What to Do When a Barcode Will Not Scan
Practical fixes for barcodes that refuse to scan on iPhone: distance, angle, lighting, and the settings worth checking.
When a barcode will not scan, the cause is usually one of a few familiar ones. Work through them in order and most cases are solved quickly.
Try These First
| Symptom | What to do |
|---|---|
| Blurry image | Pull back, then move in slowly |
| No reaction | Hold the barcode horizontally in the frame |
| Washed out | Change the angle to avoid glare |
| Too dark | Move to a brighter spot |
| Curved surface | Turn cans and bottles so the code looks flat |
Hold Still While Scanning
If you move the phone while scanning, the camera image and the detection area can drift apart. Stopping for a moment makes scanning easier.
Review the Enabled Barcode Types
Barcode Reader X lets you choose which barcode types to detect. Narrowing the list reduces reactions to formats you do not use.
- Open Settings
- Open the barcode types screen
- Turn on only the formats you use
A format that is turned off will not be read. If nothing works, use “Select all” to see which format the code actually is, then narrow the list again.
Sometimes the Printed Label Is the Problem
- Faded ink or dirt
- Creases and folds in the label
- Bars made too thin by a reduced photocopy
- Strong reflection from a laminated surface
In that case, look for the same code printed somewhere else on the item.
Notes
- Scan results are not guaranteed to be correct. Double-check important numbers by eye
- Vertical or heavily rotated barcodes are difficult to read
Learn more about Barcode Reader X
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