Typing codes and camera problems

When the camera can't read a code, or can't start, you can type the code instead.

Who can: Owner, Admin, Member, Inventory manager

Typing a code

Always available: on a phone tap Type code on the camera; on a larger screen use the field below the camera. Type or paste the barcode digits and press Enter. It works exactly like a camera scan.

A typed code is looked up and handled like a camera scan, with two differences. There is no camera picture, so label reading never runs for it. And only what you type is known: a plain number gives the product but no lot or expiry, so your site's saving rules ask for an expiry where one is needed. See How scans are saved. Use the digits printed under a damaged barcode.

Allow the camera

If the browser blocks the camera, the camera box says why. Tap How to enable for steps for your device, then Try again or reload the page.

Message	Cause	Buttons
Camera access denied	The prompt was dismissed or blocked, or the device or an admin policy blocks the browser	How to enable, Try again
Camera needs a secure (HTTPS) connection	The page was opened over plain http. Allowing the camera won't help. Open the site's https address	How to enable
No camera found on this device	There is no camera	Try again
Camera is in use by another app	Another app or tab holds the camera	Try again

iPhone and iPad

Safari. Tap aA at the left of the address bar, then Website Settings, then Camera, and choose Allow or Ask. Reload the page.
Still blocked, or you added the site to your Home Screen? Open Settings, then Apps, Safari, Camera, and choose Ask or Allow.
Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Open Settings, then Apps, your browser, and turn on Camera. While that is off, the page fails instantly and never asks.
Camera greyed out? Check Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, Allowed Apps & Features.

Android

Chrome. Tap the site settings icon at the left of the address bar, then Permissions, Camera, Allow. Reload.
No Camera entry, or still blocked? Open Android Settings, Apps, Chrome, Permissions, Camera, and choose Allow only while using the app. The same steps work for Samsung Internet, Edge and Firefox.

Computer

Chrome and Edge. Click the site info icon at the left of the address bar, turn Camera on, and reload.
Firefox. Click the crossed-out camera icon in the address bar, clear the block, reload and choose Allow.
Safari on Mac. Safari, Settings, Websites, Camera, set this site to Allow.
macOS. System Settings, Privacy & Security, Camera, turn on your browser. You may need to restart it.
Windows. Settings, Privacy & security, Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera.

On a work-managed device an administrator policy can block the camera. Ask your IT team. Typing codes works regardless.

Torch

A torch button shows in the top bar only on devices that support it, mostly Chrome on Android. It doesn't show on iPhone Safari or most computers.

Camera opens but nothing scans

HTTPS is required. Browsers block the camera on plain http:// addresses (except localhost).
Focus distance. Most phones can't focus closer than about 8 cm. Back off until the code is sharp.
Lighting and glare. Tilt glossy packaging or move under a lamp.
Hold steady. Frame the code and wait half a second.
Permission dismissed. If the camera box says "Camera access denied", tap How to enable for steps for your device.
"Scanner failed to load". The decoder downloads the first time and is then kept for offline use. Reconnect and tap Try again; Type code works meanwhile.
Wrong camera. Laptops may pick the front webcam; there's no camera picker yet.
Damaged code. Type the digits printed under the barcode instead.

Still stuck? Report a scanning problem.