---
title: QR Scanner Setup
description: Complete guide to setting up mobile QR code scanning for your events.
---

# QR Scanner Setup

Black Canyon Tickets includes a powerful, browser-based QR scanning system that works on any smartphone or tablet. No apps to download, no complex setup - just point and scan.

## Quick Start

The fastest way to start scanning:

1. **Go to** `portal.blackcanyontickets.com/scan` on any mobile device
2. **Log in** with your organizer account
3. **Select your event** from the list
4. **Allow camera access** when prompted
5. **Start scanning tickets** immediately

## Scanner Features

### No App Required
- **Works in any web browser** (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
- **Automatic camera activation** when you visit /scan
- **Responsive design** optimized for mobile devices
- **Offline capability** for areas with poor connectivity

### Real-Time Validation
- **Instant ticket verification** with visual/audio feedback
- **Duplicate check-in prevention** with clear warnings
- **Invalid ticket detection** with specific error messages
- **Check-in time tracking** for attendance records

### Multi-Device Support
- **Multiple scanners** can work simultaneously
- **Real-time synchronization** across all devices
- **Staff-specific login** for accountability
- **Device-agnostic** - works on any phone or tablet

## Detailed Setup Process

### Step 1: Access the Scanner

#### Mobile Browser
1. **Open your preferred browser** on your mobile device
2. **Navigate to** `portal.blackcanyontickets.com/scan`
3. **Bookmark the page** for quick future access

#### Desktop (for testing)
- Scanner works on desktop with webcam
- Primarily designed for mobile use
- Use for testing or backup scenarios

### Step 2: Login and Authentication

#### Organizer Login
1. **Enter your account credentials**
2. **Complete two-factor authentication** if enabled
3. **Grant camera permissions** when prompted by browser

#### Staff Access
For door staff without full organizer access:
1. **Create staff accounts** in your dashboard
2. **Assign scanning permissions** for specific events
3. **Provide login credentials** to staff members

### Step 3: Event Selection

#### Single Event
- **Event auto-selected** if you only have one active event
- **Quick start scanning** without additional navigation

#### Multiple Events
1. **Choose your event** from the dropdown list
2. **Confirm event details** (date, venue, time)
3. **Verify ticket count** and expected attendance

### Step 4: Camera Configuration

#### Automatic Setup
- **Camera activates automatically** on modern browsers
- **Front/rear camera selection** available on mobile
- **Auto-focus enabled** for optimal scanning

#### Manual Configuration
If automatic setup fails:
1. **Check browser permissions** in settings
2. **Enable camera access** for the website
3. **Refresh the page** and try again
4. **Try a different browser** if issues persist

## Best Practices for Scanning

### Device Positioning
- **Hold device steady** at arm's length from ticket
- **Ensure good lighting** - avoid direct sunlight or shadows
- **Keep QR code flat** and unobstructed
- **Maintain 6-12 inches** distance from ticket

### Scanning Technique
1. **Center the QR code** in the camera viewfinder
2. **Wait for green highlight** indicating successful scan
3. **Listen for audio confirmation** (success/error beep)
4. **Check visual feedback** on screen

### Managing Traffic
- **Position scanners strategically** to avoid bottlenecks
- **Have backup devices ready** for high-volume events
- **Train staff on troubleshooting** common issues
- **Keep charging cables available** for long events

## Training Your Staff

### Basic Training (5 minutes)
1. **Show the scanner URL** and how to access it
2. **Demonstrate login process** with test credentials
3. **Practice scanning** with sample QR codes
4. **Explain success/error indicators**

### Advanced Training (15 minutes)
1. **Troubleshoot common issues** (damaged tickets, network problems)
2. **Handle special cases** (VIP tickets, accessibility needs)
3. **Use manual check-in** when QR codes fail
4. **Understand reporting features** for attendance tracking

### Staff Guidelines
- **Always verify ID** for VIP or special access tickets
- **Be polite and patient** with technical difficulties
- **Ask for help** when unsure about ticket validity
- **Keep devices secure** and don't share login credentials

## Technical Requirements

### Supported Browsers
- **iOS Safari** 12+ (recommended for iOS)
- **Chrome Mobile** 80+ (recommended for Android)
- **Firefox Mobile** 85+
- **Samsung Internet** 14+
- **Microsoft Edge** 88+

### Device Requirements
- **Camera-enabled smartphone or tablet**
- **iOS 12+ or Android 8+** for optimal performance
- **Stable internet connection** (3G minimum, WiFi preferred)
- **Screen size** 4+ inches recommended

### Network Considerations
- **WiFi preferred** for fastest performance
- **Mobile data backup** for outdoor venues
- **Offline mode available** for temporary connectivity loss
- **Low bandwidth mode** for poor connections

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Camera Not Working
**Symptoms**: Black screen, no camera feed
**Solutions**:
1. Check browser camera permissions
2. Close other apps using camera
3. Restart browser or device
4. Try different browser

### QR Code Not Scanning
**Symptoms**: Camera works but won't recognize QR codes
**Solutions**:
1. Improve lighting conditions
2. Clean camera lens
3. Ensure QR code is clear and undamaged
4. Try different angle or distance

### Slow Performance
**Symptoms**: Long delays between scans
**Solutions**:
1. Check internet connection speed
2. Close unnecessary browser tabs
3. Clear browser cache
4. Switch to offline mode if available

### Duplicate Scan Errors
**Symptoms**: Valid tickets showing as already used
**Solutions**:
1. Check if ticket was previously scanned
2. Verify attendee identity
3. Use manual override if appropriate
4. Contact support for investigation

## Offline Mode

### When to Use
- **Poor internet connectivity** at venue
- **High-volume events** to reduce server load
- **Backup scanning** during network outages
- **Remote locations** with limited cell service

### How It Works
1. **Scanner caches ticket data** when online
2. **Validates tickets locally** when offline
3. **Syncs check-ins** when connection restored
4. **Prevents duplicate entries** across devices

### Limitations
- **Must go online initially** to download ticket data
- **Real-time reporting unavailable** while offline
- **Device storage required** for ticket database
- **Sync required** before final attendance reports

## Security Features

### Ticket Validation
- **UUID-based QR codes** prevent ticket forgery
- **Cryptographic verification** of ticket authenticity
- **Expiration checking** for time-sensitive events
- **Event-specific validation** prevents cross-event use

### Access Control
- **Role-based permissions** for scanning staff
- **Audit trail** of all scan activities
- **Device registration** for authorized scanners only
- **Automatic logout** for security

### Data Protection
- **No sensitive data** stored locally on devices
- **Encrypted communication** with servers
- **GDPR compliant** data handling
- **Automatic data purging** after events

## Reporting and Analytics

### Real-Time Metrics
- **Current attendance count** displayed on scanner
- **Check-in rate** and trending
- **Remaining capacity** monitoring
- **Peak entry times** tracking

### Post-Event Reports
- **Complete attendance list** with check-in times
- **CSV export** for external analysis
- **Revenue correlation** with attendance
- **Staff performance** metrics

## Advanced Features

### VIP and Special Access
- **Color-coded feedback** for different ticket types
- **Special handling prompts** for VIP tickets
- **Access level verification** for restricted areas
- **Guest list integration** for comped tickets

### Integration Options
- **Webhook notifications** for real-time updates
- **API access** for custom integrations
- **Third-party CRM** synchronization
- **Marketing automation** triggers

## Support and Help

### During Your Event
- **24/7 technical support** via phone or chat
- **Remote troubleshooting** assistance
- **Emergency backup** solutions
- **On-site support** for large events (premium)

### Documentation
- **Video tutorials** for staff training
- **Troubleshooting guides** for common issues
- **API documentation** for developers
- **Best practices** from other organizers

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*The QR scanner is designed to be simple and reliable. With 5 minutes of setup, your entire team can be checking in attendees efficiently and securely.*