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Why has the scanner on my mobile computer stopped reading?
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Preventive battery replacement, Wi-Fi coverage audit and a general check of your scanners and mobile computers.
In brief. On a mobile computer, the scan engine is controlled by a manufacturer application: DataWedge on Zebra, ReaderConfig on CipherLab, Datalogic Settings, scan profiles on Honeywell, Unitech Scan Service on the HT730. When the scan button does nothing or a barcode is not decoded, first check in this application that the scanner and the barcode's symbology are enabled, then test scanning in the manufacturer's test application.
Examples:
See all 46 scanners and mobile computers
CipherLab
Datalogic
- Datalogic Falcon X4
- Datalogic Falcon X60 - X65
- Datalogic Matrix 120
- Datalogic Matrix 220 XAI
- Datalogic Matrix 320
- Datalogic Memor X3
- Datalogic PowerScan 9100 Series
- Datalogic PowerScan 9500 Series
- Datalogic PowerScan 9600 Series
- Datalogic Skorpio X3
- Datalogic Skorpio X4
- Datalogic Skorpio X40 - X45
- Datalogic Skorpio X5
Honeywell
Why has the mobile computer's scanner stopped reading? 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.
- Scanner or scanning application disabledAccording to the Zebra MC33XX guide, the scan button only starts capture if a scanning application is active; on CipherLab, “Enable Reader” must be ticked in ReaderConfig; on Datalogic, the scanner must be enabled in Datalogic Settings, and the triggers in the physical keyboard settings.
- Symbology not enabledCipherLab and Honeywell state that only enabled symbologies are decoded.
- Scan engine not suited to the barcodeThe Datalogic Falcon X4 comes in a 1D or 2D imager version; the SE965 laser of the Zebra MC9300 only reads 1D barcodes.
- Dirty window or poor aimingDatalogic has you clean the scan window of the Falcon X4; Honeywell advises aiming at a slight angle to avoid reflections.
What to check, in order
- Test in the manufacturer's test applicationScan Test in ReaderConfig on CipherLab, Scan Demo on Honeywell, Unitech Scan Service on Unitech's HT730.
- Check that the scanner is enabledIn the manufacturer's configuration application.
- Check the barcode's symbologyAnd that the mobile computer's scan engine supports it.
- Check your application's profileA scanning profile may be associated with it (DataWedge profiles on Zebra, ReaderConfig profiles on CipherLab): it must enable the scanner.
- Clean the scan windowWith the product specified in the manufacturer's guide.
What the documentation recommends, model by model
For 30 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.
| Model | Guide entry | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| 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 do barcodes scanned by my Zebra MC3200 mobile computer not appear in my application? | On Android, DataWedge applies a profile to each application. If your application has no profile and the generic Profile0 is disabled, it receives nothing: create a profile for that application, with Barcode Input and Keystroke output enabled. |
| Zebra MC3300 | Why 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 MC3300 | Why 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 MC3300ax | Why 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 MC3300ax | Why does my Zebra MC3300ax mobile computer not send scanned barcodes to my application? | If scanning works in the DataWedge demo app but not in yours, Zebra explains that a DataWedge profile associated with your application, with a suitable output, is missing. Without this profile, Profile0 applies, without knowing where to send the data. |
| Zebra MC3300x | Why 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 MC3300x | Why 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 / MC3450 | Why 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 / MC3450 | Why 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-G | Why does DataWedge not work on my Zebra MC9190-G mobile computer? | According to Zebra, a scanning application such as DataWedge must be running in order to scan. Open DataWedge, check that the scanner is ticked “Enabled”, then touch “Running” until the status shows “Ready”. |
| Zebra MC9190-G | Why 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 MC9200 | Why 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 MC9300 | Why 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 MC9300 | Why 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 / MC9450 | Why 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 / MC9450 | Why 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 TC22R | Why do the scans from my Zebra TC22R mobile computer not arrive in my app? | On the TC22R, it is DataWedge that sends scanned data to the app as keystrokes. Check in the DataWedge app, Settings menu, that the “DataWedge enabled” box is ticked. |
| Zebra TC22R | Why 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 TC8000 | Why 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 TC8000 | Why does my Zebra TC8000 mobile computer scan without me pressing the trigger? | Hands-Free Scanning mode is probably enabled: it triggers scanning as soon as a code enters the field of the proximity sensor. Return to “Hands Free Off” in the Hands Free Scanning settings. |
| Zebra TC8300 | Why 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. |
| Zebra TC8300 | Why does my Zebra TC8300 mobile computer no longer beep when scanning? | By default, the good-read beep follows the system notification volume. If this volume is muted, so is the beep; turn up the notification volume or have the beep adjusted in DataWedge. |
| Datalogic Falcon X4 | Why 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 / X65 | Why does my Datalogic Falcon X60 no longer beep or show the Green Spot after a scan? | The good read feedback options are set separately in Datalogic Settings > Scanner & Decoder > Good Read: Enable good read, Enable Green Spot, Enable good read LED and Enable vibrator. The beep volume is set on the Notification page (Good read audio volume). |
| Datalogic Falcon X60 / X65 | Why 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 Memor X3 | Why 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 X3 | Why 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 X3 | Why 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 X3 | Why 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 X4 | Why 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 X4 | Why 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/X45 | Why 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/X45 | Why does my Skorpio X40 read the code without showing a green dot? | The good-read signals are enabled one by one. In Datalogic Settings > Scanner & Decoder > Good Read, check “Enable good read”, then “Enable Green Spot”, “Enable good read LED” and, if you wish, “Enable vibrator”. |
| Datalogic Skorpio X5 | Why 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 X5 | Why 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 CK3R and CK3X | Why 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 CK3X | Why 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 CK62 | Why 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 CK62 | Why does the handle trigger on my Honeywell CK62 not start scanning? | Check that the CK62-SH handle is fitted as Honeywell specifies: hand strap removed, fixing screw inserted at the back of the mobile computer and tightened with a flat-head screwdriver. Scanning is then triggered by the trigger. |
| Honeywell CK65 | Why 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 CK65 | Why 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 CK67 | Why 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 CK75 | Why 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 EDA61K | Why 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 EDA61K | Why 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 HT380 | Why 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 HT380 | Why 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 Plus | Why 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. |
| Unitech HT730 / HT730 Plus | How do I remap the scan keys on my Unitech HT730 mobile computer? | Use the KeyRemap app: it lets you remap the SCAN_LEFT, SCAN_RIGHT, SCAN_KEY, PROG_1, PROG_2 and TRIGGER_GUN keys. To return to the original assignments, choose “Reset all settings” in its menu. |
| CipherLab RK25 | Why 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 RK25 | Why 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 RK26 | Why 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 RK26 | Why is the aiming pattern on my CipherLab RK26 mobile computer no longer displayed? | The aiming pattern and illumination are set in ReaderConfig: “Decode Aiming Pattern” and “Decoding Illumination” are enabled by default. Re-enable them and set their power back to 10 if a profile has changed them. |
| CipherLab RK95 | Why 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 mobile computer's trigger no longer fire the beam?
The scanner may be disabled in the manufacturer's configuration application, or no scanning application is active (Zebra states this for the MC33). On Datalogic, also check that the triggers are not disabled in the physical keyboard settings.
What is DataWedge on a Zebra mobile computer?
It is the Zebra application that handles barcode scanning and sends the data to the other applications, using profiles. If scanning no longer works in an application, check that DataWedge is enabled and that the profile for that application enables the scanner.
Why does my mobile computer read some barcodes but not others?
The symbology of the rejected barcode is probably not enabled, or the scan engine does not support it: the SE965 laser of the Zebra MC9300, for example, only reads 1D barcodes. Enable the symbology in the configuration application, then check the mobile computer's data sheet.
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