Why your QR code stopped working, and how to fix it

When a printed QR code stops working, the cause is almost always one of four things: the provider switched it off, the destination changed, the print is hard to read, or the phone can't reach the link. Work through them in this order.

1. Scan it and look at where you land

Scan with your phone's camera and read the page that opens.

• A page from the QR provider saying the code is inactive, paused or expired: the provider has switched the redirect off. Go to step 2.
• An error page on your own website (404, "page not found"): the code works, but the destination moved. Go to step 3.
• Nothing happens, or the camera doesn't recognise a code: the problem is the print. Go to step 4.

2. The provider switched it off

Dynamic codes depend on the provider's server. Most switch codes off when a free trial ends, a subscription lapses, or a scan limit is reached.

• Log in to the account that made the code. Your codes are usually still there, paused.
• Upgrading usually reactivates them. QR.io's help centre, for example, says paused dynamic codes are reactivated when you upgrade.
• You can't move a printed code to another provider. The link inside it belongs to their domain. If you don't want to pay, the only fix is to make a new code and reprint.

If you reprint, choose a provider with a real free plan, or one whose paid plan you are happy to keep. Here is how to check before you print.

3. The destination changed

If the code opens an error page on your site, the redirect is fine. The page it points to has moved or been deleted.

• With a dynamic code, change the destination in your QR provider's dashboard. No reprint needed.
• With a static code, set up a redirect on your website from the old address to the new one, or reprint.

4. The print is hard to read

Phones are forgiving, but print removes a lot of margin for error. Common causes:

• Too little contrast. Light grey, yellow or pastel codes on white often fail on paper. Aim for dark modules on a light background, with a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
• Too small. As a rule of thumb, the code should be at least a tenth of the scanning distance wide: 2 cm for a table card read at 20 cm, 30 cm for a poster read from 3 m.
• No quiet zone. The blank border around the code needs to be about four modules wide. Cropping it or printing text right up to the edge breaks scanning.
• Damage, glare or curves. Laminated, glossy or curved surfaces reflect light. Matte finishes scan better.

Cheetags runs a scan check on every design before you download it and blocks designs below a 3:1 contrast ratio.

5. The phone can't reach the link

If the code scans but the page never loads, check the link on a computer. If it loads there, the problem is the phone's connection, a blocked network (for example, hotel Wi-Fi), or an app that opens links in an in-app browser.

Avoid it next time

• Make a test print and scan it from the real distance, in the real light.
• Keep a list of where each code is printed.
• Use a provider whose codes don't depend on an active trial.