Setting up a Wyze Cam should be easy, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. One of the most common setup issues? The camera refuses to scan the QR code. I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be when you’re stuck on the “QR Code Scanning” step, unable to move forward.
Luckily, I’ve figured out 10 practical solutions that actually work. Whether it’s a glare on your screen, the wrong angle, or an issue with your camera’s lens, I’ll walk you through each fix in detail. By the end of this guide, you’ll have your Wyze Cam up and running.
Let’s get started!
Why Wyze Cam Won’t Scan QR Code (And What You Can Do)
If your Wyze Cam won’t scan the QR code, the first thing to understand is why it’s happening. From my experience, most people run into this issue due to one of these common reasons:
- Bad Lighting Conditions – Too much or too little light can make it hard for the camera to read the QR code.
- Screen Issues – Cracked screens, brightness settings, or screen reflections can prevent a successful scan.
- Camera Lens Problems – A dirty or scratched lens will struggle to focus on the QR code.
- Wrong Distance & Angle – Holding the QR code too close or too far can make scanning impossible.
- Temporary Software Glitch – Sometimes, the camera just needs a reset to fix scanning issues.
I’ll now take you through step-by-step troubleshooting so you can fix the problem quickly.
Check and Adjust Lighting Conditions
Poor lighting is one of the biggest culprits behind a failed QR code scan. Here’s why:
- If the screen is too bright, it creates glare, making the QR code unreadable.
- If the room is too dark, the camera may struggle to focus.
How to Fix It
- Move to a well-lit area. If possible, use natural daylight but avoid direct sunlight on your screen.
- Reduce screen brightness if there’s too much glare. Adjust it to around 50%-75%.
- Try tilting your phone slightly so that the light doesn’t reflect directly into the camera.
Clean the Camera Lens and Phone Screen
Sometimes, a simple wipe is all you need. A dirty camera lens or a smudged phone screen can make the QR code blurry.
Best Way to Clean Them
- Use a microfiber cloth (the type used for eyeglasses) to gently wipe the camera lens.
- Clean your phone screen to remove fingerprints, dust, or smudges.
- If your lens has scratches, try scanning the QR code using another device.
I’ve seen many people overlook this step, but trust me—it works more often than you think!
Adjust the Distance and Angle
Holding your phone too close or too far can prevent the Wyze Cam from recognizing the QR code.
Recommended Distance for Best Results
| Camera ModelBest Distance to Hold QR CodeWyze Cam v1/v25-7 inches awayWyze Cam v36-8 inches awayWyze Cam Pan7-9 inches away |
How to Get the Best Angle
- Start at about 6 inches away, then slowly move closer or farther.
- Keep your phone steady—shaking can cause the QR code to blur.
- Try scanning upside down—some users have had success with this trick.
Turn Off Screen Enhancements (Dark Mode, Blue Light Filter)
Some phone settings can interfere with how the QR code appears on your screen.
Settings That Can Cause Issues
- Dark Mode – Changes the contrast of your display.
- Blue Light Filter – Alters the color of the QR code.
- Adaptive Brightness – Automatically changes brightness, which can be unpredictable.
Solution
- Turn off dark mode in your phone settings.
- Disable the blue light filter under display settings.
- Manually adjust brightness to 50-75%.
Restart and Reset the Wyze Cam
If none of the above steps work, resetting the camera is your best bet.
How to Factory Reset Your Wyze Cam
| Model | Reset Instructions |
| Wyze Cam v1 | Hold the setup button for 20 seconds until the yellow light flashes. |
| Wyze Cam v2/Pan v1Hold the setup button for 10 seconds, then wait for the yellow light. | |
| Wyze Cam v3, Pan v2 | Hold the setup button for 10 seconds until the red/blue light flashes. |
Once reset, restart the setup process and try scanning the QR code again.
Generate a New QR Code
Did you know that QR codes expire after 5 minutes? If your code has been on the screen for too long, it may no longer be valid.
How to Get a Fresh QR Code
- Close and reopen the Wyze app.
- Start the setup process again to generate a new QR code.
- Scan the new code immediately to avoid expiration.
Use Another Device to Display the QR Code
If you suspect your phone’s screen is causing the issue, try using another device.
Alternative Methods
- Take a screenshot of the QR code and display it on a tablet or laptop screen.
- Email the QR code to yourself and open it on another device.
I’ve personally seen this trick work when everything else failed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Wyze Cam not recognizing the QR code?
This usually happens due to poor lighting, incorrect distance, or a dirty lens. Try adjusting these factors and scan again.
How do I reset my Wyze Cam if it won’t scan the QR code?
Hold the setup button for 10-20 seconds (depending on the model) until the indicator light flashes.
Can I use a printed QR code instead?
No, Wyze Cams work best when scanning the QR code directly from a screen.
Why does my QR code keep expiring?
Each QR code is only valid for 5 minutes. Generate a new one in the Wyze app if it expires.
Will dark mode affect the QR code scan?
Yes, dark mode can change the contrast of the QR code, making it harder for the camera to scan. Turn it off before setup.
Should I hold my phone closer or farther for the QR scan?
Start at 6 inches away and adjust slowly. Each Wyze model has an ideal distance range.
Can I scan the QR code with another phone?
No, the Wyze Cam must scan the QR code from the phone where you’re setting up the device.
Does the Wyze Cam v3 need a different QR code?
No, all Wyze Cams use the same type of QR code for setup.
Why does my Wyze Cam show a yellow light but not scan the QR code?
A flashing yellow light means the camera is in setup mode, but something is preventing it from scanning. Try cleaning the lens or adjusting the angle.
Can I set up my Wyze Cam without scanning a QR code?
No, Wyze requires the QR code scan for initial setup.
Final Thoughts
A Wyze Cam not scanning the QR code is frustrating, but it’s usually an easy fix. Adjust your lighting, clean your camera lens, and reset the device if necessary.
If you follow these steps, your Wyze Cam should be up and running in no time! Let me know which fix worked for you! 🚀
10 FAQs About Wyze Camera Not Scanning QR Code
When setting up a Wyze camera, such as the Wyze Cam Outdoor v1, v2, or Battery Cam Pro, users may encounter issues where the camera fails to scan the QR code displayed in the Wyze app. Below are 10 frequently asked questions addressing this problem, with practical solutions and comparisons to other cameras like the EZVIZ EP3x Pro where relevant.
1. Why won’t my Wyze camera scan the QR code during setup?
The camera may fail to scan due to poor lighting, screen glare, incorrect distance, or a dirty lens. Ensure the room is well-lit but not overly bright, hold the phone 6–12 inches from the camera, and clean the camera lens. Unlike the EZVIZ EP3x Pro, which also uses QR code setup, Wyze cameras are sensitive to screen brightness.
2. What should I do if the Wyze app says “QR code not detected”?
Adjust your phone’s screen brightness to 50–75%, remove any screen protector that may cause glare, and ensure the QR code fills the camera’s view. Try holding the phone steady at a slight angle. If it still fails, restart the camera by unplugging it (for wired models) or removing/reinserting the battery (for wireless models like the Cam Outdoor).
3. Could my Wi-Fi connection cause the QR code scanning issue?
Yes, a weak or unstable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal can interfere with setup, as Wyze cameras only support 2.4 GHz networks. Ensure the camera and base station (for Outdoor v1/v2) are close to the router during setup. The EZVIZ EP3x Pro also uses 2.4 GHz but benefits from a low-power Wi-Fi protocol, potentially reducing connectivity issues.
4. Does the Wyze camera’s firmware affect QR code scanning?
Outdated firmware can cause setup issues. Before scanning, ensure the camera is powered on and the Wyze app is updated to the latest version. If the camera was previously set up, reset it by pressing the setup button (on the bottom for most models) until it says “ready to connect.” Unlike Wyze, EZVIZ EP3x Pro setup issues are less firmware-dependent but may require app updates.
5. Can my phone’s settings prevent the QR code from scanning?
Yes, ensure the Wyze app has camera and location permissions enabled in your phone’s settings. For iOS, enable “Local Network” access; for Android, allow “Nearby Devices” permissions. Also, turn off VPNs or ad blockers that may interfere. The EZVIZ app requires similar permissions but is less prone to permission-related QR code issues.
6. What if the QR code scans but the setup still fails?
If the QR code is recognized but setup stalls, check the Wi-Fi password entered in the app, as it’s case-sensitive. Ensure the base station (for Outdoor v1/v2) is powered and within range (10–30 feet). Restart the app and try again. The EZVIZ EP3x Pro may face similar issues but benefits from an optional chime that boosts Wi-Fi reliability.
7. Could the camera lens or hardware be defective?
A dirty or defective lens may prevent QR code detection. Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth. If the issue persists, test with another phone to rule out camera hardware problems. Contact Wyze support for a replacement if defective. The EZVIZ EP3x Pro’s dual-lens system is less prone to lens-related QR code issues due to its wider field of view.
8. Does screen size or phone type affect QR code scanning?
Yes, smaller or older phone screens may display the QR code too dimly or with low resolution. Try using a tablet or another phone with a larger, brighter screen. Ensure the screen is clean and free of cracks. The EZVIZ EP3x Pro’s QR code setup is similarly affected by screen quality but less documented in user reports.
9. Can I bypass the QR code for Wyze camera setup?
Wyze cameras rely on QR code scanning for setup, and there’s no official bypass. However, if scanning fails repeatedly, try manual setup by entering the camera’s MAC address (found on the device) in the app, though this is not always supported. The EZVIZ EP3x Pro also requires QR code scanning, with no manual alternative, making both systems similar in this regard.
10. How do I contact Wyze support if the QR code issue persists?
Visit Wyze’s support page (support.wyze.com) or submit a ticket via the app under “Account > Help & Feedback.” Provide the camera model, app version, and a description of the issue. You can also check Wyze’s community forums for user tips. Unlike Wyze, EZVIZ offers direct support through its app and website (www.ezviz.com), with similar community resources.