QR Code Not Redirecting
Fixes for a QR code that does not redirect or shows the wrong page when scanned.
Quick Diagnostic Checklist
If your QR code is not working as expected, work through this checklist in order:
Is the QR code paused? — In your dashboard, check the QR code's status badge. If it shows 'Paused' or 'Inactive', toggle it back to Active.
Has the QR code expired? — Check the QR code's Settings tab for an expiry date or scan count limit. If it has expired, remove or extend the expiry.
Is the destination URL correct? — Open the QR code in the editor and verify the URL in the Content tab is correctly formatted (starts with https://, has no typos).
Does the destination URL work in a browser? — Copy and paste the destination URL into a browser on your phone to confirm the page loads.
Is the QR code image clear and undamaged? — A dirty, crumpled, or poorly printed QR code may not scan reliably. Try scanning a digital version from your screen instead.
Are you scanning the right QR code? — If you have multiple QR codes, confirm you are scanning the correct one.
QR Code Redirects to the Wrong URL
If the QR code redirects, but to an unexpected destination:
Check redirect rules
Open the QR code in Edit mode and go to the Settings tab. Review any active Redirect Rules. The active rule (geo, device, schedule, or scan-limit) may be routing you to an alternative URL instead of the default. This is expected if a rule matches your current location/device/time.
Test without a matching rule condition
To test the default URL, access the QR redirect from a device or location that does not match any active rule. For example, if you have an iOS Device Redirect rule, test the default URL from an Android device.
Verify the default URL
In the QR editor's Content tab, confirm the default destination URL is correct.
QR Code Shows an Error or 'QR Inactive' Page
| Error Page Shown | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
QR Inactive | The QR code is paused | Go to the QR code in your dashboard and toggle it to Active |
QR Expired | The QR code has passed its expiry date or hit its scan count limit | Go to Settings tab and remove or extend the expiry |
QR Not Found | The QR code has been deleted | The QR code cannot be recovered once deleted — create a new one |
Page Not Found (404) | The destination URL is incorrect or the destination page was deleted | Update the QR code's destination URL to a working page |
QR Code Not Scanning from Print
Ensure the QR code is printed at a minimum size of 2cm × 2cm (larger for billboards)
Check that there is a clear white border (quiet zone) of at least 4 modules around the QR pattern — removing the quiet zone is a common printing mistake
High contrast is critical — dark QR on light background. Very colourful or patterned backgrounds behind the QR code reduce scanability
If the print quality is poor (smudged, pixelated), request a reprint at a higher DPI. Use SVG or PDF format for print — never low-resolution PNG
Large logos covering more than 30% of the QR area can cause scan failures — try reducing the logo size in the QR design settings
Still Not Working?
If you have worked through all of the above and the QR code still does not work as expected, contact SMLLR support at [email protected]. Include:
- The name of the QR code
- What you expected to happen
- What actually happened
- Screenshots if possible
Was this article helpful?