Microsoft Forms QR code non-functional

Question

Microsoft Forms generates a QR code for access, typically used by mobile phone users. When scanned, the QR code forces you to open the survey in Edge only. After the Edge app is downloaded, you are sent to a blank screen. This is the case for both Android and iPhone users.

The link generated for the survey works, but the QR code is not usable in it's current form. I also tried generating a free alternative QR code using the access url generated by Forms, and this does not work either.

Other QR codes (not tied to a Microsoft Forms document) work. Any help troubleshooting would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Dear Maria, 

I hope you have a good day. Thanks for choosing Microsoft Community.  

We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing this issue. Below are several steps you can take to help resolve the issue: 

This behavior appears to be related to how the QR code link is handled on mobile devices. Microsoft Forms QR codes typically embed the form’s URL. On mobile phones, scanning that code might trigger the Edge browser’s deep-link. 

In other words, the form isn’t loading through the QR code/Edge route due to a compatibility or caching issue. The form itself is fine since the direct URL opens correctly. 

1. Use a Different Scanner/Browser:

Instead of using the Edge app right away, try scanning the QR code with your device’s built-in camera app (or a different QR scanner). Many phones’ camera apps will direct you to open the link in the default browser.  

For example, on iPhone the Camera will suggest Safari, and on Android it may suggest Chrome. This can bypass the Edge app’s blank screen issue and open the form normally in a browser that works. (If your default browser is Edge and it’s causing the issue, you can copy the URL from the QR code and paste it into another browser). Since we know the form’s link itself works, opening it in a supported browser like Safari or Chrome should display the form. 

• Change Default Browser on Mobile (Optional)

You might want to try changing your default browser and then scanning the QR code again to see if the issue persists. 

On iOS: Go to Settings > Edge > Default Browser App and switch to Safari or Chrome. 

On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and switch to Chrome. 

Then scan the QR code again. 

1. Check the network connections

• Check if the network connection is stable and try reconnecting or switching to a different network environment.
• If you use any VPN configurations on iPhone or Android, try to turn off VPN from Settings > VPN and scan the QR again.

1. Clear Edge Browser Cache and Cookies:

If you prefer to use Edge or if the QR code keeps routing to Edge, clearing the browsing data can help.  

This resource will be of help: Manage cookies in Microsoft Edge: View, allow, block, delete and use - Microsoft Support 

This removes any old data that might be interfering with loading the form. After clearing, close Edge and retry the QR code. 

1. Ensure Form Sharing Settings are Open:

• Double-check your Microsoft Form’s settings for who can access it. In the Forms settings, make sure “Anyone with the link can respond” is selected (if you intend the form to be open).
• If it’s restricted to certain users (like only people in your organization or school), an access issue could occur on mobile if the browser isn’t logged in.
• Using “Anyone can respond” ensures the form will open for everyone without needing additional sign-in. (It sounds like your form’s link works for you, so this is likely already set, but it’s a good thing to verify.)

1. Update or Reinstall the Edge Mobile App:

Make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Edge installed on your phone. Open your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and check for Edge updates. Microsoft regularly updates Edge, and an update may resolve known bugs. If it’s already updated, you might try uninstalling and reinstalling Edge. This can fix any installation issues and will also clear Edge’s data (which again helps if some cached data was causing the blank screen). 

1. Update your devices

Please make sure that all devices are updated to the latest software versions to help prevent any potential issues or compatibility errors. 
Keeping your system up to date ensures optimal performance, improved security, and better compatibility with applications like Microsoft Forms and QR code scanning tools. 

Hopefully, these solutions can help you solve this issue. Please know that we truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to support you. If you need any further help or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. 

Best regards,  

Ruby-N- MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

Answer 2

Hello Maria,   

We hope this message finds you well.  

We just wanted to follow up regarding the issue you reported earlier. We shared some possible solutions with you a few days ago, and we wanted to check in to see if they helped resolve the issue.  

If the answer above is helpful, please mark it as an answer, which will definitely help others in the community who have similar queries to find solutions to their problems faster. 

If you're still experiencing the issue or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to let us know. We’re here to help and would be happy to continue supporting you.  

Looking forward to your response!  

Sincerely,   

Ruby-N- MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

Answer 3

Thank you, Ruby!

Once I changed the setting to "Anyone can Reply" the QR code worked. However, I do need to limit it to people within my organization, and this function still seems to be unusable in it's current form.

The page that comes up after logging in using my company's credentials, the screen states that I must launch Edge to move forward. When instructed to download and use Edge Browser, I do. The Edge browser comes up with a blank screen, and then crashes or freezes then crashes.

It seems Edge is possibly unable to support this function. Is it possible to make forms work in Chrome?

Thank you!

Answer 4

Dear Maria,   

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for providing such detailed context about the issue you're experiencing. I truly appreciate your patience and the effort you've put into explaining how this impacts your daily workflow. 

Below are the steps that may assist you based on your specific work needs: 

• Check Form Access Settings:

Double-check that your form’s sharing setting is indeed set to “Only people in my organization can respond.” This setting is the root of the issue (since it requires sign-in), but it's needed for privacy. Keep it enabled, as the goal is to get the QR code working without switching to “Anyone can respond.” Just note that with this setting, respondents must use a work/school account to access the form. (If a user without access scans the QR code, they will be prompted to log in and won’t get in unless they have an account in your org.) 

• Scan the QR Code use a QR scanner app:

Some QR code scanner apps allow you to choose which browser to open the link with, or they show you the URL first. You could copy the URL and then paste it into Chrome manually. Since we know the form link itself works on a desktop, opening that URL in a mobile browser like Chrome or Safari should work; as long as you can log in with your organization account there. (Note: If your organization’s policies don’t enforce Edge, Chrome should be able to handle the login.) 

• Sign In via Edge Directly (Pre-authenticate):

If you prefer to use Edge or are required to, try this: open the Edge app on your mobile device first and sign in to your Microsoft 365 account there (for example, navigate to https://office.com or https://forms.office.com in Edge and log in).  

Ensure Edge has your work account active and you can access other Office 365 services. Once you’ve done this, use Edge’s built-in QR code scanner to scan the form’s QR code.  

To use Edge’s built-in QR code scanner > Click on Search bar > Click “Camera” > Then try to scan QR code.  

Because you’re already signed in within Edge, the form link should recognize your credentials and open the form without getting stuck on a blank login page. This method skips the external hand-off; everything happens inside Edge where you are authenticated. 

I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience this issue has caused you. I genuinely appreciate your understanding and patience throughout this process. Your cooperation means a lot. If there’s anything else I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Sincere greetings, 

Ruby-N- MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.