# Issue with PDF417 Scanner in ODK Client – Not Reading Properly

**URL:** <https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137>\
**Category:** Support\
**Created:** [June 2, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137 "2025-06-02T18:08:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jaber.altabbaa](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@jaber.altabbaa](https://forum.getodk.org/u/jaber.altabbaa)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137/1 "2025-06-02T18:08:02Z")

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Hi ODK team,  
We’re encountering an issue with the PDF417 barcode scanner in the ODK client application. The scanner seems to struggle with reading PDF417 barcodes, even though other third-party QR/barcode scanner apps (like XYZ Scanner) can read the same codes easily and instantly.

Is there any known limitation with PDF417 support in the current ODK implementation? Or any suggestions to improve scan accuracy?

Thanks for your support!

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**Author:** ![yanokwa](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/yanokwa/32/1695_2.png) [@yanokwa](https://forum.getodk.org/u/yanokwa)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 6:09pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137/2 "2025-06-02T18:09:56Z")

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There are no known issues Collect scanning PDF417 barcodes.

The [Collect v2025.2 beta](https://forum.getodk.org/t/odk-collect-v2025-2-beta-edit-finalized-sent-forms-mdm-configuration-android-15-support/54254/14) has improvements that helps with poorly printed codes or codes in difficult light conditions. Give that a try and let us know.

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**Author:** ![jaber.altabbaa](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@jaber.altabbaa](https://forum.getodk.org/u/jaber.altabbaa)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137/3 "2025-06-02T18:49:26Z")

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Thanks for the update, I tried it , either the barcode reader read wrong text or the app crash ,

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**Author:** ![yanokwa](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/yanokwa/32/1695_2.png) [@yanokwa](https://forum.getodk.org/u/yanokwa)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 7:03pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137/4 "2025-06-02T19:03:55Z")

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Please post a picture of the barcode you are scanning. If it contains sensitive information and you can't share publicly, email it to [support@getodk.org](mailto:support@getodk.org).

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**Author:** ![jaber.altabbaa](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/ac91a4/32.png) [@jaber.altabbaa](https://forum.getodk.org/u/jaber.altabbaa)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 7:39am UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/issue-with-pdf417-scanner-in-odk-client-not-reading-properly/55137/5 "2025-06-04T07:39:59Z")

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> [@yanokwa](#):
>
> post

Thanks, I'll send an email