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! 🚀