Scanners won't read my phone

Wellis1025 · Jan 21, 2021

I have an issue that just started. I purchase e-gift cards a lot from my phone. Done it for years. The scanner scans the barcode or QR code and all is well...until 2 days ago.
Today, a QR code wouldn't scan. I figured maybe my screen was dirty-cleaned it. Adjusted brightness. Nope. It The merchant's scanner just didn't seem to recognize it.
I figured, it was a bad scanner.

So, I go to load money into my bank and the way I do that immediately through the app, is it will generate a barcode.

I went to the local drug store (that I use all the time) and the self scanner didn't detect the barcode. I then had the cashier try. Same thing that happened with the QR code.

I rebooted the phone. No luck. Any suggestions? I use this EXTENSIVELY and if scanners (and and otherwise) can't read my phone, is my only option to finally upgrade?

Dannydet · Jan 21, 2021

It's most likely not your phone but I'm curious as to the app you speak of that may be the culprit.

Wellis1025 · Jan 21, 2021

2 different apps. First one is Ibotta. It is where you can add coupons, buy gift cards get cash back.

The second one is Stash. It's a microinvesting app that has a bank side where you get stock back for purchases on their debit card.

Dannydet · Jan 21, 2021

Can you send the bar code / qr code to a different device and see if it works?

Wellis1025 · Jan 21, 2021

I can send the Ibotta one...and it did scan (QR code). I can't figure out what would cause it. Screen has been cleaned. No luck.

ocnbrze · Jan 21, 2021

ok it could be just a one off thing. i have seen many phones for one reason or another not work when trying to scan a barcode off of the phone. it may also depend on the scanner the cashier uses. they can be just as bad at not scanning those barcodes.

Dannydet · Jan 22, 2021

What if you uninstall the apps, then reinstall them?

Unforgiven · Jan 22, 2021

I've had issues where the under counter scanners won't read the screen while the handheld ones will. Also, I've had dark mode or blue filter mess it up. Check that you haven't inadvertently turned one of these on.

Wellis1025 · Jan 22, 2021

Unforgiven said:
I've had issues where the under counter scanners won't read the screen while the handheld ones will. Also, I've had dark mode or blue filter mess it up. Check that you haven't inadvertently turned one of these on.

I think the "dark mode" thing was the issue. I took that off both apps and it worked!!!

mikedt · Jan 22, 2021

Wellis1025 said:
I think the "dark mode" thing was the issue. I took that off both apps and it worked!!!

Quite frankly that sounds like a problem that the app's developer should fix ASAP. I have dark mode turned on with my Huawei, and most days scanners are scanning codes from my phone, like for Wechat or Alipay payments at shops or public transport, and never have any problem.

Wellis1025 · Jan 24, 2021

mikedt said:
Quite frankly that sounds like a problem that the app's developer should fix ASAP. I have dark mode turned on with my Huawei, and most days scanners are scanning codes from my phone, like for Wechat or Alipay payments at shops or public transport, and never have any problem.

Agreed. It seems Ibotta has already. I didn't see any reports in their forums BUT it is working there now in dark mode. Stash, the other app, I opened a ticket.

Scanners won't read my phone

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