Why did my QR code stop working?

First, see where it points

Open your phone's camera, point it at the code, and look at the address it shows before you tap. That tells you which kind of code you have:

• Your own website's address: a static code. It holds the address itself, so it works for as long as that page does, and no company can switch it off. Skip to the website changed or it can't be read.
• A short address belonging to the company that made the code: a dynamic code. Every scan goes through that company first, so it works only for as long as they keep it on. Start with the next section.
• Nothing happens at all: the phone can't read it. See it can't be read.

1. The QR company switched it off

A dynamic code can stop when a free trial ends, when it passes a scan limit, or when a subscription lapses. The printed code still works, but the company's short link now shows their own page instead of yours. Here is what a few large QR sites say in their own help pages:

Checked on November 3, 2026. Companies change their rules, so check their current help pages.

What you can do: the printed code holds the company's address, not yours, so only that company can turn it back on, usually by paying. No other service can take it over. Weigh their price against reprinting: if you reprint, make your next code somewhere that won't switch it off, or use a static code if you'll never need to change the link. See dynamic codes that don't expire.

2. The website it points to changed

The code scans, but the page shows an error, the wrong page, or an expired domain. The site moved a page, was rebuilt, or wasn't renewed.

• Static code: put a redirect on the old address to the new page (your web host or site builder can do this), or reprint.
• Dynamic code: change where it points in your account. The printed code stays the same.

Before printing, link to a page that will last, such as your home page or a simple /menu address, rather than a long link to one sale or one file.

3. It can't be read

If no phone reacts, the problem is usually the print, not the code:

• Too small for the distance: print it at least a tenth of the scanning distance, and never below 0.8 in (2 cm).
• Too little contrast, or light squares on a dark background: some phones and scanner apps can't read those.
• The blank border was trimmed, or text and pictures crowd it.
• A logo that's too big, or one added after the code was made, covering squares the code needs.
• Damage, glare or curves: scratches, glossy lamination under bright light, or a code wrapped around a bottle.

The printing guide has sizes for each use, and every code made here is scan-tested before you download it.

4. It's the phone, not the code

• Older phones may need a scanner app: iPhones read codes in the Camera app from iOS 11, and most Android phones from Android 10 or through Google Lens.
• Scanning a screen: turn the screen brightness up and step back a little.
• Wi-Fi codes fail if the network name or password has changed since printing, or if the phone doesn't support the network's security type. See Wi-Fi QR codes.

Keep it from happening again

1. 1

   Know who controls the link

   A dynamic code depends on the company that made it. Read what happens when a trial or plan ends before you print hundreds.

2. 2

   Test a printout

   Scan one at the real size with an iPhone and an Android phone.

3. 3

   Keep the page alive

   Don't delete or move the page a static code points to, or set up a redirect when you do.