Guide

QR code stopped working? Here's why, and how to fix it

Scan it with your phone and look at what happens. The result tells you which of these it is. (Made with QRVow? Our codes are never switched off, so jump to 2 or 3.)

1. It opens an "expired", "upgrade" or ad page (another service)

This is the most common one. It was a dynamic code: the pattern holds the generator's short link, not your website. When the free trial or subscription ended, the service switched it off. Many "free" QR generators work this way.

Fix: sign in to that service and renew, or change where the code points if they still let you. If you can't, the printed code can't be rescued: reprint with a code that can't be held hostage. A free static code never expires, and a QRVow dynamic code keeps working even if you cancel.

2. It opens, but the page says "not found"

The code is fine; the page it points to moved or was deleted (a new website, a renamed menu PDF, an expired Google Drive share).

Fix: put the page back at the same address, or set up a redirect from the old address. For next time, use a dynamic code so you can change the destination after printing.

3. The camera doesn't react at all

• Too small for the distance: a code should be at least a tenth as wide as the scanning distance (30 cm away → 3 cm wide).
• No quiet zone: it needs a plain light border about 4 squares wide. Text or a picture touching the code breaks it.
• Low contrast or inverted: dark code on a light background works best. Light codes on dark backgrounds fail on some phones.
• Damage, glare or curves: scratches, glossy lamination under a light, or a tightly curved bottle.
• Too much inside: a long link or a big contact card makes a dense code that blurs when printed small.

Check it free: upload your design to the print check and we'll tell you if it's big enough, clear enough and contrasty enough to scan from where people will stand.

4. It shows a warning or a "disabled for safety" page

The destination was reported or found to host phishing or malware. On QRVow, scanners see a caution page instead of being sent somewhere harmful. If it's your code, sign in and check your link, or write to us.

5. Someone put a sticker over it

Fake QR stickers on parking meters, posters and payment stands are a real scam. Look closely at the code before scanning. You can paste or upload any code into our free QR safety check before you trust it.

Make a code that won't stop working

QRVow's promise is in the code, not the small print: every code keeps redirecting forever, on every plan, even after you cancel. You only lose editing and detailed stats. Make a free code or see plans.

Questions