Q: Do QR Codes Expire? A: Yes, But It Depends

QR Code expiry is a commonly misunderstood concept. The confusion arises because the definition of  “expiry” is often misconstrued. 

As per definition, a permanent QR Code, i.e., one that doesn’t expire, is a static QR Code. This is because you can’t edit the content, the URL, and the QR Code. 

But, in terms of usage, dynamic QR Codes are actually permanent since they are editable. This means you can use them long-term without worry of an expiry (unless your subscription expires!). 

In this article, find out more about what QR Code expiry means, how to reactivate an expired QR Code, and how to create a QR Code that doesn’t expire.

Table of contents

1. What is an expired QR Code?
2. How to create a QR Code that doesn’t expire?
3. Frequently asked questions

What is an expired QR Code (and how do you reactivate it)?

In simple words, an expired QR Code is one that you can’t use anymore. 

There are two types of QR Codes out there: static QR Codes and dynamic QR Codes. 

Based on these, an expired QR Code can be:

A static QR Code that you can use to link to only one URL. 

1. It expires once the specific use case expires. E.g, you cannot use the same QR Code to link to another website
2. You can’t reactivate it; you must create a fresh QR Code from scratch. 
3. However, a user can scan a static QR Code unlimited times for that specific use case (unless the linked URL/file has an error). 

A dynamic QR Code that you can use to link to multiple content formats, edit the destination URL, and change the content as you like. 

1. You can reuse a dynamic QR Code multiple times without creating a new one from scratch. 
2. A dynamic QR Code expiry depends on the QR Code generator subscription.
3. Different plans offer different numbers of annual scans; there are also plans offering unlimited scans. 

Read more: Dynamic QR Codes vs. Static QR Codes

How to create a QR Code that doesn’t expire? 

Static QR Codes expire once you’ve deployed them for a specific use case. In the truest sense, a dynamic QR Code never expires. You can create a dynamic QR Code with a QR Code generator such as Uniqode.

Before you proceed…

To create a dynamic QR Code, you’ll need to sign up for a free trial of the Uniqode platform. No credit cards is needed.

Read more: Paid vs. free QR Code generators

Go to Uniqode and click “START FREE TRIAL”. 

Step 1: Click “+CREATE” and choose your campaign type

Once on the dashboard, click “+CREATE” and choose “QR Code”. 

For this example, we’re choosing “Website” as our campaign type. You can select it under the “Create a Dynamic QR Code” section. 

Step 2: Paste the URL and customize your QR Code

Paste your website or content link in the white box and click “NEXT”.

Choose from various design elements and select a design for your QR Code. 
Once done, click “NEXT”.

Step 3: Download your permanent QR Code

Your permanent QR Code is ready for download. Test your QR Code before deploying. 

You’ll find your QR Code on the dashboard when you select “QR Codes” from the left column. 

You can edit your QR Code at any time. Click “Edit” to change any aspect of your QR Code. 

Create a permanent, dynamic QR Code with Uniqode

To summarize, “permanent” and “expiry” refer to static and dynamic QR Codes. 

However, a static QR Code is only permanent in definition since it doesn’t allow editability, trackability, and flexibility. 

In contrast, dynamic QR Codes are permanent in usage. They are more flexible, and you can edit them at will. 

You can create permanent, dynamic QR Codes with a secure and reliable QR Code generator such as Uniqode. Build long-term QR Code campaigns using multiple content formats and design options. Track your QR Codes after launch to mine essential data. 

Start today 👇

Frequently asked questions

1. Do QR Codes ever expire? 

Yes, both static and dynamic QR Codes expire, but in different ways. 

Static QR Codes expire once you’ve created them with a specific use case. Dynamic QR Codes expire when you reach the scan limit of your subscription plan.

2. Do Google QR Codes expire?

Usually, Google QR Codes are static QR Codes. 

However, if you create a dynamic Google QR Code on the Uniqode platform, it’ll not expire.

3. How do I reactivate an expired QR Code?

You can’t reactivate a static QR Code. 

However, you can reactivate a dynamic QR Code by renewing your subscription plan or choosing a plan with unlimited scans. 

4. How do I make sure my QR Codes don’t expire?

Create a permanent, dynamic QR Code to ensure you can use your QR Codes for long-term campaigns.

5. Is there a free QR code generator that does not expire?

Uniqode’s QR Code generator lets you create permanent, dynamic QR Codes that don’t expire.

• Author Details

Author Details

Suhotra Roychoudhury

Suhotra is a content marketer who has always been interested in how technology is rapidly changing the modern world. Presently, he is documenting the growth of QR Codes as a solution to bridge the physical and digital worlds. His insights help brands integrate QR Codes into their marketing strategy successfully. You can find more of his work around QR Codes here. When not documenting or writing, he loves photography and cycling.

https://www.uniqode.com/

suhotra.c@uniqode.com