A Myntra barcode number is a 13-digit EAN code (or an 8-digit variant for smaller items) printed on a product tag, invoice, or shipping label, and it exists to link a physical item to Myntra’s inventory and order-tracking systems. Every unit sold on the platform carries one, whether it’s a t-shirt, a pair of sneakers, or a skincare bottle. Sellers, warehouse staff, and customers all rely on the same code for different reasons.
This article covers where the myntra barcode number actually lives on your product or order, what the digits mean, how to scan or verify one, and what to do when a barcode goes missing during a return or exchange. It’s written for both shoppers trying to process a return and sellers setting up listings for the first time.
Most guides on this topic either explain barcodes in generic retail terms or focus only on the seller side. This one walks through both the customer-facing and seller-facing uses of the myntra barcode number, with a clear breakdown of where each type of code shows up and why the numbers on the box don’t always match the numbers on the tag.
What Exactly Is a Myntra Barcode Number?
A myntra barcode number is a unique numeric identifier, usually formatted as a GS1-issued EAN-13 code, that represents one specific product variant in Myntra’s catalog. It is not the same as an order ID or an AWB (airway bill) tracking number, even though shoppers sometimes confuse the three.
According to GS1 India, barcodes issued through the organization begin with the prefix “890,” which marks them as registered to an Indian company and distinguishes them from barcodes issued in other countries. A single barcode typically corresponds to one size and one color of a product, so a shirt in three sizes will carry three separate barcode numbers even though the listing on the app shows one product page.
Quotable summary: A myntra barcode number is a GS1-standard EAN-13 code that identifies one specific size and color variant of a product, distinct from the order ID or shipment tracking number, and it appears on the product tag, the packaging label, and the seller’s inventory sheet.
Where to Find the Barcode Number on Your Product or Order
The barcode usually appears in three places: the fabric or care tag sewn into the garment, the sticker on the outer packaging bag or box, and the invoice emailed after purchase. If the tag has been removed, the outer packaging sticker is the next best source.
- Fabric or care tag stitched inside the collar, waistband, or seam
- Adhesive sticker on the poly bag or shipping box
- PDF invoice attached to the order-confirmation email
- Order details screen inside the Myntra app, under “Order Summary”
If none of these show a readable code, the barcode information can also be pulled up through the seller’s dispatch records, since every unit is logged against its barcode at the point of packing.
How to Scan or Verify a Myntra Barcode Number
Scanning a myntra barcode number requires a standard barcode or QR scanner, which is built into the Myntra app’s order-details screen for return and exchange verification. Point the in-app scanner at the code on the packaging, and the app will match it against the order to confirm the correct item is being returned.
If the in-app scanner isn’t available on an older app version, most UPI or shopping apps with a built-in scanner, such as Paytm, can read the same code, though they won’t connect it back to a Myntra order automatically. Updating to the latest app version from the Play Store or App Store usually resolves scanner availability issues.
Why the Barcode Matters for Returns and Exchanges
Myntra’s return and exchange process depends on matching the returned item’s barcode to the original order record, which is why customer support frequently asks for the barcode number when a return is delayed or rejected. Mismatched or missing barcodes are one of the most common reasons a return gets flagged for manual review.
Quotable summary: Returns and exchanges on Myntra are verified by matching the barcode on the returned item against the barcode logged at the time of dispatch, so a missing or damaged tag can delay refund processing even when the product itself is unused and eligible.
Our take: if a return is time-sensitive, photograph the barcode tag and the outer packaging sticker before initiating the return request. Having both images ready cuts down the back-and-forth with support if the automated scan fails to match.
Barcode Types Sellers Need to Know
Sellers listing products on Myntra work with two main barcode formats: EAN-13 for standard retail units and, less commonly, UPC-A for products sourced from suppliers who use the North American standard. Getting the format wrong at the listing stage is a frequent cause of warehouse rejection.
| Barcode Type | Digit Length | Typical Use on Myntra |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Standard for most Indian-sourced retail products |
| EAN-8 | 8 digits | Small items with limited label space, like accessories |
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Products sourced from suppliers using the North American standard |
GS1, the global body that also governs the “890” prefix used in India, maintains the underlying standard that all three formats follow, which is why barcode software built for one region can usually read codes issued in another without modification.
Our take: new sellers should register for barcodes through GS1 India directly rather than reusing a supplier’s existing code, because duplicate barcodes across different sellers are a common cause of inventory mismatches once a SKU is live on the platform.
Myntra Barcode Number vs. QR Code: What’s the Difference
A myntra barcode number refers specifically to the 1D linear code (the parallel black lines) used for inventory and order matching, while the QR code found in some order confirmations serves a different function tied to engagement, discounts, or quick order lookup rather than warehouse-level tracking.
Both codes can appear on the same package, and it’s easy to scan the wrong one by mistake. The barcode is almost always positioned directly below or beside the printed digit string, since the digits are meant to be a human-readable backup in case the scanner fails. The QR code, by contrast, is typically a standalone square block without an adjacent number sequence, since it isn’t designed to be read manually.
| Feature | Barcode (1D) | QR Code (2D) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Parallel vertical lines | Square grid pattern |
| Primary use on Myntra | Inventory and return verification | Order lookup, promotions, quick links |
| Human-readable backup | Yes, digits printed below the lines | No |
| Data capacity | Limited to the encoded number string | Higher, can store links or extended data |
Quotable summary: The myntra barcode number and the QR code on a package serve different jobs — the barcode ties the physical item to inventory and return records, while the QR code is generally used for order lookup or promotional links, and confusing the two is a common reason a scan fails to return the expected result.
Common Barcode Problems and How to Fix Them
The most frequent issues are a barcode that won’t scan, a barcode that scans but doesn’t match the order, and a barcode that’s missing entirely because the tag was removed before the return was initiated.
- Barcode won’t scan: check for a torn, folded, or smudged label; try manual entry of the printed digits instead of the camera scanner
- Barcode doesn’t match the order: contact support with the order ID and a photo of the code, since a printing error on the seller’s end is possible
- Tag was removed before return: use the invoice or the app’s order-summary screen, which stores the barcode separately from the physical tag
This doesn’t apply if the item was purchased through a third-party reseller rather than directly through Myntra, since resellers sometimes repackage products under their own labeling and the original barcode may no longer be traceable through Myntra’s system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a myntra barcode number the same as an order ID?
No. An order ID identifies the entire purchase transaction, while a myntra barcode number identifies one specific product variant, such as a size and color combination. A single order can contain several items, each with its own separate barcode number, even though there is only one order ID for the whole purchase.
Can I look up a product using its barcode number?
Yes, if you have physical access to the barcode and a scanner, either the in-app Myntra scanner or a third-party app can pull up basic product information. This works reliably for items still listed and in stock; discontinued products may show limited or no data even though the code itself remains valid.
What should I do if my order arrived without a visible barcode?
Check the invoice emailed at purchase and the order-summary screen in the app, since both typically list the barcode separately from the physical tag. If neither shows the code, contact customer support with the order ID so they can retrieve it from the seller’s dispatch record instead.
Do all sellers on Myntra use GS1-issued barcodes?
Most do, since GS1 India is the recognized authority for EAN barcodes starting with the “890” prefix, and Myntra’s seller onboarding process expects standard-compliant codes. Some smaller or newer sellers occasionally use non-standard or supplier-assigned codes, which can cause more frequent scan-matching issues at the warehouse.
Is it worth tracking barcode numbers for resale purposes?
Yes, for higher-value items like sneakers or branded apparel, keeping a record of the original barcode alongside the receipt helps establish authenticity if the item is resold later. For low-cost basics, the extra record-keeping usually isn’t worth the effort relative to the resale value.
What’s the most common mistake shoppers make with barcode numbers?
The most common mistake is discarding the outer packaging or removing the tag before confirming a return isn’t needed, which removes two of the three places the barcode is normally printed. Keeping packaging until the return window closes avoids this entirely.
Final Thoughts
A myntra barcode number is a small detail that only becomes a problem when it’s missing, and the single most useful habit is holding onto the product tag and outer packaging until a return or exchange window has fully closed. That one habit solves the majority of barcode-related delays shoppers run into.
If a return is already stuck because of a barcode mismatch, the fastest fix is pulling the invoice from the order-confirmation email and sending it directly to Myntra support along with the order ID, rather than waiting on the in-app scanner to resolve the match automatically.
