tends to work and what tends to fail:
Good — scans reliably
- • Dark modules on a light background
- • Adequate size and quiet zone
- • High contrast, minimal decoration
Problematic — may not scan
- • Low contrast between modules
- • Too small or no quiet zone
- • Logo covering too much data
The QR code won't scan at all
- • Low contrast — the foreground and background are too similar. Use dark on light.
- • Too small — print the code larger, at least 2.5–3 cm for close-range scanning.
- • No quiet zone — leave a white margin of at least 4 modules around the code.
- • Glare or reflection — glossy surfaces can reflect light into the camera. Use matte finishes.
- • Curved or distorted surface — the code must lie flat for the camera to read the grid.
The QR code scans but the wrong thing happens
- • Wrong URL — a typo in the address sends scanners to the wrong page. Double-check before printing.
- • Wrong Wi-Fi credentials — the SSID or password does not match the router exactly.
- • Wrong phone number — a single digit error dials the wrong person.
- • Expired destination — the QR code is fine, but the page it links to has been moved or deleted.
The logo makes the code unreliable
A center logo covers part of the data area. If the logo is too large or low contrast, the code may not scan. Veyqora automatically sets error correction to the highest level when you add a logo, but you should still keep the logo small relative to the code and scan-test before printing. Learn more in our error correction guide.
The code is too dense
More encoded data means more modules, which makes the code denser and harder to scan at small sizes. If your code is very dense:
- • Shorten the URL or text where possible.
- • Reduce the number of filled fields in a vCard or event.
- • Print the code larger.
- • Use lower error correction (but not if you have a logo).
Printing problems
- • The printed code is blurry — use SVG instead of PNG for print.
- • The code is stretched or distorted — maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio.
- • The quiet zone was cropped — ensure the blank margin survives the print layout.
- • Colors shifted during printing — verify contrast on the final printed material, not just on screen.
If you are still stuck, try decoding the code with Veyqora's QR scanner by uploading a photo of it. This can help you confirm whether the encoded data is correct, separate from visual scanning issues.