For hosts: when a QR won't scan
What each AOA scanner error means: a used, deactivated or someone else's ticket, an unconfirmed registration, and when you need to call the organizer.
The main rule
The scanner always shows a specific reason. Read it and the next step becomes obvious. Don't let people in "by eye" and don't argue with the guest: almost everything gets sorted in 10 seconds.
"This is an invitation, not a ticket"
The guest showed the invitation email, not a ticket: they didn't finish registering. Find them by name in the list and let them in manually.
"Ticket already used"
Someone has already come in with this QR. Either the guest went in and came out, or someone else used the ticket. Calmly ask whether they've already been inside. If not, let them in manually and tell the organizer.
"Registration not confirmed yet"
The event requires approval, and the organizer hasn't approved the application yet. Don't let them in yourself: message the organizer, it's their call.
"This ticket is for another event"
The person came to the wrong place or showed an old ticket. Check the event name in their email.
"Ticket deactivated"
The registration was cancelled or refunded. You can't let them in: send them to the organizer.
"Ticket not found"
Most often it's a screenshot from an old email or someone else's QR. Look for the guest by name or phone number in the list.
The camera doesn't see the QR
- Ask them to turn up the screen brightness: that's the main cause in the dark.
- Hold your phone 15-20 cm away, not right up against it.
- A printed QR won't scan with glare on it: move it out from under the lamp.
- Still not working? Go to the list and find the person by name. That always works.
When to let people in yourself and when to ask
Let them in yourself: the guest is on the list but has no QR; the ticket won't scan for technical reasons; the person is on the list with their name spelled differently.
Ask the organizer: a cancelled ticket, an unapproved application, a reused ticket, any conflict involving money.