Why doesn't my QR code work?

Not able to log in with your QR code? Read on for the likely reasons why!

Are you struggling to log in to the App with your QR code? Is it taking you somewhere else? It's easy to think it 'doesn't work'. Read on for simple steps on logging in with your QR code, and some common mistakes when using them.

Logging in using a QR Entry Code

When logging into the correct role on your App, this can be done through a numerical code or using a QR Entry Code. This will be supplied by the school's Safer Schools Admin, likely the Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead or another member of the safeguarding team. As all the content in the Safer Schools App is age and role appropriate, it's important to ensure you and the children in your care are logging into the correct role.

The most common mistake when trying to log in with a QR code is not scanning the QR code with the correct camera. The QR Entry Codes MUST be scanned in the app .

Step 1: When you open your App you'll be asked to select your role (parent/carer, staff or pupil) and log in. If you've not yet created an account, you'll need to do that first. Click here to find out how.

Step 2: Once you've created an account/logged in for the first time, you'll be asked to add a school/role. If using the Scan QR Code option, you will NOT need to search for a school.

Step 3: Once you've selected Scan QR Code, it will open an in-App camera.

You MUST use this in-App camera to scan the QR entry code, otherwise it will not work!

The QR codes used by Safer Schools are NOT the same as a QR code you might find on a drinks can. Therefore, if it is scanned with your regular phone camera, it will not work properly! Once you have scanned the code, it will automatically take you to your appropriate role and school in the App.

Add a role with a QR code

You can also add an additional role with a QR code in the App using the Switch tool. You need to already be logged in to the App and have at least one role on your profile, which you will have added when you logged in for the first time.

This tool is particularly useful if you require access to more than one school or have more than one role, for example a teacher with children in a different school.

To add a role with a QR code:

Step 1: Navigate to your account by tapping the person icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select Add School or Role from the Account Information section.

Step 3: Repeat similar steps as above, by tapping Scan QR Code and using the in App camera to scan the QR Entry Code provided.

This will make the role available in your account until such a time as you choose to remove it. 

If you see an error saying 'This school or role already exists for this user' you may have already added it to your account. If so, you can select it from your list of schools/roles in your profile by tapping Switch School or Role under Your Active Profile on your account page.