Just downloaded My Fitness Pal on my iPhone 4 (which I've previously dloaded it and the scanner has always worked) and the scanner opens up but it's not focusing or doing any actual scanning. Rebooted, redownloaded and I'm still having the same issue. Any help or suggestions? :/

Hi there,

One thing that can go wrong with scanning on an iPhone 3GS or later is that in some cases the auto-focus gear that focuses the camera lens becomes inoperable. Our software "knows" which phones should be able to auto-focus (older iPhones can't) and it attempts to focus the lens to read the barcode. If your lens is not adjusting correctly, due to a physical issue, it can cause problems with the barcode scanning.

Will you try two things for me?

First, launch the camera app. Frame a shot with both near and distant items in the shot. Tap the screen on a nearby object, then in a moment tap the screen on a distant object. You should see the image blur a bit, then resolve into sharp focus on the object you tapped.

If this does not happen, there's definitely an issue with the lens gear. Please let us know.

Regardless of the success of that experiment, please also try the following.

When you activate the barcode scanner, initially hold the barcode quite close to the rear-facing lens. Then, slowly move the barcode further and further away form the phone. Don't worry about matching the size of the barcode to the scanner guides, just keep it centered and slowly increase the distance fom the phone, and see if at any point the image "catches" and the scan takes place.

I look forward to hearing the results of these experiments, and I do apologize again for any inconvenience.

All the best,
Fish
MyFitnessPal Staff

Hello, I tried both of those things and the scanner is mot working still. Last night after I downloaded the app I hit the barcode icon and a bright red light came on from the rear camera lens. Now when I hit the barcode icon that light isnt't coming on.

I'm on iPhone 3GS, and when I enter barcode scanner mode, there is no red line to scan the barcode, it's a hassle trying to search for the food, an the barcode scanner would help search time, I have another barcode scanner app and it works fine, plz help, I lov this app as it has helped me lose over 25lbs in a month, thxs Vic.

Are you scanning with an iPhone or using the Android app? Some android phones may have a red light in the back, iPhones do not. If you can specify what device you're using, we can be of the best assistance.

Hi,

The scanning software in each of our apps is a little different. There is no red line in the iOS/iPhone version of the app. You simply need to get the barcode in side the guide lines, and in focus. Can you see the previous post from Scott in this thread, to see test that your iPhone 3GS/s focusing mechanism is working properly?

Oh! Thxs a lot!! I don't know that iPhone scanner didn't need the red line, ok I'll try that! Thxs alot

I have an i phone 4s and still have not gotten the scanner to work

This sounds odd but the white light from the flash only comes on on a dark room

Ashleyallizzo,

Do you mind sharing with us what happens when you do the steps mentioned below?



Thanks so much. Looking forward to getting this working for you.

I only have problems scanning when there isn't enough ambient light. Is the area you are trying to scan in lit well?

Hi I have same problem. Samsung galaxy original phone. scanner worked first time i used it, now nothing?. tried in and out, tried focus etc. first time when it did work there was no sound also to tell me it had worked and when i went back a page item was listed, but sadly that has only worked once. by the way, your app is amazing and I have told everyone at my fitness class about it. thank you

Hi,

Sorry you are having issues with the barcode scanner it can be a bit tricky sometimes. To use the barcode feature, just tap on the blue button with lines through it (meant to look like a upc label) to the right of the "search the database" section, this should open up the scanner.

The following blog post also contains instructions on how to use the barcode scanner:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/mike/view/android-update-available-now-with-barcode-scanning-51420

Please note this blog says it's only available for android, but we have since updated the scanner for the iPhone, iPad and Window's 7 apps. The instructions on how to use the scanner should be the same for all apps. If you are still having a problem, please let us know.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Scott
MyFitnessPal Staff