Troubleshoot QR code scans

Work out where it stops: the camera doesn't see the code, the messages app doesn't open, or the text is sent and nothing comes back. Each has its own causes.

The camera won't scan it

• Too small or too far away. Make it bigger on the slide or sign, and test from the back of the room.
• Low contrast. Use the code black on white, as downloaded. Don't recolor or invert it.
• Blurry. For print, use Download SVG, which stays sharp at any size.
• Cropped or stretched. Keep the white margin and resize evenly.
• Glare. Glossy paper or a bright projector can wash it out.

The page opens but the messages app doesn't

The page says "Your messaging app should open. Just tap send." If nothing happens, tap Open messages. If it still doesn't open, try scanning with the phone's own camera app rather than a scanner inside another app.

The scan opens an error page

The QR code is probably no longer a flow's trigger. This happens if you switched the flow's trigger to a keyword. Switching back to a QR code creates a new code with a new image, so download it again and replace the printed one.

They sent the text but the flow didn't start

• The ##code line was deleted. Textiful uses that line to know which QR code was scanned. Ask them to scan again and send the text with the code line in place.
• Your trial or plan isn't active. Keywords and QR codes only respond once it is. They'll get "This keyword is not active right now. Please check back soon." Check the Billing page.
• Trial conversations are used up, or you hit the monthly limit you set on extra conversations. The Billing page will say so.
• The flow is turned off. Check Edit data capture flow options in the flow.
• Their phone isn't on a US carrier. 33777 and 55444 work on US carriers only.

Test it yourself

Scan the code from your own phone, send the text, and answer every step. See Test your flow on your own phone.