Why is my QR code unscannable?

Last updated on Apr 22, 2025

When a code won't scan, or scanning it just throws an error, it's usually one of a handful of causes. Here's each, with the fix.

1. Your plan or 7-day trial ended

Because CreateQRruns on a subscription, your codes are only live while that subscription is. Once the trial runs out, or a renewal payment doesn't go through, the codes go dark until the plan is reactivated.

Fix: reactivate the plan, or update the card on file, from your CreateQR account.

2. The QR code is paused

A paused code is switched off on purpose, and anyone scanning it lands on a holding page instead of your content. This is the case if you paused it yourself in the CreateQR dashboard.

Fix: head to My QR Codes in your CreateQR dashboard and unpause the one you need.

3. The QR code was deleted

A deleted code is gone, and scanning it turns up an error or holding page. That happens when the specific code was removed from the CreateQR dashboard.

Fix: build a fresh code and swap it into anything you've already printed.

4. The link behind your code is broken

Either the link was mistyped when the code was made, or the page it points to has since been taken down. Scanners then hit a 404 Not Found or 410 Gone. Nothing is wrong with the code itself in this case, it's the destination that's failing.

Fix: try opening that destination URL in a browser. If it won't load, point the code at a working page instead.

How to Reactivate Your QR Codes

To bring your codes back to life:

1. Sign in to your CreateQR dashboard.
2. Head to Plans and Payments.
3. Pick the subscription that suits you.

The moment the plan is active again, your codes come back with it, no reprinting and no change to the code itself.

Already on a Paid Plan?

If your plan is active and this still looks like a fault on our side, write to us at support@create-qr.com. We'll dig into it and get your codes back up as fast as we can.