After my own embarrassing moments by the vaporetto ticket validating machines, I decided to make things easier for other easily panicking people. See photos below.
Beginners guide: How to validate the QR code at vaporetto stops in Venice
I presume you have managed downloading the AVM Venezia app for public transport in Venice area, and purchased a ticket, without too many tears. In this example it is a 7-day ticket.
First, turn you phone screen to its brightest.
1. When you open the app, this is what you see. Without the emoji finger, that is. Anyhow, tap where the finger is tapping.
2. Then tap whatever ticket you have purchased.
3. And get a very promising view. But is it enough? No way, tap one more time.
4. Et voilà, you’re ready to go. But how?
5. This is what you’re up to.
6. First, tap the QR code symbol.
7. Then place your phone on the shelf-y thing. Somewhere there is a scanner that should be able to read the QR code. I had to photoshop this, since my own phone was in use and I have no friends to take the picture, so the photo is a bit crappy, sorry.
8. The same in profile to be more informational. You can also see that the phone can be in portrait or landscape position, whatever works. Breath in, breath out, and wait for the green-y screen and possible turnstiles opening.
9. Should that not work, try again. If still no, use your cloak to cover the machine, it might just be too sunny for the reader to work. Praying might help, too. Not to incite or anything, but I don’t think the one ticket inspector I met checked if I had validated the ticket at the turnstiles, just that it was valid in general. But I can’t promise this is always the case.
Also: If there are two piers at the same station, the left one serves vaporetti going to the right and vice versa.