TangoQR

My QR code stopped working. Why?

A QR code that stopped working has one of two causes. If it opens an error page, the page it points to was moved or taken down. If it opens a payment or "reactivate" page, the company that made the code switched it off. The printed pattern itself does not wear out.

The printed code does not decay. What fails is one of the two things behind it: the page the code opens, or the service that sends each scan to that page. Scan the code and look at what opens. That tells you which one failed.

Does the code open an error or a "page not found"?

The page it points to was moved, renamed, or taken down. A campaign page gets retired, a site is rebuilt, a link is renamed, and every printed code lands on an error. If the code is static, the dead address is locked into the image, and the only fix is a new code and a reprint. If it is an editable (dynamic) code, sign in to the site where you made it and point the code at a page that works. Every printed copy works again.

Does the code now open a payment or "reactivate" page?

The company that made the code switched it off. Some QR sites keep a code working only during a trial, or only while a subscription is paid, and then send every scan to their own page. The code belongs to that site. It cannot be fixed from here, or from any other QR site. You have two choices: pay that site to turn the code back on, or make a new code and print it again.

Do QR codes expire? explains why this happens and how to check a provider before you print.

Make the next one a code that stays on

A TangoQR code is never switched off to make you pay. It keeps opening your page if you never pay, and it keeps opening your page if you pay and then cancel. You can also change where it points after it is printed, so a moved page is an edit and not a reprint: free for a code's first 50 scans, then $10 a month.

Step by step

  1. Scan the code and look at what opens

    An error or "page not found" means the page moved. A payment, "expired" or "reactivate" page means the company that made the code switched it off.

  2. If the page moved, repoint or reprint

    For an editable code, sign in to the site where you made it and change the destination to a page that works. A static code cannot change: make a new code and print it again.

  3. If the code was switched off, make a new one

    The old code belongs to the site that made it and cannot be fixed anywhere else. Make a new code, print it, and put it where the old one was.

See also

Try it here

Never reprint a code again

A TangoQR code is an editable redirect: change where it points anytime, no reprint. Free to start.

  • Keeps redirecting forever, even if you cancel
  • No account needed to start
  • Editable for each code's first 50 scans, free
  • PNG and SVG download

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