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QR Not Scanning

Troubleshoot issues when QR codes won't scan properly.

Quick Fixes​

Try These First​

  1. Clean the camera lens - Smudges cause blur
  2. Improve lighting - More light helps
  3. Hold steady - Avoid shaking
  4. Adjust distance - Not too close, not too far
  5. Try different angle - Avoid glare

Common Scanning Issues​

QR Code Won't Detect​

Symptoms: Camera doesn't recognize the code

Solutions:

  1. Lighting

    • Add more light to the area
    • Avoid direct sunlight on code
    • Move away from shadows

  2. Distance

    • Start at arm's length
    • Slowly move closer
    • Code should fill 50-70% of screen

  3. Focus

    • Tap screen to focus
    • Hold phone steady
    • Wait for auto-focus

  4. Angle

    • Hold perpendicular to code
    • Avoid extreme angles
    • Reduce glare by adjusting position

Camera Not Opening​

Symptoms: Scanner shows black screen or error

Solutions:

On iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Camera
  2. Find tagd-ai and enable access
  3. If not listed, reinstall the app

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → tagd-ai
  2. Tap Permissions → Camera
  3. Select Allow

In Browser:

  1. Click lock icon in address bar
  2. Find Camera permission
  3. Change to "Allow"
  4. Refresh the page

Symptoms: Scanning opens wrong content or website

Solutions:

  1. Verify you're scanning the correct code
  2. The tag may have been updated
  3. QR code may point to redirect
  4. Check code isn't damaged

"Tag Not Found" After Scan​

Symptoms: Error page appears after scanning

Causes:

  • Tag was deleted
  • Tag URL changed
  • Tag is private
  • Network connectivity issue

Solutions:

  1. Ask tag owner if it still exists
  2. Check you have access permissions
  3. Verify internet connection
  4. Try scanning again

QR Code Quality Issues​

Printed Code Problems​

Damaged Codes:

  • QR codes have error correction
  • Minor damage usually works
  • Severe damage prevents scanning
  • Reprint if heavily damaged

Faded Codes:

  • Old prints may fade
  • UV exposure degrades codes
  • Use UV-resistant printing
  • Replace faded codes

Small Codes:

  • Minimum size: 2cm × 2cm
  • Larger is easier to scan
  • Increase size for far distances

Digital Code Problems​

Screen Brightness:

  • Turn up screen brightness
  • Disable auto-brightness
  • Avoid reflective screens

Screen Size:

  • Display code larger
  • Pinch to zoom if needed
  • Full screen works best

Screen Damage:

  • Cracks interfere with scanning
  • Display on undamaged area
  • Use different device

Environmental Issues​

Poor Lighting:

  • Too dark: Add light
  • Too bright: Reduce glare
  • Uneven: Move to better spot

Reflective Surfaces:

  • Laminated codes may glare
  • Adjust angle to reduce
  • Use matte lamination

Curved Surfaces:

  • Bottles, cylinders harder to scan
  • Hold camera at curve angle
  • Flatten label if possible

Scanner App Issues​

Phone Camera App​

iPhone Camera:

  1. Open Camera app
  2. Point at QR code
  3. Yellow banner should appear
  4. Tap banner to open

If not working:

  1. Go to Settings → Camera
  2. Enable Scan QR Codes
  3. Restart Camera app

Android Camera:

  • Varies by manufacturer
  • Some have built-in scanner
  • Others need Google Lens
  • Check camera settings

tagd-ai Built-in Scanner​

If tagd-ai scanner fails:

  1. Close and reopen app
  2. Check camera permissions
  3. Update to latest version
  4. Try phone's native scanner

Third-Party Scanners​

Popular alternatives:

  • Google Lens - Android, iOS
  • QR Code Reader - Various
  • NeoReader - Cross-platform

Device-Specific Troubleshooting​

iPhone Issues​

Camera Permission:

  1. Settings → tagd-ai → Camera → On
  2. Or Settings → Privacy → Camera → tagd-ai

iOS Version:

  • Update to iOS 11+ for native QR
  • Check for app updates
  • Restart device

Android Issues​

Google Lens Setup:

  1. Install Google Lens
  2. Or use Google app
  3. Open camera and tap Lens icon

Camera Permission:

  1. Settings → Apps → tagd-ai
  2. Permissions → Camera → Allow

Tablet Issues​

iPad/Android Tablets:

  • Camera may be lower quality
  • Hold more steady
  • Ensure tablet is supported

Testing Your QR Codes​

Verify Code Works​

  1. Test immediately after printing
  2. Try multiple devices
  3. Check from expected distance
  4. Test in various lighting

Test Checklist​

  • Scans from 1 foot distance
  • Scans from expected use distance
  • Works on iPhone
  • Works on Android
  • Works in bright light
  • Works in dim light
  • Correct tag opens

Improving Scan Success​

Optimal QR Code Design​

  1. High contrast - Black on white best
  2. Adequate size - Bigger is better
  3. Clear margins - White space around code
  4. Good print quality - At least 300 DPI
  5. Error correction - Use "H" level for durability

Best Placement​

  1. Eye level when possible
  2. Well-lit area
  3. Not behind glass (if avoidable)
  4. Accessible location
  5. Protected from damage

User Instructions​

Include near QR code:

  • "Scan with phone camera"
  • Arrow pointing to code
  • Brief description of content

When to Reprint​

Consider reprinting when:

  • Code is damaged or worn
  • Significant fading
  • Content has changed
  • Better placement needed
  • Quality was poor

Getting More Help​

If issues persist:

  1. Test with QR code test tool
  2. Screenshot the problematic code
  3. Note device and app used
  4. Contact [email protected]

Next Steps​