You've invested time and money creating QR codes for your marketing materials, menus, or products. But if people aren't scanning them, that investment is wasted.
The good news? Most QR code failures come from a handful of easily avoidable mistakes. Fix these issues, and your scan rates will dramatically improve.
Mistake #1: The QR Code Is Too Small
Tiny QR codes that cameras can't read
A QR code that looks fine on your computer screen may be nearly impossible to scan when printed at actual size. Phone cameras need a minimum amount of detail to decode the pattern.
Follow minimum size guidelines
Business cards: At least 2 cm × 2 cm (0.8"). Flyers: 3-4 cm minimum. Posters: 10 cm or larger depending on viewing distance. Use the 10:1 rule: scanning distance should be roughly 10× the QR code width.
Mistake #2: Poor Color Contrast
Low contrast makes scanning unreliable
QR codes work by detecting the difference between dark and light areas. When colors are too similar in brightness—like yellow on white or light gray on beige—scanners struggle to read the pattern.
Maintain high contrast
Best practice: Dark code on light background. Ensure at least 40% brightness difference between colors. Test in grayscale—if you can clearly see the pattern, contrast is sufficient. Avoid pastels, light grays, and yellow as primary QR code colors.
Mistake #3: No Call to Action
People don't know what they'll get
A QR code sitting alone without explanation creates uncertainty. Why should someone scan it? What will happen? People won't scan a mysterious code they don't trust or understand.
Always include clear instructions
Add text that explains the value: "Scan for Menu," "Scan for 15% Off," "Scan to Connect to WiFi," "Scan for Our Full Product Guide." The more specific and valuable the promise, the higher your scan rates.
Mistake #4: Linking to Non-Mobile Pages
Desktop websites on phone screens
QR codes are scanned with phones—100% of the time. Sending people to a desktop-optimized website creates a terrible experience: tiny text, difficult navigation, and slow loading.
Ensure mobile-first destinations
Every URL your QR code links to must be mobile-optimized. Test on actual phones (not just browser developer tools). Pages should load in under 3 seconds. Text should be readable without zooming. Buttons should be easily tappable.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Test
Assuming the code works without verification
You generate the code, it looks fine, so you send it to print. Then you discover—after thousands of copies are printed—that the code doesn't scan, or worse, links to the wrong place.
Test on multiple devices before deploying
Scan with at least two different phones (iPhone and Android). Try both the native camera app and a QR reader app. Test at the actual size it will appear. Test in different lighting. Verify the destination works correctly. Make testing a mandatory step in your workflow.
Mistake #6: Broken or Changed URLs
The destination no longer exists
Websites change. Pages get moved. URLs get restructured. A QR code that worked when printed six months ago may now lead to a 404 error page—destroying your credibility and wasting the customer's time.
Use stable URLs and regular audits
Prevention: Link to pages you control and won't move. Use dedicated landing pages for QR codes. For flexibility: Consider dynamic QR codes that let you change the destination without reprinting. Maintenance: Regularly audit your deployed QR codes to catch broken links.
Mistake #7: Poor Physical Placement
QR codes people can't easily scan
QR codes on glossy surfaces that create glare. Codes placed too high or too low to comfortably scan. Codes in dark corners where cameras can't get enough light. Codes on curved surfaces that distort the pattern.
Consider the scanning experience
Surface: Use matte materials when possible to avoid glare. Height: Place codes at comfortable phone-holding height (chest to eye level). Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in the scanning area. Flatness: Avoid placing codes on curved or uneven surfaces. Accessibility: Consider wheelchair users and different heights.
Bonus: The QR Code Audit Checklist
Before deploying any QR code, run through this checklist:
- ✓ Size is appropriate for viewing distance
- ✓ High contrast between code and background
- ✓ Clear call-to-action explaining what to expect
- ✓ Destination is mobile-optimized and fast-loading
- ✓ Tested on multiple devices successfully
- ✓ URL is stable and unlikely to change
- ✓ Physical placement allows easy scanning
- ✓ Adequate quiet zone (margin) around the code
Taking five minutes to verify these points can save hours of frustration and thousands of wasted impressions.
When Things Go Wrong
If your QR codes aren't performing, systematically work through each potential issue:
- Can you scan it? If not, check size, contrast, and code integrity
- Does the destination work? Check for broken links or errors
- Is the destination mobile-friendly? Test the user experience
- Do people know what it does? Evaluate your call-to-action
- Can people easily reach it? Assess physical placement
Most QR code problems fall into one of these categories. Identify the issue, fix it, and your scan rates will improve.
Create Error-Free QR Codes
QR Studio for Canva helps you create scannable, professional QR codes with built-in best practices.
Get QR Studio Free →