How To Use Dynamic QR Codes With Time-Based Smart Rules

“Can we automate QR Code menu changes by time of day?”
This was the most common request from the 52% of our surveyed businesses that use QR Codes for menus. 

Upon closer analysis, the challenge was clear. Teams are spending hours daily updating QR Code menus across multiple locations. Meanwhile, customers scanning during transition periods encountered outdated menus, causing incorrect orders and operational friction.

And this isn’t limited to just menus. Time-based targeting applies to multiple industries and use cases. That’s where time-based Smart QR Codes help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through building time-triggered QR Code journeys and show you how they can reduce operational overhead, minimize errors, and enhance the customer experience.

How Time-Based Smart Rules Work

Time-based Smart Rules allow you to change the destination or content of a dynamic QR Code based on when it’s scanned. Instead of static experiences that remain the same throughout the day, you can use Smart Rules to deliver timely, relevant content at specific hours, days, or time windows—all from a single QR Code.

Here’s how it works:
When a user scans your dynamic QR Code, the dynamic QR Code generator you use checks the current time and evaluates it against your configured rules. Based on the match, the user is instantly redirected to the content tailored for that time—a promotional page, a different menu, or a shift-specific resource.

These Smart Rules ensure your audience gets the right content at the right time without having to manage or reprint multiple QR Codes. Since time-based logic doesn’t rely on permissions (unlike location-based rules), every scan leads to a consistent, privacy-friendly experience.

How to create time-based smart QR Codes

Creating time-based Smart QR Codes is simple with Uniqode. You can get started with a 14-day free trial and follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your Uniqode dashboard and click + Create. Select QR Codes from the drop-down.
2. Under the Dynamic QR Code section, select Smart Rules as your QR Code type.
3. Click Add new rule and choose Time from the drop-down.
4. Define your time window (e.g., 7 AM – 11 AM) and enter the URL users should be redirected to during that time.

• “is”: Target a specific time
• “is not”: Exclude specific moments
• “is between”: Define time ranges
• “is not between”: Restrict access for specific time periods

5. Set a Default URL for scans outside this time frame.
6. Click Add New Rule to create additional time-based segments (e.g., lunch hours, after-hours, weekends).
7. Once all time-based rules are configured, click Next.
8. Customize your QR Code by uploading your brand logo and adjusting the QR Code color and design. Click Next when done.

Test and name your QR Code, then click Finish to complete creation.

How different industries can use time-based Smart Rules

1. Campaign launch automation

⚠️Challenge: Coordinating QR Code campaigns across multiple time zones and launch windows requires constant manual updates.

✅Smart Rules solution (combining Date + Time conditions):

• Pre-launch period (Date “is not” launch date): Teaser page with email capture for launch notifications
• Launch day + business hours (Date “is” launch date AND Time “is between” 9 AM – 5 PM): Full campaign activation with purchase options
• Launch day + after hours (Date “is” launch date AND Time “is not between” 9 AM – 5 PM): Campaign page with “Available tomorrow morning” messaging
• Post-campaign (Date “is not” launch date, after campaign ends): Thank you page with related product recommendations

📈Result: Campaign coordination happens automatically across both date and time parameters. No missed launch timing. No expired promotional messaging.

2. Daily promotion timing (Time-only conditions)

⚠️Challenge: Flash sales and daily specials need to activate and deactivate automatically throughout the day.

✅Smart Rules solution (Time conditions only):

• Morning rush (Time “is between” 7 AM – 10 AM): “Early bird special – 20% off coffee”
• Lunch hours (Time “is between” 11:30 AM – 2 PM): “Lunch combo deals available now”
• Afternoon lull (Time “is between” 2 PM – 4 PM): “Quiet time – perfect for meetings”
• Evening service (Time “is between” 5 PM – 9 PM): “Dinner specials and happy hour”

📈Result: Daily promos now trigger automatically. No more staff reminders or mid-shift updates.

3. Event marketing automation

⚠️Challenge: Conference and event QR Codes need different information before, during, and after events.

✅Smart Rules solution (combining Date + Time conditions):

• Registration period (Date “is not” event date): Agenda highlights with early bird pricing
• Event week (Date “is between” week before and event date): Logistics information with parking and real-time updates
• During the event (Date “is” event date AND Time “is between” 8 AM – 6 PM): Live session schedules with networking opportunities
• Post-event (Date “is not” event date, after event ends): Session recordings with speaker contact information

📈Result: Event logistics run automatically across both date and time parameters.

4. Automatic menu changes and time-based offers for the food industry

⚠️Challenge: Restaurants need to display the right menus and offers at the right time, without relying on manual updates.
✅Smart Rules solution (combining Time conditions):

• Time “is between” 6 AM – 10 AM: Display breakfast menu
• Time “is between” 10 AM – 12 PM: Mid-morning offers or snacks
• Time “is between” 12 PM – 3 PM: Lunch menu
• Time “is between” 3 PM – 7 PM: Evening snacks or happy hour deals
• Time “is between” 7 PM – 10 PM: Dinner menu
• Time “is after” 10 PM: Late-night options

📈Result: Menu updates and promotions happen automatically—no alarms, no manual effort, no reprinting.

5. Manufacturing safety and documentation

⚠️Challenge: Industrial facilities require different safety protocols and documentation access based on shift timing.
✅Smart Rules solution (combining Time conditions):

• Day shift weekdays (Time “is between” 6 AM – 2 PM AND Day “is not” Saturday AND Day “is not” Sunday): Standard operating procedures with full equipment documentation
• Night shift weekdays (Time “is between” 10 PM – 6 AM AND Day “is not” Saturday AND Day “is not” Sunday): Modified protocols with reduced staffing procedures
• Maintenance periods weekdays (Time “is between” 2 PM – 4 PM AND Day “is not” Saturday AND Day “is not” Sunday): Equipment shutdown procedures
• Weekend operations (Day “is” Saturday OR Day “is” Sunday): Essential operations only with limited access documentation

📈Result: Safety compliance happens automatically across different shifts and days.

6. Healthcare patient flow optimization

⚠️Challenge: Medical facilities need different patient routing based on departmental hours and service availability.

✅Smart Rules solution (Time conditions only):

• Regular hours (Time “is between” 8 AM – 5 PM): Standard appointment scheduling with same-day availability
• Extended hours (Time “is between” 5 PM – 8 PM): Limited services with specialist-only appointments
• After hours (Time “is not between” 8 AM – 8 PM): Emergency triage protocols with urgent care routing

Additional rule (Day condition):

• Weekend coverage (Day “is” Saturday OR Day “is” Sunday): Emergency procedures with Monday scheduling

📈Result: Patient flow improves through time-based routing with weekend overrides.

7. Retail inventory and service management

⚠️Challenge: Retail operations must communicate inventory availability and service options that change throughout the day.

✅Smart Rules solution (Time conditions only):

• Store hours (Time “is between” 9 AM – 9 PM): Live inventory checking with immediate purchase and pickup
• Closing procedures (Time “is between” 8:30 PM – 9 PM): Online ordering only with next-day pickup scheduling
• After hours (Time “is not between” 9 AM – 9 PM): Product catalog with store locator and availability information
• Restock periods (Time “is between” 2 AM – 6 AM): Inventory updates with estimated availability timing

📈Result: Customer expectations align with actual availability through pure time-based routing.

🎁Build your first time-based Smart Rule in 10 minutes

Step 1: Map your business timing

Write down when your business needs different customer experiences:

• What hours do you operate?
• When do services change (breakfast to lunch, day shift to night shift)?
• What happens after hours that customers should know?

Step 2: Test and refine

• Scan your QR Code during business hours → verify the correct destination
• Test after hours → confirm appropriate messaging
• Check transition times (exactly at 9 AM, exactly at 5 PM)

Advanced combinations

You can stack time conditions with other Smart Rules:

• Time + Location: Different experiences for multiple office locations during business hours
• Time + Device OS: Platform-specific content delivery based on scanning time
• Time + User scans: Progressive experiences for repeat visitors during different periods

Handle special cases

• Set specific date rules for holidays
• Use day-of-week rules for weekend operations
• Create unique user scan rules for limited promotions

✅ Best Practices for Time-Based Smart QR Codes

Automate time-based experiences with Uniqode.

QR Code content should evolve with time to deliver personalized and timely experiences. With Uniqode’s time-based Smart QR Codes, you can schedule content updates automatically, whether it’s for rotating menus, safety protocols, or time-sensitive marketing campaigns.

You can easily scale your Smart QR Code deployment using dynamic QR Code APIs and bulk creation capabilities. With support for over 4000 integrations, automation fits seamlessly into your existing workflows. Enterprise-grade compliance, including GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC® 2 Type 2, ensures every scan is secure and reliable.

No manual updates. No reminders. Just the right content at the right time.

Start your 14-day free trial and create your first Smart Rule in minutes.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do time-based Smart QR Codes work?

Time-based Smart QR Codes are dynamic QR Codes that change their destination based on the time they are scanned. When a user scans the code, the system checks the current time against a set of predefined Smart Rules, such as “is between 8 AM and 12 PM.” If a rule matches, the user is instantly redirected to the content associated with that time window. There is no need to reprint or manually update the QR Code.

2. Can I automatically change menus or messages at different times?

Yes. Smart QR Codes allow you to define time-specific rules that trigger different content based on when the QR Code is scanned. For example, you can display a breakfast menu from 6 AM to 10 AM, and a lunch menu from 12 PM to 3 PM. You can also add date, day-of-week, or fallback conditions to automate content delivery throughout the day fully.

3. Do these rules require user consent or location tracking?

No. Time-based rules use server-side logic and do not rely on the user’s location or personal data. This means the content changes based on the time of scan without needing the user’s permission, offering a seamless and privacy-friendly experience.

4. What if users scan outside defined time windows?

You can set a default fallback URL for any scans that do not match a configured time-based rule. This ensures that every scan leads to a meaningful destination, even outside scheduled time frames, avoiding any broken or outdated user experiences.

5. How many rules can I set up?

Uniqode allows you to create up to 11 Smart Rules per QR Code. These rules can be as simple or complex as needed. You can combine time-based logic with other conditions such as location, device type, date, or user scan history to create personalized and context-aware QR Code journeys.

6. Do dynamic QR Codes also provide analytics?

Yes. Dynamic QR Codes offer robust analytics. With Uniqode, you can track scan time, device type, geographic data, and total or unique scans. This data helps you measure performance, optimize campaigns, and integrate with platforms like Google Analytics and Meta Pixel for deeper insights.

• Author Details

Author Details

Shashank D

Content Marketer , Uniqode

Shashank is a content marketer at Uniqode who turned to writing to pursue his natural calling after 2+ years of working in the product team. He aims to educate folks on the brilliant yet underrated technology of QR Codes. With more than a dozen Tofu and Mofu pieces under his belt, he explores how QR Codes can be used to solve challenges for businesses across all verticals. While he’s not educating users on the benefits of QR Codes, he’s also a student of the evolving marketing landscape.

shashank.d@uniqode.com