QR Code Not Working
QR codes appear in Pollster only. If you’re looking for one in another format, there isn’t one — those formats have no student-device component. See QR Code Access.
This article covers what to do when the Pollster code won’t scan or votes don’t register.
The Code Won’t Scan
Section titled “The Code Won’t Scan”Size and Distance
Section titled “Size and Distance”The most common cause. A QR code that’s readable from the front row may be unreadable from the back.
- Make sure the display is fullscreen — a windowed browser shrinks everything
- Check the projector is at native resolution and in focus
- Have students at the back move forward to scan, then return to their seats. The voting page stays open once loaded
Lighting and Glare
Section titled “Lighting and Glare”Daylight washing across the screen kills contrast. Close blinds or shift the projector.
Glossy whiteboards used as projection surfaces reflect badly at some angles. If students on one side can’t scan and the other side can, that’s why.
Camera Issues
Section titled “Camera Issues”Most phone cameras read QR codes natively. Some older devices need a dedicated QR app.
Have the student hold steady for a second or two — autofocus needs a moment at distance.
The Fallback
Section titled “The Fallback”Read the URL aloud. The voting page is a normal web address; students can type it. This works every time and takes fifteen seconds.
Also fine: one student scans, then shares the link with people near them.
The Code Scans But Nothing Happens
Section titled “The Code Scans But Nothing Happens”No Internet on the Phone
Section titled “No Internet on the Phone”The phone opened the link but can’t reach it. Have the student check they have data or wifi.
On school or guest wifi, a captive portal may need accepting first. Have them open any website to trigger it, then reload the voting page.
The Page Loads But the Vote Doesn’t Register
Section titled “The Page Loads But the Vote Doesn’t Register”- Confirm they actually submitted, not just selected
- Have them reload the page and vote again
- Check whether the display shows an increasing participant count — if others are registering, it’s that device
Votes Aren’t Appearing on the Display
Section titled “Votes Aren’t Appearing on the Display”If no votes appear from anyone, the problem is likely the display’s connection rather than the students’ phones.
Refresh the display screen. It reconnects and picks up current state. See Sync Issues.
Planning Around It
Section titled “Planning Around It”For a class where participation matters, assume a couple of students will have trouble. Options:
- Pair students up
- Take one or two answers verbally and enter them yourself
- Read the URL aloud at the start so anyone who can’t scan already has it
A few students voting by proxy doesn’t change what the poll tells you.
Not a Fix
Section titled “Not a Fix”There’s no way to disable the QR code or to have students join by a code entered manually — the QR code and its URL are the only access path.
The voting page is public. Anyone with the link can vote. That’s fine for a classroom, but don’t use Pollster where you need authenticated responses.
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”- QR Code Access — how the flow works
- Pollster — full setup and running guide
- Internet Connection — connectivity requirements