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When I scan my QR code it shows the site name as text instead of opening the page. Why?

Because the address was typed without its beginning, like example.com, and the tool stores exactly what you type. Many camera apps only treat text as a link when it starts with https:// or http://. Retype it as https://example.com and make the code again.

Published · 2 min read

What actually happened

In 'Text or URL' mode the tool adds nothing and removes nothing, on purpose: sometimes you really do want a code that shows plain text. So when you type example.com, the stored content is exactly 11 bytes, the characters you typed. The phone reads those characters and decides for itself whether they are a link, and some apps show them as plain text with only a copy button.

When you type https://example.com the content becomes 19 bytes, and apps recognise it as a link without hesitation. The difference is eight characters, and the resulting code is still small: 25 modules wide instead of 21.

How to fix it

  1. Open the QR code generator and choose 'Text or URL'.
  2. Paste the full address as it appears in your browser's address bar after opening the page; it includes https:// automatically.
  3. Look at the 'What is stored inside the code' box below the tool. The text must start with https:// exactly.
  4. Download the new code, and scan it before replacing the old one.

Similar mistakes with the same result

  • A space at the start of the link or inside it, copied from a message, which turns it into text that will not open.
  • An Arabic letter or punctuation stuck to the end of the link, such as a comma or full stop from the sentence you copied it from.
  • Writing www.example.com without https://. Some apps open it and some do not, so do not rely on it.
  • Capital letters in the path. Some sites treat upper and lower case in the path differently and return an error page.

All of these show up in the stored-content box before you download, because it displays what a scanner will read, character for character. Make checking it the last step before anything goes to print.

Common questions

Why does the tool not add https:// by itself?

Because the same mode is used for plain text too, and adding something you did not type could spoil text you meant as it is. The tool shows you the content so you stay in control.

I already printed the old codes. Is there a fix?

A printed code cannot be edited. The fix is a sticker with a new code over it, or leaving the old one if your customers' apps open it and you accept the risk.