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Why has my barcode scanner stopped reading barcodes?

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Preventive battery replacement, Wi-Fi coverage audit and a general check of your scanners and mobile computers.

In brief. When a scanner or mobile computer stops reading barcodes, the manufacturers' documentation points first to three causes: the barcode type (the symbology) is not enabled, the reading distance or angle is not right, or the scan window is dirty. On a mobile computer, the scanning application may also be disabled. Test with a barcode of the same type in good condition before changing the settings.

See all 46 scanners and mobile computers

Why does a scanner stop reading barcodes? The causes cited by manufacturers

These causes are taken from the manufacturers' guides; each example names the model concerned. The entry for your model, in the model-by-model table below, gives the exact procedure.

  1. Symbology not enabledNot all barcode types are enabled at the factory: Honeywell states this for the CK62 and CK67, Unitech for the MS852B (Code 11 and 2 of 5 codes disabled by default). A barcode of a disabled type is then not decoded.
  2. Distance, angle or reflectionsZebra cites an unsuitable reading distance for the DS3600; Honeywell advises aiming at a slight angle to avoid reflections. Fixed-mount scanners have a focus range: according to Zebra, the FS10's does not go below 3 inches, about 76 mm.
  3. Damaged or poorly printed barcodeZebra also cites an unreadable barcode: a barcode of the same type in good condition tells you whether the scanner or the label is at fault.
  4. Dirty scan windowThe guides for the Zebra FS fixed-mount scanners and the Datalogic Falcon X4 mobile computer have you check that the scan window is clean.
  5. Scanning disabled on a mobile computerOn a mobile computer, the scan button does nothing if the scanner is disabled: “Enable Reader” in ReaderConfig on CipherLab, “Enable Scanner” in Datalogic Settings, an active scanning application on Zebra.

What to check, in order

  1. Test with a barcode of the same type in good conditionIf it scans, the original label is at fault (printing, wear, reflections).
  2. Check that the symbology is enabledIn the configuration application or with the programming barcodes in your model's guide.
  3. Adjust the distance and angleMove the scanner closer or further away, tilt it slightly to avoid reflections.
  4. Clean the scan windowWith the product specified in the manufacturer's guide.
  5. On a mobile computer, test in the manufacturer's applicationScan Test in ReaderConfig on CipherLab, Scan Demo on Honeywell, Unitech Scan Service on Unitech's HT730.

What the documentation recommends, model by model

For 46 models, the manufacturer's documentation describes this symptom. Each row links to the detailed entry in the guide, with the full procedure and its sources.

ModelGuide entryShort answer
Zebra DS3600Why does my Zebra DS3608 handheld scanner not read some barcodes?Zebra cites three causes: the barcode type is not enabled, the barcode is unreadable, or the scanning distance is not suitable. Enable the symbology concerned, test a barcode of the same type in good condition and move the scanner closer to or further from the barcode.
Zebra DS3600How should I aim at a barcode with a Zebra DS3608 or DS3678 handheld scanner?The correct way to aim depends on the version. According to Zebra, with the SR and DP versions, place the aiming dot at the centre of the barcode; with the HP, HD and ER versions, cover the entire barcode with the aiming pattern so that it is within the field of view.
Zebra FS10Why does my Zebra FS10 scanner not read barcodes?According to Zebra, a decode failure produces no beep, whereas a good read produces a medium tone. Check the distance (the focus of the FS10 does not go below 3 inches, about 76 mm), the cleanliness of the scan window and the focus, then the triggering and the job configured in Aurora Focus.
Zebra FS10Why does the autofocus (AutoTune) on my Zebra FS10 fail?The FS10 adjusts its focus with the autofocus barcodes in the Zebra guide: scan a delay barcode (5, 8 or 13 seconds), present a test barcode during the delay and let the adjustment run for 5 to 15 seconds. A high tone signals success; a low tone with a solid red light signals failure.
Zebra FS20Why does my Zebra FS20 scanner not decode barcodes?According to the Zebra table, a decode failure triggers no beep. Check the scanning distance, the cleanliness of the window and the focus, then the trigger source and the licence of the job in Aurora Focus.
Zebra FS20How does my Zebra FS20 adjust its autofocus?The FS20 is an autofocus scanner: scan one of the autofocus barcodes in the Zebra guide, present a different test barcode during the delay, then wait for the confirmation beeps. To adjust the exposure and gain as well, use the Aurora Focus AutoTune.
Zebra FS40 and FS70Why does my Zebra FS40 or FS70 scanner not read the barcode?According to Zebra, each decode failure results in a red blink of the 360° ring, with no beep. Check the focus, the distance, the illumination and the cleanliness of the window, then the licence and the symbologies of the job in Aurora Focus.
Zebra FS40 and FS70Why does the autofocus on my Zebra FS40 fail?On the FS40, the TUNE button starts the focus adjustment and the Focus Status light shows the result: solid green with a high tone on success, solid red with a low tone on failure. Try again with a test barcode correctly placed in the field of view, or use the autofocus barcodes in the Zebra guide.
Zebra MC3200 (MC32N0)Why has my Zebra MC3200 mobile computer stopped reading barcodes?Open an app with an active input field, then press and hold the scan button or the trigger: with the imager, place the barcode in the red aiming pattern; with the laser on the MC32N0-R, the red line must cross all the bars. If nothing happens, check that DataWedge is enabled and that the symbology is ticked.
Zebra MC3200 (MC32N0)Why does the scan button on my Zebra MC3200 mobile computer running Android no longer do anything?DataWedge may be disabled. Open DataWedge, tap the options menu, then Settings, and tick DataWedge enabled: the blue tick shows that it is enabled.
Zebra MC3300Why has my Zebra MC3300 mobile computer stopped reading barcodes?The scan button only starts capture if a scanning application is enabled (Zebra MC33XX guide). With the imager, a red aiming pattern should appear; with the SE965 laser, a red line. If the beam appears but the barcode is not decoded, check that its symbology is enabled in DataWedge.
Zebra MC3300Why won't my Zebra MC3300 mobile computer read QR codes?Check your mobile computer's configuration: according to the MC33XX integrator guide, the rotating head model (MC33XX-R) is only available with the SE965 1D laser scanner, and some G and S versions are also fitted with it. Only the SE4750-SR and SE4850-ER imagers are 2D engines.
Zebra MC3300axWhy has my Zebra MC3300ax mobile computer stopped scanning barcodes?According to the quick start guide, the scan button and the trigger only start capture if a scanning application is active, with a text field selected. In picklist mode, the mobile computer only decodes once the crosshair of the aiming pattern is placed on the barcode.
Zebra MC3300xWhy has my Zebra MC3300x mobile computer stopped reading barcodes?Open an app with an active input field: according to Zebra, the scan button and the trigger only start capture if a scanning application is enabled. If the beam comes on without decoding, check that the barcode's symbology is ticked in the DataWedge profile.
Zebra MC3300xWhy does my Zebra MC3300x mobile computer only read the barcode when the crosshair is on it?The mobile computer is in picklist mode (Picklist): according to Zebra, it then only decodes the barcode touched by the centre of the aiming pattern. Aim precisely, or disable this mode in DataWedge if your application does not need it.
Zebra MC3400 / MC3450Why does my Zebra MC3400 mobile computer no longer scan barcodes?According to Zebra, first check that DataWedge is enabled, that the barcode is not damaged and that you are aiming from the right distance. If a particular type of barcode is never read, enable its decoder in the DataWedge profile.
Zebra MC3400 / MC3450Why does my Zebra MC3400 mobile computer struggle to read some barcodes?Zebra points out that each imager has a scanning range that depends on the density of the barcode: move further away for large barcodes, closer for barcodes with tightly packed bars. Avoid light reflecting straight into the imager and clean the exit window.
Zebra MC9190-GWhy does my Zebra MC9190-G mobile computer not scan barcodes?First launch a scanning application such as DataWedge, then aim at the barcode with the scan window on the top of the mobile computer. If the light stays red without changing to green, move the mobile computer closer or further away to find the right distance and avoid the beam reflecting directly back to the scanner.
Zebra MC9200Why does the scanner on my Zebra MC9200 mobile computer not read barcodes?Press the trigger and look at the light bar: according to Zebra, solid red indicates that the laser is active and solid green that a barcode has been decoded. If nothing lights up under Windows, check the DataWedge scanning application; under Android, Zebra fixed a built-in scanner lock-up in BSP 02.13.1108.
Zebra MC9300Why does the scanner on my Zebra MC9300 mobile computer not read any barcode?According to the MC93XX guide, no scanning application is loaded or DataWedge is not enabled, the barcode is damaged, the distance is not suitable, or the mobile computer is not programmed for this type of barcode. Enable DataWedge, position yourself within the scanning range and enable the symbology in the profile.
Zebra MC9300Why does the laser on my Zebra MC9300 mobile computer not come on when I press the trigger?The MC93XX guide blames a low battery: the scanner turns off even before the low battery notification appears. Check the battery level and recharge; if the laser stays off, contact your distributor or Zebra support.
Zebra MC9400 / MC9450Why does the scanner in my Zebra MC9400 mobile computer not read barcodes?According to Zebra, no scanning application is active, the barcode is damaged, the distance is wrong or the symbology is not enabled. Check that DataWedge is enabled, place the barcode within the aiming reticle and adjust the distance.
Zebra MC9400 / MC9450Why does my Zebra MC9400 mobile computer scan poorly when entering cold storage?Zebra explains that when moving from an area above 0 °C into cold storage, condensation can form on the inside of the scanner exit window. Check that the heater (Heater app) is enabled on your MC9400 Freezer.
Zebra TC22RWhy does my Zebra TC22R mobile computer not read barcodes?On the TC22R, barcode scanning is done by default with the lower trigger, the upper trigger being reserved for RFID. Aim at the code with the aiming pattern, at the right distance and without direct reflection.
Zebra TC8000Why does my Zebra TC8000 mobile computer no longer read barcodes?Check that a data entry app is open, that the scanning distance and angle are suitable and that DataWedge is enabled. A successful scan is indicated by a green light and a beep.
Zebra TC8300Why does my Zebra TC8300 mobile computer no longer respond when I scan a barcode?Zebra cites four causes: damaged barcode, unsuitable scanning distance, symbology not configured, or good-read beep disabled. Check the barcode and the distance, then the scanning settings.
Datalogic PowerScan 9100Why does the light on my Datalogic PowerScan 9100 handheld scanner flash instead of staying solid?According to Datalogic, a solid light indicates an active scanner, ready to scan, and a continuously flashing light a scanner disabled by the host. If the chosen interface starts the scanner disabled, hold the trigger for 5 seconds so that you can configure it.
Datalogic PowerScan 9100Why does my Datalogic PowerScan 9100 handheld scanner not read the barcode?The PowerScan 9100 is a linear imager: its scan line must cross the whole barcode. Tilt the scanner slightly to avoid direct reflections and adjust the distance: closer for barcodes with fine elements, further away for barcodes with wide bars.
Datalogic PowerScan 9500Why does the light on my Datalogic PowerScan 9500 handheld scanner flash continuously?According to Datalogic, the scanner has been disabled by the host. Some interfaces start the scanner disabled: to configure it in this state, press and hold the trigger for 5 seconds.
Datalogic PowerScan 9500Why will my Datalogic PowerScan 9500 handheld scanner not read some barcodes?First check that the optics suit the barcode: the standard model reads normal and low density barcodes, the HP and DPM versions high density barcodes. Then check the reading mode: Pick Mode ignores barcodes away from the aiming centre.
Datalogic PowerScan 9600Why does the light on my Datalogic PowerScan 9600 handheld scanner keep flashing?This rhythm indicates a disabled scanner (“Reader Disabled”). Some interfaces start the scanner in this state: hold the trigger down for 5 seconds to be able to read programming barcodes, then check the selected interface.
Datalogic PowerScan 9600Why will my Datalogic PowerScan 9600 handheld scanner not read the barcode?Datalogic gives three causes: the scanner is not programmed for this barcode type, the label is damaged, or the distance is not right. Enable the barcode type, test another barcode and move the scanner closer or further away.
Datalogic Matrix 120Why does the red STATUS light on my Matrix 120 come on when a product passes?The red STATUS light indicates a NO READ result: the scanner was triggered but did not decode any valid code. Check the position of the code, the focus and the symbology, then run the Setup function again.
Datalogic Matrix 120Why won't my Datalogic Matrix 120 fixed-mount scanner read barcodes?First check that the focus position matches the distance of the code and that the scanner is tilted 10 to 20° relative to the label. Then run the X-PRESS button's Setup function with the code presented, and check the result in Test mode.
Datalogic Matrix 220 and Matrix 220 XAIWhy does my Matrix 220 project a red spot onto the part?The red spot lights up the target when no valid read has taken place: no code has been decoded. The red STATUS light indicates the same NO READ result. Check the distance, illumination and placement of the code, then run the Automatic Setup again.
Datalogic Matrix 220 and Matrix 220 XAIWhy won't my Datalogic Matrix 220 fixed-mount scanner read barcodes?On the Matrix 220, the reading distance is saved with Aim mode (automatic focusing), then the image and code are calibrated with Automatic Setup. Redo these two steps with the actual code, with the scanner tilted 10 to 20° relative to the label, then check in Test mode.
Datalogic Matrix 320Why does my Matrix 320 light up red when a product passes?Red indicates a failed read: the STATUS light shows a NO READ result. The code was not decoded; check that it passes within the reading range of the optics and that the illumination is suitable, then run the X-PRESS button's Automatic Setup again.
Datalogic Matrix 320Why won't my Datalogic Matrix 320 fixed-mount scanner read barcodes?Place the code within the reading range of the installed optics, then use the X-PRESS button: Aim Mode to centre the target on the aiming system, Automatic Setup to optimise the photometric parameters, and Test to check the result. For full configuration, use DL.CODE.
Datalogic Falcon X4Why does my Datalogic Falcon X4 mobile computer not read barcodes?First check that your Falcon X4's engine matches the barcode to be read: Datalogic sells the Falcon X4 in a 1D imager or a 2D imager version, and only the 2D version has an aiming system. Then clean the scan window with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Datalogic Falcon X60 / X65Why does my Datalogic Falcon X60 mobile computer no longer scan barcodes?Open Datalogic Settings > Scanner & Decoder: check that the scanner is enabled (Enable Scanner) and that the scan source is the scan engine (Scan engine). Then check that the triggers are not disabled in the physical keypad settings. If only one barcode type is not read, reset the symbologies configuration.
Datalogic Falcon X60 / X65Why does my Datalogic Falcon X60 not read barcodes at the top of racks?The range depends on the scan engine: Datalogic offers the Falcon X60/65 in a standard, long-range or extra-long-range (XLR) version. Use the two-stage TrueAim trigger (Half Trigger mode) and enable Enhance DoF, which extends the maximum scanning distance.
Datalogic Memor X3Why does the scanner on my Datalogic Memor X3 mobile computer not read barcodes?The right technique depends on the scan engine: laser, 2D imager or linear imager. On the linear model, the light bar must cross the barcode from end to end, at an angle of no more than 30° from the perpendicular; if the left light does not turn green, check that the symbology is enabled.
Datalogic Memor X3Why does my Datalogic Memor X3 refuse to read a type of barcode?Symbologies are enabled in the Decoding applet, under Reader Parameters (for example Code 39 and its check digit control). Enable the rejected symbology, then save with File > Save so that the setting survives the next restart.
Datalogic Skorpio X3Why does the scanner on my Datalogic Skorpio X3 mobile computer not read barcodes?First check the aiming: on the laser version, the light line must cross the entire barcode; on the imager version, centre the aiming pattern on the barcode. If the scan light still does not turn green, check that the symbology is enabled in the Decoding applet.
Datalogic Skorpio X3Why does my Datalogic Skorpio X3 read some barcodes and not others?Each symbology has its own page in the Decoding applet, with an enable box, lengths and a check digit. Enable the symbology of the rejected barcode, check its lengths, then save.
Datalogic Skorpio X4Why does the scanner on my Datalogic Skorpio X4 mobile computer no longer read barcodes?Press SCAN or the trigger and watch the scan light: red during the attempt, green after a successful decode. If it never turns green, check the illumination, the symbology and the decode timeout in Scanner Settings (Android) or in the Decoding applet (Windows).
Datalogic Skorpio X4Why does my Datalogic Skorpio X4 not read barcodes displayed on a smartphone screen?On Windows Embedded Compact 7, enable the Read from display option in the imager options: according to Datalogic, it improves the reading of barcodes displayed on an LCD screen, such as a smartphone's. Then save the registry to keep the setting.
Datalogic Skorpio X40/X45Why does the scanner on my Datalogic Skorpio X40 mobile computer not read barcodes?Aim at the code and press one of the two side scan buttons: a successful read is confirmed by the Green Spot, a green dot projected onto the code. If it does not appear, check in Datalogic Settings > Scanner & Decoder > Scanner Options that the scanner, illumination and aiming are enabled, then check the range of your imager.
Datalogic Skorpio X40/X45Why does my Skorpio X40 not read barcodes displayed on a monitor?Enable “Display Mode (Antireflex)” in the scanner options. The Datalogic documentation describes it as the setting that optimises the reading of a barcode displayed on a screen.
Datalogic Skorpio X5Why does the scanner on my Datalogic Skorpio X5 mobile computer not read barcodes?Point the scan window at the code, press the SCAN button or a trigger, and place the whole code inside the brackets of the aiming pattern. If the light stays red until release, the code is not decoded: check that its symbology is enabled in Settings > Datalogic Settings > Scanner Settings.
Datalogic Skorpio X5Why does my Skorpio X5 not read a barcode displayed on a PC screen?For Android mobile computers with a 2D scanner, the Datalogic knowledge base says to enable the “Display Mode” setting in the scanner options. This setting is used to read codes displayed on a screen.
Honeywell Granit 1920iWhy does my Honeywell Granit 1920i handheld scanner not read the barcode?Press the trigger, centre the red aiming dot on the barcode and, on a shiny surface, tilt the scanner slightly. For a direct part mark (DPM), choose the illumination mode suited to the surface.
Honeywell Granit 1920iWhy does my Granit 1920i not read a dot peen mark on a part?For dot peen codes, Honeywell recommends the “Direct Illumination – Bottom” setting, which only switches on the bottom illumination. On a reflective part, tilt the scanner slightly.
Honeywell Granit 1980i and 1981iWhy does my Honeywell Granit 1980i scanner not scan the barcode?Adapt your aiming to the distance: close up (less than 30 cm), centre the red illumination frame on the barcode; at a distance (up to 15.2 m), aim at the centre of the barcode with the laser pointer. On a glossy label, tilt the scanner.
Honeywell Granit 1980i and 1981iWhy does my Granit 1980i scan poorly when a barcode is held very close to it?Close up (less than 30 cm), aim with the red illumination: centre the frame on the barcode. Honeywell specifies that the laser pointer then appears to the right of centre; do not use it to aim at short range.
Honeywell Granit Ultra 2100i / 2105iWhy does my Honeywell Granit Ultra scanner not scan barcodes?Centre the aimer on the barcode and stay within the scanning range of your version (HD, SR, XR or XLR). According to Honeywell, decoding capabilities also depend on the configuration: a symbology that is not enabled will not be read.
Honeywell Granit Ultra 2100i / 2105iWhy does my Honeywell Granit Ultra scanner not scan very small barcodes?The SR version reads 1D barcodes down to 2.5 mil and 2D barcodes down to 5 mil. For finer barcodes, Honeywell offers the HD (high density) version, which reads down to 2 mil in both 1D and 2D, close up.
Honeywell Granit XP 1990i / 1991iWhy does my Honeywell Granit XP scanner not scan barcodes?Centre the aiming beam on the barcode and stay within the scanning range of your model (SR or XLR). On a 1991i, three beeps when scanning signal a problem with the link to the base, not a scanning problem.
Honeywell HF800Why does my Honeywell HF800 fixed-mount scanner not scan barcodes?Check, in this order, the ambient lighting, the distance between the scanner and the barcode (specific to each HD, SR or ER version and to each 0° or 90° orientation) and the image setting. Honeywell states that ambient light that is too low can prevent scanning and offers one-button image setup (AutoLearn).
Honeywell HF800Why does my Honeywell HF800 fixed-mount scanner scan poorly when the workshop is poorly lit?The Honeywell quick start guide states that if the ambient light is too low, the barcode may not be read. Additional lighting can then improve scanning performance.
Honeywell CK3R and CK3XWhy is the scan light on my Honeywell CK3X mobile computer flashing red?According to the Honeywell manual, a flashing red Good Read light signals a bad read: the barcode was not decoded. Check that the symbology is enabled in Intermec Settings and that the beam covers the whole barcode.
Honeywell CK3R and CK3XWhy does my Honeywell CK3X mobile computer not scan barcodes?Check in Intermec Settings that the barcode's symbology is enabled and that the imager mode is suitable (bright light, reflective surface). At less than 30 cm, aim slightly to the right of the centre of the barcode; beyond that, aim at the middle, covering the whole barcode.
Honeywell CK62Why does the scanner on my Honeywell CK62 not scan a barcode?Not all symbologies are enabled by default on the CK62: if a barcode does not scan, its symbology may be disabled. Test in Scan Demo, centring the aiming beam on the barcode, at a slight angle to avoid reflections.
Honeywell CK65Why does the scanner on my Honeywell CK65 not scan barcodes?According to Honeywell, a red scan light signals a failed read: first check that the barcode's symbology is enabled in the scan profile. Then aim at a slight angle to avoid reflections, with the aiming beam centred on the barcode.
Honeywell CK65Why does my Honeywell CK65 struggle to scan damaged or inverse barcodes?The Honeywell guide provides dedicated decoding settings: “Poor Quality 1D Reading”, disabled by default, for damaged or poorly printed 1D barcodes, and “Video mode” set to Inverse for inverse barcodes. Direct part markings (DPM) require a licence.
Honeywell CK67Why does the scanner on my Honeywell CK67 not decode some barcodes?Not all symbologies are enabled out of the box on the CK67: if a barcode does not scan, Honeywell advises enabling the right symbology in the application settings. Test with Scan Demo, holding the mobile computer at a slight angle.
Honeywell CK75Why does my Honeywell CK75 mobile computer not scan barcodes?Aim at the barcode at a slight angle to avoid reflections, hold down the Scan button and centre the aiming beam on the barcode. A successful read is indicated by a beep and the Good Read light coming on briefly.
Honeywell ScanPal EDA61KWhy does the scan light on my Honeywell EDA61K mobile computer come on red?According to Honeywell, a red scan light indicates a failed scan: check that the barcode's symbology is enabled. Green indicates a good read.
Honeywell ScanPal EDA61KWhy does my Honeywell EDA61K mobile computer not read barcodes?Test scanning in the Scan Demo application, then check that the symbology is enabled in Settings > Honeywell Settings > Scan Settings. Aim at a slight angle, centre the beam and keep the whole barcode inside the illumination frame.
Unitech MS852BWhy does my Unitech MS852B handheld scanner not read certain barcodes?Check that the symbology is enabled: according to the MS852B manual, Code 11, Interleaved 2 of 5 and Discrete 2 of 5 are disabled by default. Once enabled, the 2 of 5 codes only accept one length by default (14 characters for ITF, 12 for D 2 of 5). Keep the trigger pressed during scanning: this is the default mode.
Unitech HT380Why does my Unitech HT380 mobile computer not scan the barcode?One red flash of the scan light signals a decoding failure. Aim at the barcode within the scanning range of the Zebra SE4710 engine, from near contact to more than 60 cm, using one of the three SCAN keys. If the barcode is a Code 39 Full ASCII containing /M or /N, see the dedicated entry.
Unitech HT380Why does my Unitech HT380 mobile computer not decode /M and /N in Code 39 Full ASCII?According to the Unitech FAQ, the HT380's Zebra SE4710 engine does not define these two sequences: it is Honeywell that defines /M as a hyphen and /N as a full stop. To get a hyphen or a full stop, encode the barcode according to the Zebra definitions.
Unitech HT730 / HT730 PlusWhy won't my Unitech HT730 mobile computer read barcodes?Test the scanner in the USS (Unitech Scan Service) app: start a scan and aim at the barcode. If Picklist mode is active, only the barcode aligned with the aimer is decoded. As a last resort, restore the USS factory settings from its “Factory Default” menu.
CipherLab RK25Why does my CipherLab RK25 mobile computer no longer read barcodes?The RK25 only reads the symbologies enabled in the ReaderConfig app. Open ReaderConfig, check that “Enable Reader” is ticked and that the barcode type is enabled, then try a test with “Scan Test”.
CipherLab RK25Why does the scan beam on my CipherLab RK25 mobile computer no longer light up?CipherLab suggests four steps, in order: re-enable “Decode Aiming Pattern” in ReaderConfig, reset the “Default” profile, restart and then wait 30 seconds, and as a last resort reset the mobile computer. If none of this works, the scan engine is probably faulty.
CipherLab RK26Why does my CipherLab RK26 mobile computer not scan barcodes?First test scanning in ReaderConfig: “Scan Test”, aim at the barcode, press a side trigger. If nothing is read, enable the barcode's symbology in the ReaderConfig profile and check that “Enable Reader” is ticked.
CipherLab RK95Why does my CipherLab RK95 mobile computer no longer scan barcodes?Follow CipherLab's order: enable “Decode Aiming Pattern” in ReaderConfig, reset the “Default” profile, restart and wait 30 seconds, and only then reset the mobile computer. Also check that the barcode's symbology is enabled in ReaderConfig.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my scanner read some barcodes but not others?

Most often, the barcode type (the symbology) of the rejected barcode is not enabled. Honeywell and Unitech state that some symbologies are disabled at the factory. Enable it in the configuration application or with the programming barcode in your model's guide.

Why does my scanner turn on but not read anything?

Test with a barcode in good condition, at a suitable distance and at a slight angle. If no barcode scans, clean the scan window and, on a mobile computer, check that the scanner is enabled in the configuration application. If nothing changes, your model's guide says when to contact support.

Should I reset a scanner that has stopped reading?

Only after the simple checks: a return to factory settings also resets useful settings (interface, keyboard country, enabled symbologies). Note your settings first, then follow the procedure in your model's guide.

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PDF version of the page https://www.timcod.fr/reparation/en/barcode-scanner-troubleshooting/symptoms/barcode-scanner-not-reading, updated on 21 October 2026.