QR Codes Guide

QR codes are your gateway to participating in Emanate Great recognition displays. This guide explains everything you need to know about scanning and using QR codes on your phone.

What Is a QR Code?

QR Code stands for “Quick Response Code.” It’s that square, black-and-white pattern you see on recognition displays.

Think of it like a barcode at a grocery store, but for your phone camera. When you point your camera at it, your phone instantly knows what to do—in this case, open a web page where you can comment, like, or nominate!

No app needed! Your phone’s camera can read QR codes natively.

Why We Use QR Codes

For Employees

✅ Super quick - Scan and you’re commenting in seconds ✅ No typing URLs - No need to remember web addresses ✅ Works on any phone - iPhone, Android, any smartphone ✅ No app to install - Uses your regular camera ✅ One-tap access - Scan, tap, done!

For Your Organization

✅ Secure - Each QR code is time-limited and organization-specific ✅ Easy to use - Non-technical employees can participate ✅ Mobile-first - Perfect for on-the-go engagement ✅ Real-time - Comments and likes appear instantly

How to Scan a QR Code

On iPhone (iOS 11 or later)

Using the Camera app:

Open the Camera app (the one you use to take photos)
Point your camera at the QR code on the display
- Hold your phone 6-12 inches from the screen
- Make sure the QR code is centered in your camera view
Wait a moment - Your phone recognizes the code
Tap the yellow notification that appears at the top of your screen
Safari opens with the comment page automatically!

Settings check:

If nothing happens when you point at a QR code:

Go to Settings → Camera
Make sure “Scan QR Codes” is turned ON (green)
Try scanning again!

Tips for iPhone:

Make sure the QR code is well-lit
Hold steady—don’t shake or move quickly
If it’s not working, move slightly closer or farther away
Clean your camera lens with a soft cloth

On Android

Using the Camera app:

Open your Camera app (or Google Lens)
Point at the QR code on the display
- Center the code in your view
- Hold phone 6-12 inches away
Tap the pop-up link that appears
Your browser opens to the comment page!

Alternative methods:

Google Lens:

Open Google Photos or Google Lens
Point at the QR code
Tap the link

Google Assistant:

Say “Hey Google, scan a QR code”
Point at the code
Tap the result

Samsung phones:

Open Camera app
Point at QR code
Tap the Bixby Vision icon if needed
Tap the link

Tips for Android:

Some Android phones need QR scanning enabled in Camera settings
If your camera doesn’t work, try Google Lens
You can also download a free QR scanner app from the Play Store

What Happens After You Scan

Step-by-Step Experience

Scan the QR code → Your browser opens
See the recognition → The employee being celebrated
Verify your email → Security check
Choose your action → Comment, Like, or Nominate
Submit → Appears on display in seconds!

First Time vs. Repeat Scans

First time:

You’ll need to verify your email
Takes about 60 seconds total
You only do this once per session

After the first time:

Your email may be remembered (depending on your browser)
Much faster—just write and send!

Troubleshooting QR Code Scanning

”Nothing happens when I point my camera”

iPhone:

Go to Settings → Camera → Enable “Scan QR Codes”
Close and reopen the Camera app
Make sure you’re not in Selfie mode (flip the camera)
Update iOS if you’re running an old version

Android:

Open Camera Settings and enable QR scanning
Try Google Lens instead
Download a QR scanner app (many free options)

Both:

Make sure nothing is blocking your camera lens
Check that your camera has permission (not blocked in settings)

“QR code won’t scan clearly”

Try these:

Move your position - Get closer or farther away
Improve lighting - Make sure the display is well-lit
Hold steady - Don’t shake or move while scanning
Clean your lens - Fingerprints can blur the camera
Tilt your phone - Sometimes a slight angle helps
Wait for refresh - QR codes refresh every few seconds

”QR code error or expired”

What this means: QR codes are time-limited for security. They refresh every 15-30 seconds automatically.

Solution:

Wait 5-10 seconds
Try scanning the new QR code
If still not working, contact your HR team

”Can’t tap the notification”

iPhone:

Swipe down from the top to see notifications
Look for the yellow banner at the top
Make sure you’re not in Do Not Disturb mode

Android:

Look for a pop-up notification or button
Some phones show the link at the bottom of the camera view
Try pressing and holding on the QR code in your viewfinder

Manual Method (If QR Doesn’t Work)

Can’t scan the QR code? You can type the URL manually!

How to Get the URL

Look at the display - Below the QR code, you may see text like:


app.emanategreat.com/pair?code=ABC123


Code: ABC123

Option 1: Full URL

Open your phone’s web browser
Type: https://app.emanategreat.com/pair?code=ABC123
- Replace ABC123 with the actual code shown
Press Enter/Go
You’re in!

Option 2: Short Code

If only a code is shown:

Go to: https://app.emanategreat.com/pair
Enter the code when prompted
Continue!

Understanding QR Code Security

Why QR Codes Are Secure

Time-limited:

Codes expire after 15 minutes
Fresh codes generated automatically
Old codes won’t work

Organization-specific:

Each code is tied to your company
You can only participate in your organization’s recognitions
Other companies can’t access your displays

Verified access:

Email verification required
Only employees can participate
Comments are moderated (if enabled)

What Happens When You Scan


1. You scan QR code
   ↓
2. Opens specific recognition page
   ↓
3. You verify your email
   ↓
4. System confirms you're an employee
   ↓
5. You can comment/like/nominate
   ↓
6. Content appears on display (your organization only)

Security Note: Each QR code is uniquely generated and tied to your organization through email verification. The code expires after 15 minutes and can only be used for your company’s recognitions, ensuring secure participation.

Best Practices

For Best Results

Do:

✅ Hold your phone steady when scanning
✅ Make sure the QR code is centered in view
✅ Check that the display is well-lit
✅ Use your main camera (not selfie mode)
✅ Stand 6-12 inches from the display
✅ Wait patiently for the notification

Don’t:

❌ Take a photo of the QR code (won’t work!)
❌ Screenshot the QR code (also won’t work)
❌ Block other people trying to scan
❌ Scan during meetings or disruptions
❌ Share QR code screenshots (they expire anyway)

Quick Scanning Tips

Approach the display with your phone already in camera mode
Point and center the QR code
Wait 1-2 seconds for recognition
Tap immediately when the notification appears
Done! Your browser opens

Pro tip: The faster you tap the notification, the quicker you’ll be commenting!

QR Codes vs. Other Methods

Method	Speed	Ease	Best For
QR Code	⚡ Fastest	👍 Easiest	Quick participation
Manual URL	🐌 Slower	👎 Requires typing	If QR won’t scan
Saved Bookmark	⚡ Fast	👍 Easy	Regular users

Recommendation: Use QR codes! They’re designed to be the quickest, easiest way to participate.

Advanced QR Tips

Using QR Scanner Apps

If your camera doesn’t work well, try a dedicated app:

iPhone:

“QR Code Reader” by Scan
“Quick Scan” - QR Code Reader
Most are free with ads

Android:

“QR & Barcode Scanner” by Gamma Play
“QR Code Reader” by Kaspersky
“Google Lens” (pre-installed on most)

After installing:

Open the scanner app
Point at the QR code
Tap the link that appears

Browser Settings

If links won’t open:

iPhone (Safari):

Make sure Safari isn’t blocked in Screen Time
Check Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data

Android (Chrome):

Make sure Chrome is your default browser
Check Settings → Apps → Chrome → Set as Default

For Frequent Users

Bookmark the main page:

Visit app.emanategreat.com in your browser
Bookmark it for quick access
You can browse all recognitions without QR codes

Note: You’ll still need to verify your email the first time!

QR Codes in Different Locations

Lobby Displays

Characteristics:

Usually larger displays
Well-lit areas
Easy to scan from multiple angles
High traffic—be mindful of others

Break Room TVs

Characteristics:

Mid-sized displays
May be mounted higher on walls
Sometimes at odd angles
More casual atmosphere

Tips:

Stand directly in front if possible
May need to tilt your phone slightly
Be patient with varying lighting

Hallway Monitors

Characteristics:

Smaller displays
Often at eye level
May be in dimmer lighting
Quick-access points

Tips:

Get closer to smaller displays
Use your phone’s flashlight if needed (carefully!)
Don’t block hallway traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install an app?

No! Your phone’s regular camera can scan QR codes. No app needed.

Why does the QR code keep changing?

For security! QR codes refresh every 15-30 seconds with new codes. This prevents old codes from being misused.

Can I screenshot the QR code and scan it later?

No, that won’t work. The code will be expired by the time you try to use it.

What if multiple people are scanning at once?

No problem! Multiple people can scan and participate simultaneously. Each person gets their own independent session.

Does scanning use my phone’s data?

Yes, a very small amount. The initial page load uses about 1-2 MB. If you’re concerned, use WiFi.

Can I scan from a printed QR code?

Emanate Great QR codes are designed for displays only. They refresh frequently, so printed versions won’t work.

What if I don’t have a smartphone?

Talk to your HR team about alternative access methods. They may be able to provide a direct link you can use from a computer.

Getting Help

Quick Fixes

Won’t scan?

Clean camera lens
Improve lighting
Hold phone steady
Try Google Lens or a QR app

Notification won’t appear?

Check camera settings
Update your phone’s OS
Try a QR scanner app

Link won’t open?

Check your browser settings
Make sure you have internet
Try typing the URL manually

Need More Help?

💬 Commenting Guide - What to do after scanning
📖 User Guide - Complete guide to Emanate Great
🔧 Troubleshooting - Detailed problem solving
👥 Ask a colleague - Many people are already using it!

Ready to scan your first QR code? Find a recognition display and give it a try! 📱

How to Comment → | User Guide → | Troubleshooting →