QR Code Troubleshooting
Solutions for QR code scanning and printing issues.
Scanning Issues
QR Code Won't Scan
Symptoms:
- Camera doesn't recognize code
- No response when pointing at code
- Scanning keeps failing
Solutions:
-
Check lighting
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Avoid shadows on the code
- Avoid glare from bright lights
-
Check distance
- Not too close, not too far
- Typically 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
- Entire code should be in frame
-
Check angle
- Point camera directly at code
- Avoid extreme angles
- Keep phone/device steady
-
Clean the camera lens
- Smudges affect scanning
- Wipe with soft cloth
-
Clean the QR code
- Dirt or damage affects scanning
- Wipe or replace if damaged
Camera Not Opening
Symptoms:
- Blank screen when scanning
- Camera permission error
- "Camera not available"
Solutions:
-
Grant camera permission
- Browser will ask for permission
- Click "Allow" when prompted
-
Check browser settings
- Settings > Privacy > Camera
- Allow for Kuviq site
-
Check device settings
- iOS: Settings > Browser > Camera
- Android: Settings > Apps > Browser > Permissions
-
Try different browser
- Some browsers have camera issues
- Chrome recommended
-
Restart browser/device
- Close all tabs
- Restart if needed
Wrong Item Appears
Symptoms:
- Scan opens different item
- QR points to wrong data
- Unexpected results
Solutions:
-
Verify the QR code
- Check it's the right label
- May have wrong code attached
-
Check for duplicates
- Same QR on multiple items
- Reprint with unique codes
-
Report to admin
- QR may need regenerating
- Item may need relabeling
"Item Not Found" Error
Symptoms:
- Scan says item doesn't exist
- QR code invalid
- No item data
Solutions:
-
Check organization
- May be from different org
- Log into correct account
-
Item may be deleted
- Item was removed from system
- Check with admin
-
QR code outdated
- Old code no longer valid
- Generate new QR code
-
Check your access
- Item may be at location you can't access
- Contact admin for access
Printing Issues
Poor Print Quality
Symptoms:
- QR code blurry
- Won't scan when printed
- Low resolution
Solutions:
-
Increase print resolution
- Use high-quality print setting
- Minimum 300 DPI recommended
-
Use appropriate size
- Don't scale too small
- Minimum 1 inch (2.5 cm) recommended
-
Check printer settings
- Use "Best" or "High Quality"
- Check ink/toner levels
-
Use correct paper
- Matte finish works best
- Avoid glossy (causes glare)
QR Codes Too Small
Symptoms:
- Difficult to scan
- Need to be very close
- Fails on older devices
Solutions:
-
Reprint larger
- Use larger label size
- 1.5-2 inch recommended for reliability
-
Reduce error correction
- Lower error correction = simpler code
- Trade-off: less damage resistance
-
Remove optional elements
- Exclude logo if present
- Simplest QR is easiest to scan
Bulk Print Not Working
Symptoms:
- Print job fails
- Only some codes print
- PDF won't generate
Solutions:
-
Reduce batch size
- Print fewer at once
- Try 50 instead of 500
-
Check browser memory
- Large prints use memory
- Close other tabs
-
Download and print
- Download PDF first
- Print from PDF viewer
-
Use dedicated printer
- Label printers more reliable
- Check printer queue
Physical Label Issues
Labels Falling Off
Solutions:
-
Clean surface first
- Remove dust and grease
- Use alcohol wipe
-
Use appropriate labels
- Weather-resistant for outdoor
- Industrial for harsh environments
-
Apply properly
- Press firmly
- Avoid air bubbles
- Allow adhesive to set
Labels Damaged
Symptoms:
- Torn or scratched
- Faded over time
- Water damaged
Solutions:
-
Use protective overlay
- Clear laminate
- Protective pouches
-
Use durable materials
- Vinyl or polyester labels
- UV-resistant printing
-
Reprint and replace
- Generate new QR
- Apply new label
Can't Find Where to Place
Solutions:
-
Common locations:
- Near serial number plate
- On handle or grip area
- Visible but protected
-
Consider:
- Easy to scan (accessible)
- Protected from damage
- Won't be covered/blocked
- Consistent across items
Mobile App Scanning
App Scanner Not Working
Solutions:
-
Update the app
- Check for updates
- Install latest version
-
Check app permissions
- Camera permission required
- Enable in device settings
-
Restart the app
- Force close
- Reopen
-
Use built-in camera app
- Modern phones scan QR natively
- Then tap the link
Scan Opens Wrong App
Symptoms:
- Opens browser instead of app
- Wrong app handles QR
- Inconsistent behavior
Solutions:
-
Set default app
- Configure QR handling
- Choose Kuviq app
-
Use in-app scanner
- Scan from within Kuviq app
- More reliable
External Scanner Issues
USB/Bluetooth Scanner
Symptoms:
- Scanner not recognized
- No input when scanning
- Garbled characters
Solutions:
-
Check connection
- USB firmly connected
- Bluetooth paired
-
Check scanner mode
- Should be in keyboard mode
- Not serial mode
-
Test scanner
- Scan in text editor
- Should type the code
-
Configure scanner
- May need programming
- Check scanner manual
Scanner Reads Wrong Data
Solutions:
-
Check character encoding
- Scanner may add prefix/suffix
- Configure to remove
-
Check scan mode
- Use correct symbology
- QR Code mode enabled
QR Code Generation
Can't Generate QR Code
Solutions:
-
Check permissions
- May need specific role
- Contact admin
-
Check item exists
- Item must be saved first
- Generate after creating
-
Try regenerating
- May be temporary issue
- Refresh and try again
QR Code Invalid
Symptoms:
- Generated but won't scan
- Data appears corrupted
- Inconsistent results
Solutions:
-
Regenerate
- Delete and create new
- May fix data issue
-
Check item data
- Special characters may cause issues
- Simplify if possible
-
Contact support
- May be system issue
- Report with item details
Best Practices
For Reliable Scanning
- Print at minimum 1 inch size
- Use high-contrast (black on white)
- Test scan before deploying
- Keep backup of QR data
- Label with human-readable info too
For Label Durability
- Match label to environment
- Apply to clean, dry surface
- Use protective covering if needed
- Check periodically for damage
- Replace when worn
Related Topics
- QR Code Scanning - How to scan
- QR Code Printing - Printing guide
- QR Code Customization - Customization options