If your barcode scanner is adding an extra “0” at the beginning of scanned data, it is usually caused by a configuration setting or the type of barcode being scanned. This article explains the common reasons and how to resolve the issue.
Note:
- In many cases, the leading “0” is part of the standard barcode data, not an error.
- Different systems may interpret or display barcode data differently.
- If required, you can also remove the leading zero through software processing instead of scanner settings.
Issue / Question
- Why is there an extra 0 at the beginning of my scanned barcode?
- How do I remove the leading zero from scanned data?
- Is the leading zero part of the barcode or a scanner setting?
Resolution / Answer
There are two common reasons why a leading zero appears:
Reason 1: Prefix is Set to “0”
Your scanner may be configured to add a prefix “0” before every scanned result.
Solution:
Scan the “Remove Prefix” Barcode
Reason 2: UPC-A Barcode Format
When scanning a UPC-A barcode, the leading “0” may represent the country code (commonly used for the United States). Some systems display this as part of the full 12-digit format.
Solution:
Scan the appropriate barcode for your scanner model to disable UPC prefix output (Turn off UPC-A leading digit display)
F16, F18W, K20, K28, L5, L5S, L8, L8BL, L8BLS, L8S, M60, M80, NT-1228BL, S5, S8, Z2S, C750, W22, W28, DS8100, DS2800, DS7500, DS8500, H8, M5, M5S, M8BT, M8BTS, NT-91
A5, A6, A8, CN-40, D-8600, NT-2050, NT-2055M, NT-2085 Pro, C850, E800, R2L, RS-8000BT, RS-8000PT, CS7501, NT-1950
C990, I5, I8, W8-WIFI, W8-X, W9, W9S, NT-1202, NT-1202W, CS8501, GY-20U, GY-30U, GY-50U, GY-60U, NT-90, NT-480
F5, F6, M1, NT-1698W, NT-2012, NT-2015
C740, E740, F1900, F20, K6, L3, L6BL, L3S, L6BLS, L6S, NT-2100, R3L, S3, S6, H3, M20, NT-1228BC, W6, W6-X, Z3S
If this does not resolve the issue, please reset the barcode scanner or contact us. Click here to find your barcode scanner model and perform the reset.