Static QR Codes 101: What You Need To Know (& When To Skip Them)

Static QR Codes were groundbreaking in their time, but in today’s fast-paced digital world, they’re starting to feel a bit…static.

In this guide, we will disintegrate static QR Codes in detail: what exactly is a static QR Code? How does it work, and what are its limitations? We’ve already covered dynamic QR Codes in detail in this article. 

Let’s dive in and see if static QR Codes are the right choice for your business.

1. What is a static QR Code?
2. How does a static QR Code work?
3. What is the difference between static and dynamic QR Codes?
4. Why dynamic QR Codes are the future
5. How to create a one-time, static QR Code
6. When can you use static QR Codes 
7. Best practices for using static QR Codes
8. What are the limitations of a static QR Code?
9. The future of QR Codes is dynamic and data-driven!
10. Frequently asked questions

What is a static QR Code?

A static QR Code is a type of two-dimensional barcode containing fixed information. Once generated, you cannot change or edit the information encoded within its patterns. 

For example, if you embed a URL or text in a static QR Code, the URL or text will remain constant throughout its lifespan. 

A static QR Code is ideal for sharing unchanging content such as contact details, Wi-Fi passwords, or product information. However, it’s not the best for sharing content that needs frequent updates or QR Code scan data because you cannot track static QR Codes.

How does a static QR Code work?

If you’re curious, here’s the mechanics of a static QR Code:

Encoding data: Unlike dynamic QR Codes, static QR Codes embed data (website URL, contact information, or plain text) directly into their black-and-white patterns. 

Decoding data: When you scan the static QR Codes with your device, it interprets the black and white squares and translates them into the original information. 

However, when you scan dynamic QR Codes, they extract the information stored in a short URL and redirect you to the actual content. This intermediary link lets you update the information without changing the QR Code and also enables dynamic QR Codes to offer advanced features such as tracking scan data, providing customization options, enhancing security, and more.

What is the difference between static and dynamic QR Codes?

The primary difference between the two QR Code types is what you can do after creating them. 

• You cannot change a static QR Code once it is created. If you need to update the information, for example, a URL, you’ll need to generate a new QR Code. 
• You can update a dynamic QR Code without regenerating the QR Code. This makes them suitable for time-sensitive or frequently changing information.

So, in simple terms: 

• Choose static QR Codes if you need a simple, one-off, cost-effective solution for fixed information that does not require updates or tracking.
• Choose dynamic QR Codes if you require flexibility, the ability to track user engagement, and the option to modify the content linked to the code over time.

Read more: Static QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Why dynamic QR Codes are the future

Static QR Codes, with their fixed content, fall short of meeting these evolving demands. On the other hand, dynamic QR Codes offer a range of benefits that align perfectly with modern marketing trends:

• Update information anytime without creating a new QR Code
• Track performance to optimize campaigns and make data-driven decisions
• Customize to match your brand identity and draw attention
• Prioritize security to protect your data and user privacy
• Integrate QR Codes with your existing tech stack and improve workflows 

Dynamic QR Codes allow you to keep up with evolving consumer behaviors and stay ahead in this rapidly shifting marketing landscape. 

Here’s why dynamic QR Codes are at the heart of this future:

Seamless payments, anywhere

In Brazil, the success of the Pix payment network shows how instant, contactless payments are revolutionizing commerce. One example? With just a scan of a QR Code, customers can instantly pay and pour their own beer at counters—no cashier, no terminal, no hassle. 

This story isn’t just about convenience but a glimpse into the future of commerce, where efficiency and user-centricity reign supreme. This frictionless, instant payment model will soon dominate global markets. 

As QR Code payments gain traction in the US through systems such as FedNow, brands embracing this frictionless, real-time payment method will gain a competitive edge.

Dynamic QR Codes allow instant updates, secure transactions, and even fraud prevention by locking codes after a single use. 

Phygital and hyper-personalization retail experiences

By 2030, entering a store will feel like walking into a space designed entirely around your preferences. Dynamic QR Codes make this possible today. 

Imagine scanning a code, and the store immediately tailors its products, music, and even scents to your tastes. Retailers are already experimenting with digital mannequins that adjust to your style and what you might hold in your hand in real-time. 

Take the example of Etsy’s Virtual House, where customers use VR to shop for products in a fully immersive digital space. Customers can unlock augmented reality (AR) features, product videos, and even instant checkouts by scanning a QR Code, merging the tactile feel of physical stores with the convenience of online shopping.

This combination gives brands more flexibility. Rather than static QR Codes leading to one outcome, dynamic QR Codes can update in real-time, transforming based on the customer’s location, time of day, or product inventory. This capability is crucial for crafting engaging, memorable experiences that convert browsers into buyers.

Sustainability and ethical marketing

In 2024, customers aren’t just buying products but the brands’ values. They want to know if products are ethically sourced and environmentally responsible. 

Dynamic QR Codes allow you to communicate your sustainability efforts directly to customers at the point of sale. Shoppers can see the carbon footprint of a product, learn about the brand’s fair trade practices, or access detailed information on sustainable packaging—all these and more, by scanning a QR Code.

This transparency builds trust, and with dynamic QR Codes, you can update information as your sustainability initiatives evolve, ensuring credibility and alignment with consumer expectations.

By choosing dynamic QR Codes over static QR Codes, you can stay ahead of the curve and offer innovative and personalized experiences that resonate with your consumers.

How to create a one-time, static QR Code

If you have a quick or one-off use case, a static QR Code may be for you. To create a one-time, static QR Code, you would only require two things:

1. An online QR Code generator
2. Your content: website URL, text, or other digital information

To get started, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Uniqode’s QR Code generator and choose your QR Code type

Select the appropriate QR Code type based on the content you wish to share through the QR Code. For example, use “URL” for a website link, “Text” for a short message, or “PDF” for sharing a PDF file.

Step 2: Insert your content

Paste your website URL, upload your PDF, or enter the text you want to share through the QR Code. 

Step 3: Customize and download the static QR Code

You can use the color palette to customize the QR Code. Once done, click “Download QR Code.”  Please note that you can only download static QR Codes in PNG format.

When can you use static QR Codes?

Given the limited features of static QR Codes, here are three scenarios where we feel they can be helpful: 

1. For one-time usage

Static QR Codes may be ideal for you if the goal is to provide information or access to a specific resource for a single, non-recurring event. For example: 

• Business cards: Make your vCard available with a scan
• Product packaging: Provide product information, user manuals, or warranty details
• Marketing materials: Direct customers to your website or social media profiles
• Event invitations: Share event details, location, and RSVP information
• Wi-Fi credentials: Provide easy access to your Wi-Fi network
• Digital signage: Display contact information or website links
• Printed documents: Link to additional resources or supplementary content

2. When there’s limited or static content

Sometimes, the content you have to share is minuscule but important. In such cases, a static QR Code can boost your sharing. Think about small text messages, single URLs, or primary contact details.

We recommend avoiding sharing large files via static QR Codes, such as PDFs, documents, and menus. As the file size increases, the data pattern of the static QR Code becomes more complex, which can lead to scannability issues.

3. For just redirecting users to online content

If you need a QR Code to simply redirect users to a website, a static QR Codes can do that. It simplifies the process for users, who can easily scan the QR Code using their mobile devices and access the intended online content.

While static QR Codes offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness, their lack of flexibility and tracking capabilities might restrict their usefulness in many applications. 

Best practices for using static QR Codes

Now that you know how to create a static QR Code in three steps, here’s a checklist to remember before sharing them. 

Note: These best practices apply to both static and dynamic QR Codes. 

What are the limitations of a static QR Code?

Here’re some limitations of static QR Codes:

1. Non-editable

The most significant limitation of static QR Codes is that they are non-editable. Once generated, you cannot change the encoded information. If the information becomes outdated or incorrect, you’re stuck with a useless QR Code.

2. Limited customization

Static QR Codes are visually bland, offering minimal options for design or branding. You cannot incorporate logos, play with multiple colors, or add use different patterns to match your marketing materials. You can only customize the QR Code dots with a limited color palette.

3. No tracking ability

Static QR Codes cannot track scans. You’ll never know how many people scanned your QR Code, when, or where. This makes it impossible to measure the effectiveness of your QR Code campaign.

🎥See it in action:

“(…) As a platform with additional analytic features, I expected it (Uniqode) to be complicated initially, but it turned out to be super easy to use. It helped us significantly raise our engagement targets and drive revenue.”

— Kinsey Akins

Programmatic Channel Manager, BBQGuys

4. Limited safety features

Static QR Codes may not offer the same level of security as dynamic QR Codes. Because the encoded data is fixed, it can’t adapt to evolving security needs or changes in content nor provide secure QR Code interactions. 

5. Takes longer to scan

Because static QR Codes store data directly in the pattern, they can take longer to scan than dynamic QR Codes. This can be particularly frustrating for users trying to quickly access information, especially when scanning QR Codes on TV ads or digital displays.

🎥 See it in action: Walmart’s Flipkart, one of India’s leading ecommerce platforms, banked on the lightning-fast scan times—less than 2.2 seconds—of Uniqode’s dynamic QR Codes in a high-stakes marketing campaign. The QR Code campaign achieved 2.2 million scans, double the projected estimates.

“Uniqode is a high-quality product whose tech works like a charm. Also, the team is extremely helpful, professional, and responsive. We faced zero challenges with the product or support. Everything was beyond perfect.”

— Pratik Shetty

Senior Director of Customers, Flipkart

The future of QR Codes is dynamic and data-driven!

Dynamic QR Codes have already revolutionized personalized and targeted marketing, contactless payments, and QR Codes with advanced security. 

Looking ahead, you can expect even more innovative applications. Imagine QR Codes integrated with augmented reality (AR) experiences, offering immersive and interactive content. The only limit is your imagination. 

Curious to try out dynamic QR Codes? Here’s how you can get started 👇

Frequently asked questions

1. How long do static QR Codes last?

Static QR Codes last as long as the QR Code is scannable and redirects to the right content. Static QR Codes stop working when the QR Code is damaged or unscannable, or it leads to a 404 error when scanned.

2. Can a static QR Code be deactivated?

No, you cannot deactivate a static QR Code. This makes static QR Codes more prone to duplications, damage, or scammer attacks. With dynamic QR Codes, you get better safety and the ability to deactivate a campaign whenever necessary.

3. Can static QR Codes be tracked?

Static QR Codes cannot be tracked as they only allow users to scan and view fixed data stored as information in the data patterns. On the other hand, dynamic QR Codes can be tracked to obtain analytics such as the number of scans, time, location, device used, etc. 

4. Can you delete a static QR Code?

No. Deleting static QR Codes is impossible as they store the data in the QR Code itself. Deleting or deactivating the QR Code is a feature of dynamic QR Codes.

• Author Details

Author Details

Ektha S

Senior Content Marketer , Uniqode

Ektha is a QR code expert with years of research and analysis into the evolution of QR codes. Having written over 70 in-depth articles on QR technology, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of how QR codes are transforming industries. Her insights, including The State of QR Report, have been featured in leading publications. With a passion for simplifying complex topics and providing actionable strategies, Ektha helps businesses leverage QR codes to enhance their ‘phygital’ connections. 

ektha.s@uniqode.com