OpenTipJar Guides · Troubleshooting
QR code won't scan
When a tip QR will not scan, check size, glare, damage, and whether the camera can reach the link. Most failures are physical, not payment-related.
The short answer
Fix scan issues by improving size, contrast, lighting, and flat mounting before assuming the link is broken.
Quick checks
Clean the lens, increase screen brightness, reprint if the code is scratched, and verify the URL opens when typed manually.
Print quality
Low-resolution prints, glossy lamination, and curved surfaces on jars cause more failures than the payment system.
Common misconceptions
A QR that will not scan is usually a print, size, or glare problem — not a broken payment account.
Lamination glare causes more scan failures than an “expired” code on a page-backed tip link.
Published by OpenTipJar — practical guides for anyone accepting cashless tips.
Try it yourself
Create a free tip page, download a QR code, and share it anywhere guests already pause — counter, room, or link in bio.