My established QR code does not open a clean form to enter responses

Hi @Jay Johnson, 

Thank you for taking the time to describe what you created, when you created it, and what you observed when scanning the code. 

Based on the details you shared, the QR code for your ladder safety inspection form is opening a previously completed submission instead of presenting a clean checklist for a new response.  

This situation usually occurs when the QR code was generated from a link other than the standard Collect responses link, or when the form settings allow a responder to return to an earlier submission from the same device or browser session. In addition, saved browser data can sometimes cause Microsoft Forms to reopen the last session instead of starting a fresh entry, especially if the scan is repeated on the same phone or tablet.  

Below are some workable options that might be the most appropriate for your current situation: 

1/ Generate a new QR code directly from the Collect responses option in Microsoft Forms. 

• Open the form in Microsoft Forms, select Collect responses, and then create the QR code from that page to ensure it points to the intended response link rather than an edit or collaboration link.  
• After that, replace the previously saved or printed QR code with this newly generated one and test again with a fresh scan.  

2/ Update the form settings so each scan starts a new response session. 

• Open the form settings menu and confirm that Allow responders to edit responses is turned off, because this option can lead the same device to reopen a past submission rather than starting a new one.  
• Next, confirm the sharing scope matches your intended audience, for example allowing anyone with the link to respond if the checklist will be used broadly across a site.  

3/ Clear the scanning device browser session to prevent it from reusing an older submission. 

• On the device used to scan the QR code, try scanning again in an InPrivate or Incognito window first, and if the same behavior continues, clear the browser cache and cookies and then re scan the code.  
• If the QR code opens through Microsoft Edge, this Microsoft article walks through how to manage and clear cookies and site data in Edge: Manage cookies in Microsoft Edge: View, allow, block, delete and use - Microsoft Support 

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If you have any updates regarding the issue, please feel free to share them with me.        

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. I look forward to continuing the conversation.  

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The QR code for a Microsoft Form always opens whatever URL it was generated from. If it is now opening a completed response instead of a blank form, the QR code was likely created from the “response review”/results page or a specific response link, not from the main “collect responses” link of the form.

To fix this, generate a new QR code from the correct place:

1. Open Microsoft Forms and select the ladder safety inspection form.
2. Go to the Collect responses area (typically via the Send or Collect responses button, not the Responses tab where results are viewed).
3. Ensure the form is set to accept responses (for example, “Accept responses” is turned on in the form settings).
4. In the Collect responses pane, choose the QR code option.
5. Download or copy this new QR code and use it in place of the old one.

When scanned, this new QR code will open the live form URL and present a fresh, empty response each time, as long as the form is still accepting responses.

If the form is part of ongoing inspections, also periodically review results using the built-in analytics and response viewer so that the correct link (blank form vs. specific response) is always used when sharing.

References:

• Microsoft Forms help & learning
• Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Forms
• Forms basics
• What is Microsoft Forms?