QR code Generator Not Working

[Chris Panny]

I'm on InDesign 20.5 mac Sequoia 15.5. I'm having difficult time with the QR Code generator. When I create this, I'm entering a URL that points to a PDF file. However, when I scan this code, it points to a different PDF file. I can't make heads or tails of this. Below is the link I'm putting into the QR Code generator:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.pilates.com/Instructions/19027%20Bravo%20Reformer_CE_CompleteManual%20we...

If you click on this, it loads a PDF. In the right side of the footer there is a date 2025-07.

If you scan the code below, it's supposed to load the same file with the same date. However, scanning this loads a different PDF with the date 2025-05. The only thing I can think of is when scanning, it's getting redirected to this other file. Any thoughts on this? 

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Chris Panny,

Thanks for reaching out. I tried scanning the QR on my end, and it took me to the same page as the URL posted. Could you try scanning the QR Code on a different device to confirm if you are able to replicate the same?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[Chris Panny]

I'm still getting the same wonky behavior across multiple mobile devices. The PDF files look very similar but they're not the same file. Please check the bottom right date in the footer of the 1st page.

Copying and pasting the URL will show a date of 2025-07.

Scanning the QR code will show a date of 2025-05.

I'm including a screenshot of the 07 PDF which is what the QR code should be loading. 

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

I just scanned it (iPhone) and it loads the 2025-07 version

[Chris Panny]

How odd. Mine still points to the older version from 2025-05. I'm beginning to think this is a server redirect issue and not the QR code generator. I've made other QR codes and never had issues. There are other QR codes in this manaul that work correctly. 

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Chris Panny,

Thanks for confirming. Were all those devices on the same network (Wi-Fi)? If yes, it is quite possible that DNS caching is happening on your network/router level. If you are trying this on a mobile network, use an incognito window to load the website.

Let us know how it goes.

Anubhav

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

The only other thing I thought of: is it maybe a cache issue? i.e. a previous version is loading from your phone's browser cache?

Try clear your phone's cache and see if that changes anything.

[Chris Panny · Accepted solution]

It turns out the company has both files on their server - no idea why. Some browers pick up the old verion. Others pick up the new. It turns out none of this the QR Code generator. Thanks for all of your input. Sorry this turned out to be a lemon post. 

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

When you get the 2025-05 version, have you also downloaded it? In which case, "Get Info" on it and see if the path is different than it should be:

[Peter Spier]

Add me to the list of those for whom the correct file loads...