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Diagnosis result
Merchant can't scan your QR
What's happening
You're probably showing a personal collection QR (for receiving money) instead of a payment QR. On Alipay, 'Receive' generates a code that lets others pay you — it does NOT let you pay a merchant. To pay, you must scan the merchant's code.
Steps to fix it
- 1To pay a merchant, you scan THEM — open Alipay → tap 'Scan' at the top → point at the merchant's QR code.
- 2In WeChat, tap the '+' top-right → 'Scan' → point at the merchant's code.
- 3Only show your own QR when a person is transferring money TO you (friends, reimbursements). Merchagers never scan customers in normal retail.
- 4If the merchant insists you show your code (rare, usually at small stalls), they may be using a personal code — tap 'Show Payment QR' in Alipay, not 'Receive Money'.
- 5Confirm the amount on your screen before entering your payment PIN.
Backup options
- •Cash always works at small stalls and night markets.
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