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QR Code Sign-In: Setup & Troubleshooting

Learn how QR code sign-in works in Custr, how to set it up, and how to resolve common scanning issues.

Overview

Custr supports multiple types of QR code sign-in to provide a fast, contactless check-in experience.

QR codes can be used in two main ways:


1. Scan to check in (iPad camera)

Users present a QR code to the iPad to check in instantly.

Used for:

  • Staff

  • Sixth form students

  • Pre-approved visitors

  • Invited visitors


2. Scan to open check-in (mobile device)

Users scan a QR code displayed on the iPad or a printed poster using their phone.

This opens a web-based check-in form on their device.

Used for:

  • Contactless visitor check-in

  • Mobile-based sign-in

This allows users to complete check-in without touching the iPad



How to set up QR code sign-in

QR code setup depends on the type of user:

  • Staff → QR codes generated in Directory

  • Pre-Approved Visitors → QR generated in Directory

  • Sixth Form → QR codes generated in Directory

  • Invites → QR codes included in invitation emails

  • Contactless (Dynamic QR / Poster) → displayed on iPad or printed

For detailed setup:



QR code scanning settings (iPad)

QR code scanning behaviour on the iPad is controlled by settings within your dashboard.


To configure these:

  1. Go to Configuration → Settings

  2. Select QR Code Features



Visitor QR camera

  • Displays a camera window when selecting Check-in on the iPad

  • Allows visitors to scan their QR code at that point

If disabled, visitors will not be able to scan QR codes during check-in process



Staff QR camera

  • Displays a camera window when selecting Staff check-in on the iPad

  • Allows staff to scan their QR code

If disabled, staff QR codes will not scan unless always-on scanning is enabled


Always on QR scanning

  • Keeps the iPad camera active at all times

  • Automatically detects QR codes without needing to tap anything

When enabled:

  • Users can simply present their QR code to the screen

  • No need to select Visitor or Staff first

When disabled:

  • Users must tap Visitor, Staff, or Students to activate the camera



Recommended setup

  • Enable Always on QR scanning for the fastest, contactless experience

  • Use Visitor/Staff QR camera options if you prefer a guided check-in process



Common reasons QR codes do not scan

If a QR code is not scanning, check the following:



1. QR scanning settings

  • Ensure Visitor QR camera or Staff QR camera is enabled

  • Or enable Always on QR scanning

If these are disabled, the camera may not activate or scan



2. Lighting conditions

  • Poor lighting can prevent scanning

  • Avoid glare or reflections



3. iPad positioning

  • Hold the QR code steady

  • Ensure it is fully visible in the frame

  • Avoid extreme angles



4. Screen or camera issues

  • Dirty or damaged camera lens

  • Cracked or dim screens



5. QR code quality

  • Blurry or low-resolution QR codes

  • Printed codes that are too small



6. Using the correct QR code

Custr uses different types of QR codes depending on how check-in is set up.

If the wrong QR code is used, it may not scan or behave as expected.



If QR code sign-in works intermittently

This is usually caused by:

  • Lighting changes

  • Camera focus issues

  • Device performance

Try:

  • Restarting the iPad

  • Cleaning the camera lens

  • Testing with a different QR code



Refreshing or regenerating QR codes

If a QR code is not working:

  • Generate a new QR code from the dashboard

  • Re-send it to the user

  • Ensure the latest version is being used



Switching to manual sign-in

If QR code scanning is not working:

  • Users can:

    • Enter their name manually

    • Use standard check-in options

This ensures check-in can continue without disruption



Troubleshooting

QR code not recognised

  • Check QR scanning settings

  • Ensure the correct QR code type is being used

  • Check lighting and positioning

  • Try regenerating the QR code



QR code scans but does nothing

  • Check device connectivity

  • Ensure the iPad is syncing correctly



QR code works for some users but not others

  • Check how the QR code was generated

  • Ensure it matches the correct user or visitor type



When to contact support

Contact support if:

  • QR codes consistently fail across multiple users

  • The iPad camera is not functioning

  • QR codes scan but do not trigger check-in



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