Can't Read the Barcode?

If you're having trouble reading bar codes, don't panic! Here are three simple steps to help you solve the problem.From checking the device's status to adjusting the scanning angle, and on to optimizing the quality of the barcode, the detailed steps will help you easily solve the problem of the scanner not being able to read the barcode, and will improve work efficiency.

Step 1: Check the scanner and the barcode.

If a scanner suddenly stops working, it might just be a minor problem causing the trouble.Don't jump to conclusions that your equipment is broken. Try the following:

Confirm that the scanner is powered on.

Check the power cord and USB connection to see if they are loose. If it is a wireless scanner, check to see if the batteries are dead.Sometimes when the equipment doesn't respond, it's just because the plug is loose or there's no power.

Clean the scanner window and the surface of the barcode.

Dirt on the scanner head or on the barcode can affect reading.Simply clean the scanning window with a clean cotton swab, then wipe the surface of the barcode with an alcohol swab, and the problem might be fixed.

Test if other bar codes can be read.

Try scanning a clear, standard bar code (such as the one on a soda bottle) to see if it works.If the other barcodes can be scanned, it means that the problem is in the original barcode. If none of the barcodes can be scanned, then the problem is in the equipment.

The second step is to adjust the way in which the scanner is used.

If you don't hold the scanner right, the recognition rate will be a "broken leg.Try these techniques.

Control the distance and angle of the scan.

Most scanners work best at distances of 5 to 15 cm.If you are too far away, you will have difficulty focusing, and if you are too close, the camera will reflect in the mirror.Keeping the scanner at a 30- to 60-degree angle to the bar code increases the success rate.

Avoid interference from ambient light.

Strong direct light or strong reflected light will make the scanner go blind.Adjusting the position of the equipment to avoid reflections, or putting a matte film over the bar code, can reduce interference.

Try different scanning modes.

Some scanners support both manual and automatic modes.If the automatic mode fails, you can switch to manual mode and press the button to trigger the camera.

Step three: Improve the quality of the bar codes themselves.

If the first two steps fail, it may be that the barcode was defective from the start.At this time, we need to solve the problem at its source.

Check the print quality of the bar code.

Fuzzy, damaged, or low-contrast barcodes are difficult to read.Use the zoom function on your mobile phone to examine the edges of the barcode. If the black and white lines are joined together or broken, it is recommended that you print it again.

Testing the format compatibility of the bar codes.

The scanner does not necessarily support all types of barcodes (such as two-dimensional codes, PDF417, etc.).Check the user manual to confirm which formats are supported, and use a special tool to generate the correct barcode if necessary.

The scanner has a special function to deal with this.

If the old barcode is only partially damaged, it can be repaired by using a black marker to fill in the damaged portion, or by covering it with clear tape to prevent further damage.It's not perfect, but it works in a pinch.

By following these three steps, more than 90 % of problems with scanning failure can be found.If you still can't get it to work, it may be a hardware problem. In that case, contact the manufacturer or replace the unit.