A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can be read by a smartphone or other device with a camera. It consists of a grid of black and white squares arranged in a specific pattern. When the code is scanned using a QR code reader app, it can be used to quickly and easily access information or perform a specific action, such as opening a webpage or sending an email.

QR codes are often used in advertising, event ticketing, and other applications where it is useful to quickly and easily share information with a large number of people. They are also used in logistics and supply chain management to track and identify products.

To open a QR code on a phone, you will need to use a QR code reader app. Most modern smartphones come with a built-in QR code reader, which can be accessed through the camera app. Here’s how to open a QR code on a phone:

1. Open the camera app on your phone.
2. Point the camera at the QR code. The QR code should be within the frame of the camera viewfinder. The QR code reader will automatically detect the code and display a notification or prompt indicating that the code has been recognized.
3. Follow the prompts or tap the notification to open the QR code. This will typically open a webpage or other information associated with the QR code.

If your phone does not have a built-in QR code reader, you can download a QR code reader app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once you have downloaded and installed the app, you can use it to scan QR codes in the same way as described above.

Not a problem!  If you would like to make a design on MayQR to replace an existing QR code, just grab the link from the previous code and put that in the URL field when you are creating a new code here on mayqr.com!

It will be as if you have given your old QR code a fresh new look!

You can make as many basic QR codes as you would like for free.

A basic QR code can utilize all of the design features of our QR maker with the exception of the following:

• Embedded Text (Pro feature)

Additionally, analytics and data visualizations are limited to “Smart QR Codes” which just like basic QR codes, but have the addition of analytics reporting.  Any basic QR code can be turned into a Smart QR code from your user dashboard once you log in.  

Currently every free account comes with one Smart QR slot so you can use analytics on a single QR code.

While we have helper warning signs and notices in the QR maker, sometimes certain designs push the limit of what a QR reader can detect. 

Here are a couple of things to try on the QR maker if your phone camera/app doesn’t recognize your QR code:

1. Make sure the colors you use have enough contrast between the pattern (squares) and the background.
2. Make sure you don’t use too many irregular shapes, especially in the “Custom Corner Squares”.
3. Make fewer modifications to the “Custom Corner Squares”. The further away you get from a standard square border and an inner solid square, the higher chance you have of not reading the QR code.  Additionally, you can try experimenting with just one or even 2 of the corners before trying a design on all three.  It’s also very important that the corners have good contrast with the background so that the QR reader knows this is actually a QR code.
4. If you are using the Embedded Text feature, try and use less characters in each line and try it that way.
5. If you are using a logo, under advanced options, set the logo size to a little bit less and try again.

In addition, here are some general reasons for whenever a QR code is not scanning:

1. Poor Quality: The QR code may not be of high enough quality for the scanner to read it correctly. This could be due to low resolution, poor printing quality, or damage to the code itself.
2. Insufficient Lighting: If the lighting in the area is insufficient, it can make it difficult for the scanner to read the QR code. Make sure that the area is well-lit, or use the flashlight function on your device to improve visibility.
3. Wrong Scanning Distance: If you are too far away or too close to the QR code, the scanner may not be able to read it. Try adjusting the distance between the scanner and the code until it is recognized.
4. Incompatible Scanner: Not all scanners are able to read all types of QR codes. Make sure that the scanner you are using is compatible with the code you are trying to scan.
5. Damaged or Incorrect QR Code: If the QR code is damaged, incorrect, or outdated, it may not be able to be scanned. Check that the code is correct and up-to-date, and try scanning it again.
6. Software Issues: Sometimes there may be issues with the software or app you are using to scan the QR code. Try restarting the app, updating it, or using a different app to scan the code.

If you are still having issues with your QR Codes and can’t find the answer here, reach out on the contact form.