The Most Common QR Code Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

The Most Common QR Code Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Article Contents

QR codes have become so deeply integrated into our daily lives that we often don't even notice them. Menus in cafés, flyers from events, packaging labels, posters at bus stops — those little squares with digital content are everywhere. But if a QR code doesn't work, it's not just a technical detail. It's lost visits, a ruined campaign, and broken trust.

And, surprisingly, the most common mistakes don't happen due to technological complexity. They happen due to underestimating the details. Poor contrast? The user simply won't be able to scan it. No caption? A person won't even understand why they should scan. Link to a non-existent page? Not only do you lose a potential customer, but you also leave a negative impression.

In this article, we've gathered the most frequent mistakes — based on real cases, in print, marketing campaigns, and even in digital environments. We won't just show what can go wrong, but we’ll give clear advice on how to avoid it. We'll explain why exactly these things matter.

If you want to generate a QR code without mistakes — don't worry. At the end of the article, there’s a proven checklist and a link to a tool that takes everything into account automatically.

Ready? Let’s dive in to see what you definitely shouldn’t do when it comes to QR codes.

❌ Mistake #1: QR Code Without Any Explanation

Imagine the situation: you're standing at an exhibition booth or holding a flyer in your hands. There's a big QR code. But not a single word next to it. No caption, no instructions, not even a hint at where the code leads. Should you scan it? What happens next? Is it even safe?

It's precisely the lack of context that often makes users ignore QR codes. Not because QR codes are bad. But because people don’t want to “step into the unknown.” Especially when it concerns mobile internet, cameras, and their own device.

Important: A QR code isn’t a magical button. It’s just a bridge between two points: the physical world and the digital one. But if one of those points isn’t clear, the bridge doesn’t work.

💡 Tip: always add a short, clear call-to-action. For example: “Scan to view the menu”, “Get -10%”, or “More about the promotion”.

Such a simple text can increase the number of scans several times over. And this isn’t just an assumption — it’s been proven in marketing case studies with QR codes. People just want to know why they should do it.

And even better if the caption is branded. For example: “Scan and get a gift from FbFast 🎁”. This not only makes it more informative but creates a positive emotion — and therefore increases trust.

If you're creating your own code — don’t forget the explanation. You can add it in just a minute in our generator. Not only will you make your QR code clearer, but you'll also greatly increase the chances that it actually gets scanned.

❌ Mistake #2: Poor Contrast or Blurry Code

This is one of those mistakes that seem like “minor issues” — until you print a thousand flyers and realize no one can scan the code. Background is too light. Colors blend together. QR placed over a wood texture or a colorful gradient. The result? The camera doesn’t catch it. Users get frustrated. You lose scans.

A QR code is, first and foremost, a **machine-readable object**. And a machine, unlike us, doesn’t guess. It either sees the contrast, or it doesn’t. Anything that reduces this contrast puts scanning at risk. Even great design can fail if the code just “melts” into the background.

🎨 Example: a restaurant printed their QR code on craft paper with a textured surface — looked authentic, but only those who shone their phone’s flashlight and held focus for 10 seconds could scan it.

What to do? The most reliable formula is a dark code on a light background. Black and white — the classic that always works. But that doesn’t mean the design has to be boring. Brand colors, logos, frames — all this is fine, as long as you don’t sacrifice functionality.

The minimum recommended print size for a code is 2.5 × 2.5 cm. But if we’re talking about billboards, menus, or packaging where the user might be at a distance — go bigger. Remember: better a code that’s a bit too big than one that never gets used.

❌ Mistake #3: Long or Unreadable Links

A QR code is essentially just a data container. But if it contains a bulky URL like example.com/index.php?id=product-456&ref=utm_source=banner&utm_medium=print, the code itself becomes overly complex. More modules, denser pattern, higher risk of scan errors.

But even if it technically works — there’s another issue: long links often look suspicious. Especially if the user sees it below the code or opens it in the browser after scanning. Complicated URLs don’t inspire trust. And trust is a critical factor for QR interactions.

💡 Tip: use short URLs or services with dynamic codes. For example, FbFast automatically generates a short link and lets you change it even after printing.

Another important thing is page responsiveness. Even a perfect QR code won’t help if, after scanning, users land on a broken or unreadable mobile page. Before printing — test: does the page open on a phone? Does everything load? Is zooming needed to read the text?

Not sure where to start? Go to the website QR code generator, paste in your URL and instantly see what your code will look like. And don’t forget to click “preview” on your smartphone — it’s the best usability test.

❌ Mistake #4: Logo Overlapping Important Elements

Adding a logo to your QR code is a great idea. It’s a way to make it recognizable, branded, and stylish. But there’s a fine line between good design and a technical mistake. If the logo is placed over the QR code's “eyes” or central modules, the scanner simply won’t be able to read it. All that good-looking design — wasted.

The most critical areas are the three corner markers and the center. If you cover them with an image, even partly transparent, you risk turning the code into a decorative but useless element. And users won’t usually tell you — they’ll just walk away.

🧃 Example: a juice brand printed a QR code with a fruit logo in the middle. It looked impressive. But it could only be scanned from a perfect angle and lighting. In real use — a failure.

To avoid this, simply follow an easy rule: always keep a “safe zone” around the logo. Ideally, the logo can sit in the center but not touch key markers or cover dense areas.

FbFast has visual tips and templates for this. You can resize the logo, choose a frame, or automatically remove the background — so your code remains scannable even with customization.

If you plan to use the code offline — always test scanning with a smartphone. From different angles, in low light. Ideally, the logo adds style — but doesn’t harm functionality.

❌ Mistake #5: Static Code Instead of Dynamic

A static QR code is like a printed business card. The information inside is hardcoded, forever. If you change your mind, something changes, or there’s an error in the link — you’ll have to reprint the entire batch. Even if it’s 100 boxes, 500 brochures, or stickers on products.

At first glance, a static code seems convenient: no registration, simple process. But as soon as it comes to marketing, campaigns, or frequent changes — this option becomes risky. You literally lose flexibility.

🔄 Example: a company launched a promotion and printed QR codes on packaging. A week later, they changed the promo page — but the code still led to the old one. Clients were confused. Managers wasted time explaining. All because they didn’t use a dynamic version.

A dynamic QR code works differently. Instead of the final address, it encodes a short redirect URL that you can change at any time. No need to reprint. Plus, you get analytics: number of scans, devices, countries, time of day. It’s not just a code — it’s a digital feedback channel.

If you haven’t decided yet — ask yourself: Will I need to update the link? If your answer is even “maybe,” go for dynamic. In FbFast you can create such a code with editing and analytics in just a few minutes.

❌ Mistake #6: No Analytics

Imagine you put a QR code on a flyer, menu, or packaging. People scan it, they visit... but you know nothing about it. Not how many scans, not when or from where. The result — no understanding of what is working and what isn’t. This is a silent campaign with no feedback.

Without analytics, a QR code is a black box. It might be delivering results, or not. But you just don’t see it. And most importantly — you can’t make informed decisions.

📊 Example: two coffee shops launched the same discount campaign with a QR code. One used a dynamic code with analytics — and in a week knew that most scans came from iPhones and at noon on weekdays. The other just waited for results.

Dynamic QR codes in FbFast give you full statistics: scan count, unique users, countries, browser language, device type, time of day. You don’t just see scan fact — you see behavior. That’s the basis for optimization.

Even basic metrics can change your approach. For example, if you see users are most active at certain hours — ramp up advertising at that time. If most scans are from mobile, but your page isn’t responsive — it’s an obvious growth point.

Analytics isn’t an “option for big brands.” It’s a must-have for any business that wants to understand how its offline channels work. And with QR, it’s simple — just select the right code type when creating it.

❌ Mistake #7: Poor Placement

The best QR code in the world is worthless if it’s... simply not visible. It might sound basic, but placement is a critical factor. A code hidden on a fold of packaging, too low on a billboard, printed next to glossy elements or placed where light reflects — all make the code hard to see or unusable.

People won’t bend down, unwrap packaging, or use a flashlight to scan your code. If it’s not obvious at first glance what it is and how to use it — the moment is lost.

📦 Example: a QR code on product packaging was placed at the bottom of the box — customers only noticed it at home, after unpacking. Scan rate was below 2%, even though the product sold in thousands.

Golden rule: place the code at eye level or within clear view. Avoid “stress zones”: folds, corners, edges, glossy surfaces. Add a small visual “anchor” — a frame, arrow, or short CTA to draw attention.

If you plan to print, you can create a code in FbFast with a pre-designed layout — taking into account colors, size, and contrast even before mockup stage. This lets you immediately see how it will look “in the field.”

And remember: A QR code is a tool for people. It shouldn’t just be visible — it should be easy to use. It’s a little detail that makes all the difference.

❌ Mistake #8: Unavailable or Outdated Page

Someone scanned your QR code. The camera worked. The link opens. And… error 404. Or the page doesn’t load at all. Or worse — the page is outdated, showing a promotion that ended a month ago. This experience is not just a missed opportunity. It’s lost trust.

It’s important to remember: a QR code is a promise. You invite the user to take an action, to visit, to discover, to use. And if nothing relevant is behind it, the user feels deceived. Even if it was just a simple mistake.

🚫 Example: a fitness club printed on a flyer: “Scan to sign up for a free trial session.” But the page wasn’t extended — and became unavailable. The result? People scanned, but saw an error message instead. Some simply went to competitors.

What should you do? First — regularly check all links embedded in your QR codes. This should be a process, not a one-time action. Second — always adapt your content for mobile devices. Third — if you use dynamic codes, you can update the address even after printing.

In FbFast, dynamic QR codes let you not only change the URL, but also deactivate the code or set a “placeholder page” if the promotion has ended. This is ethical, convenient, and — most importantly — protects your reputation.

Always put yourself in the user’s shoes: if you scan a QR, what do you expect to see? If it’s not there — it’s better to temporarily turn off the code than leave a “dead” link.

❌ Mistake #9: Non-HTTPS Links

In 2025, a link without secure connection looks… suspicious. Browsers automatically warn the user: “Not Secure”, “This site may be dangerous”, or even block the page altogether. It doesn’t matter how safe the site actually is — “http://” looks like a red flag.

For QR codes, this is critical. The user opens the link on their phone — and sees a warning instead of your page. At best, they simply close the tab. At worst — they remember the brand as “suspicious”. This is damage to trust that’s hard to fix.

🔐 Example: a company printed a series of codes pointing to an old subdomain page without SSL. Even though the site itself was safe, some iPhone users got blocked by Safari. Conversion dropped by 60% in the first 3 days.

The solution is simple: always make sure your links start with https://. On most modern platforms (and definitely in FbFast), this is set up automatically. But if you add the link manually — pay attention.

One more thing: some older URL shorteners may create http-links by default. If you use a third-party service — make sure it supports SSL. Otherwise, even a great code can spoil your entire campaign’s impression.

In the digital world, trust starts with the protocol. HTTPS is not just a technicality, it’s part of the user experience. This is not the place to cut corners.

❌ Mistake #10: Bland or Unreadable Design

A QR code is more than just a square with pixels. It’s a visual message. If it looks “typical”, “technical”, or “faceless” — it will simply be ignored. Especially in marketing, where users see dozens of objects every minute. Bland code = unnoticed code.

The opposite extreme is over-the-top creativity. Too fancy patterns, weird colors, unsuitable backgrounds, or nonstandard shapes can make a QR so unusual that… it just can’t be scanned. Beautiful — but useless.

🎯 Example: a company made a QR code in the form of a smiley with brand elements. It looked amazing on the poster. But it was only readable on new smartphones, and only up close. Users waved their phones, got annoyed — and moved on.

So what to do? Use design — but wisely. Add brand colors, a logo, frame, gentle stylization. But don’t cover key functional areas of the code. Keep clear contrast and form. Ideally — test on several devices.

In the FbFast generator there are templates with a balanced design: you can create a recognizable, branded, and at the same time stably scannable code. This not only looks better — it works better.

As a result, you get not just a functional element, but a part of your brand’s visual language. And that’s a whole new level of interaction.

❌ Mistake #11: The Code Leads Somewhere Other Than Promised

This isn’t a technical error, but a communication one — and that makes it all the more critical. You write "Scan to get a discount," but the QR code leads to the homepage. Promise a menu — Instagram opens. Invite to download a PDF — the user gets a landing with a general service description. All of these are examples of broken promises.

In a world where user attention lasts only a few seconds, any cognitive dissonance means loss. The person expected something, took action, and... the result didn’t match. Next time, they simply won’t scan at all.

🧭 Example: a billboard says "Scan to get a coffee bonus." But the QR opens a general promotions page, where you have to hunt for the bonus yourself. Many scans. Less than 3% conversions. The reason is clear.

The rule is simple: if you promise, deliver. If it’s a promo, a bonus, a download — lead directly to the relevant page. No extra clicks. No need to search. And no “sorry, it’s changed.”

Dynamic QR codes, which you can create in FbFast, allow you to quickly update the link if the content changes. So even after printing, you can restore relevance between promise and result.

With QR interactions, expectation = reality. If they match — you earn trust. If not — you lose it. Choose the former!

✔️ Checklist: Review Before Printing Your QR Code

If you’ve read this far — congratulations! You now know more about QR code mistakes than 90% of those who make them. But knowledge alone is not a guarantee of results. Practice delivers that. But before you practice — check everything.

Visual checklist before printing QR code — check for quality and function

Here’s a short checklist before printing or publishing a QR code. Go through it — and your ad campaigns will already be a cut above the rest:

  • ☑ Explanation or CTA added — so people know why to scan
  • ☑ Dynamic code chosen — if you need flexibility or analytics
  • ☑ The page is mobile-adapted and opens without errors
  • ☑ Analytics enabled to track performance
  • ☑ QR code design does not interfere with scanning, with contrast and testing done
  • ☑ The link uses HTTPS — so there are no browser warnings
  • ☑ Content behind the code matches the promise (and is updated if needed)

Checked them all? Perfect. Now it’s time to act.

🎯 Create an Error-Free QR Code — the First Time

In FbFast you can create a dynamic code with custom design, analytics, editing, and live preview. No risk. No guesswork. Just a functional tool that works.

And remember: a QR code isn’t just a decorative detail. It’s a communication channel. It can be effective, or it can disappoint. The choice is yours.

Conclusion

A QR code is a simple tool that can yield complex results. Positive — when it works. Negative — when it doesn’t. And often, the difference between these two scenarios lies not in the technology, but in the details.

We’ve covered the most common mistakes. They may seem small. But these are the very details that decide whether someone reaches your page, notices you at all, finds it convenient, or wants to scan again.

The best news is that most of these mistakes aren’t about resources, but about attention — to design, logic, and the user. And if you’ve read this far, you already have what it takes.

So create QR codes that truly work. Ones that lead where promised. That scan on the first try. That can be changed, analysed, improved. Not just codes — but real touchpoints with your brand.

And may every scan deliver results.