# Barcode is not recognized

The scanner might not recognize barcodes for several reasons mentioned in the table below.

Cause | Solution
--- | ---
The scanner is set up for barcode recognition in a format that does not match the actual barcode type. | Even if your scanner is capable of recognizing barcodes in multiple formats, it might be programmatically limited to recognizing only one format at a time. Refer to documentation that comes with the scanner for details on how to specify a barcode format that matches your barcode format.
Barcode parameters were changed, which made the configuration of the scanner obsolete. | Adjust your scanner to recognize new barcodes.
The scanner was replaced due to hardware failure. | Configure the new scanner to recognize the desired barcode format. Refer to documentation that comes with the scanner.
The scanner's configuration became corrupt due to improper shutdown. | Restore the scanner's configuration either manually or from a backup file, if available.
The surface you are scanning the barcode from has a shiny, reflective appearance—for example, like plastic or metals. | Remove the plastic cover.
The barcode is unreadable. | Check the barcode visually. Try recognizing it with another scanner to check whether it is readable.