Why did my QR code stop working?

A QR code that used to scan and now doesn't almost always comes down to one of a handful of causes. Work through this list.

1. It's a free dynamic code that paused

This is the most common surprise. Free dynamic codes are a trial — each one stays live for 7 days or 50 scans, whichever comes first, then pauses. The printed code is fine; the redirect is just switched off.

Fix: subscribe to Pro to keep all dynamic codes live with no caps. See Plans, trials & limits.

2. The destination changed or broke

For a dynamic code, the QR is fine but the page it points to may have moved or gone offline.

Fix: open the code in your dashboard and update the destination to a working URL.

3. Low contrast

Styling that looks great on screen can be too low-contrast for a scanner — pale dots on a light background, or an intense gradient.

Fix: increase contrast (dark dots on light background is safest), tone down the gradient, and re-test.

4. The logo is too big or covers the eyes

A center logo that's too large eats the error-correction budget; a logo overlapping the three corner eyes breaks orientation.

Fix: shrink the logo to the center 15–25%, keep it clear of the eyes. See How to add a logo.

5. No quiet-zone margin

Cropping right to the edge of the dots removes the "quiet zone" scanners need to find the code.

Fix: add a margin around the code, especially on busy backgrounds.

6. Printed too small or on a tricky surface

Tiny print, glossy reflections, or curved surfaces all hurt scanning.

Fix: print larger, avoid glare, and test a proof on the actual material.

7. Blurry export

Scaling up a small PNG/JPEG pixelates the dots.

Fix: download as SVG for print and scale the vector. See How to download a QR code.

Quick test

Scan the final code with two or three phones (iOS + Android) at a normal distance under normal light. If they all read it instantly, you're good. If one struggles, raise contrast, enlarge, add margin, or shrink the logo.

FAQ

My static code stopped working but I never changed it. Static codes don't expire. If it won't scan, it's a print/contrast/margin/size issue, or the website it points to is down — not the code itself.

Did QRhubly disable my code? Only free dynamic trials pause automatically. Paid codes stay live.

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Next: QR error correction explained · Plans, trials & limits