How to Create QR Codes With Password: In-Depth Guide

QR Codes make sharing information incredibly easy, perhaps too easy. When anyone with a smartphone can instantly access your content with a quick scan, you lose control over who sees what. Because not everything we share is meant for everyone, adding a layer of control to your QR Codes isn’t just smart, it is essential. 

That’s where password-protected QR Codes come in. These QR Codes add a quick, secure checkpoint before someone can access your content. Whether it’s a client pricing sheet or internal training videos, a password keeps your files private and secure.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about password-protected QR Codes: what they are, why they matter, and how you can create them for any use case using Uniqode’s dynamic QR Code generator.

Table of contents

1. What is a QR Code with a password?
2. How does a password-protected QR Code actually work?
3. How to create a QR Code with a password
4. Best practices for secure QR Codes with a password
5. How businesses use password-protected QR Codes
6. Start creating password-protected QR Codes
7. Frequently asked questions

What is a QR Code with a password?

A QR Code with a password is a secure QR Code that prompts users to enter a password before accessing the linked file or webpage. Only users with the correct password can view or download the content.

Password protection is a feature only available with dynamic QR Codes. Dynamic QR Codes let you update content, track scans, and apply advanced access controls. Static QR Codes, on the other hand, permanently embed information and cannot be updated once created.

Password protection is available for all dynamic QR Codes on Uniqode as part of its advanced settings, but you can also set it up via the passcode Smart Rules. Smart Rules offer deeper control over who sees what. You can pair the passcode rule with other conditions, such as device type, language, age, or even scan count, to deliver highly targeted, customized post-scan experiences.

This checkpoint and advanced features transform an ordinary QR Code into a secure sharing tool.

How does a password-protected QR Code actually work?

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Dynamic QR Code: Password protection is almost exclusively an option for Dynamic QR Codes. A dynamic QR Code encodes a short, unchanging URL that links to a secure server managed by a QR Code generator service.
2. Data storage: The actual content you want to protect (e.g., a PDF document, a confidential link, or text) is stored on that secure server.
3. Password association: When the creator sets a password, this password is associated with the stored content on the server. The QR Code itself does not contain the password.
4. The scan: A user scans the QR Code with their device’s camera or a QR Code app.
5. Redirection: The embedded short URL sends the user’s browser (or the scanning app’s internal viewer) not to the final content, but to a password-protected landing page hosted on the QR Code service’s server.
6. The prompt: The landing page displays a prompt asking the user to enter a password.
7. Verification: When the user enters a password and submits it, the server checks if it matches the password associated with that specific dynamic QR Code’s content.
8. Access: If the credentials are correct, the server immediately redirects the user to the final, hidden content (such as a PDF or private link). If the credentials are incorrect, the user is denied access and typically receives an error message or is redirected to a fallback page.

How to create a QR Code with password

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your password-protected QR Code:

1. Log in to your Uniqode dashboard.
2. Click + Create and select QR Code.
3. Choose the type of QR Code campaign you want to create.
4. Set up your QR Code by linking it to a URL or uploading a PDF file.
5. Design your QR Code by customizing colors, logos, and shapes.
6. Open ADVANCED SETTINGS, toggle Enable password protection, and enter your password. Then, click Next.
7. Download your QR Code in any available format (PNG, PDF, SVG, JPEG, or EPS).

To create a password-protected QR Code using Smart Rules, simply select the Smart Rules type QR Code, and add a passcode rule along with other conditions, such as device type, language, date, location, age, or scan limits.

This allows you to further gate and personalize access to your content, giving you deeper control over who sees what, ensuring only the right audience can unlock the information behind your QR Code.

Best practices for secure QR Codes with a password

Creating a password-protected QR Code is a strong first step, but the absolute security comes from how you manage those passwords and the systems behind them. 

Here are some best practices for creating and using password-protected QR Codes:

1. Create strong, unique passwords that resist guessing

A secure password should be long, unpredictable, and unrelated to any personal or company details. Avoid obvious terms like company names, project titles, or event dates. Instead, use a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters, and ideally at least 12–16 characters long.

For example, instead of something like “SummerEvent2025,” opt for a randomized phrase such as “G7!rTz9q@4nL.”

If you’re generating multiple password-protected QR Codes for different campaigns or departments, ensure each code has a unique password. Reusing the same one across multiple assets increases your risk surface in case of a leak. 

Additionally, consider using passphrases (a few random words strung together) for easier recall without sacrificing security. 

2. Use a secure password manager

Managing multiple passwords manually invites mistakes. A password manager solves this by securely storing and encrypting credentials, allowing quick retrieval when needed.

Enterprise-grade password managers, such as 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass, make it easy to securely share credentials among authorized users while maintaining centralized control.

This approach ensures that even if an employee leaves or a password needs to be changed, you can update or revoke access instantly, without exposing the credentials themselves.

3. Set expiration dates for QR Codes or passwords

Not every QR Code needs to live forever. Setting expiration dates or limited access windows is one of the simplest ways to prevent old QR Codes from lingering as unintentional security risks.

For instance:

• Use temporary passwords for time-bound events, campaigns, or short-term collaborations.
• Set QR Code expiry dates within your dashboard for assets that shouldn’t remain accessible indefinitely.

4. Rotate and audit your passwords regularly

Even strong passwords can become liabilities if left unchanged for an extended period. Make it a habit to review and rotate passwords on a regular schedule, especially for recurring use cases, such as client portals or internal dashboards.

Combine this with periodic access audits. Review which QR Codes are active, who has access, and whether any older codes should be disabled. This small maintenance habit reduces the risk of long-term exposure.

How businesses use password-protected QR Codes

Password-protected QR Codes go beyond basic access control. When used strategically, they enable secure collaboration, protect intellectual property, and maintain compliance across industries.

The following are some of the common use cases.

1. Education and e-learning

In education, digital learning materials often hold commercial or proprietary value, from recorded lectures to internal training content. A password-protected QR Code lets institutions control access based on user type, enrollment, or payment verification.

For example, educators can share recorded lessons or supplementary resources through a QR Code for videos on Google Drive, adding a password to ensure only authorized learners can view or download the materials.

Additionally, by integrating these QR Codes into learning management systems (LMS), educators can:

• Share premium course modules or test materials securely and confidentially
• Track engagement while ensuring only enrolled learners can access paid content
• Revoke or update access dynamically without issuing new codes

This approach safeguards intellectual property and enhances the learner experience with seamless access control.

2. Creative, media, and publishing

In the creative industries, early access to content can significantly impact the success of a launch. Publishers, agencies, and content creators use password-protected QR Codes to share embargoed or sensitive material while maintaining confidentiality and preventing leaks.

For instance:

• PR teams can distribute press kits or brand assets under embargo
• Authors can send manuscripts securely to design or editing partners, helping prevent plagiarism before publication
• Design agencies can provide campaign previews or deliverables for client feedback

Because you can instantly reset passwords or deactivate a QR Code with a password, creative teams retain complete control over who can access materials and when.

3. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Healthcare organizations handle highly sensitive data, from patient resources to regulatory documentation. Using a password-protected QR Code provides a simple, compliant way to share essential content without compromising privacy.

These QR Codes can help:

• Gate access to training materials or internal SOPs
• Deliver patient instructions or post-care content securely
• Control distribution of confidential research, trial data, or product documents

When managed through a compliant platform, these QR Codes with a password help maintain privacy standards, such as HIPAA and GDPR, while keeping workflows flexible and user-friendly.

4. Corporate and financial services

Businesses and financial institutions regularly exchange sensitive materials, such as proposals, reports, and pricing sheets, that must remain confidential and secure. A QR Code with a password ensures these assets are accessible only to authorized clients or teams.

Common use cases include:

• Sharing investor decks, audit reports, or internal presentations securely
• Providing limited access to compliance documents or contracts
• Hosting password-gated resources through branded links or portals

With features like expiration settings and access logs, these QR Codes combine simplicity with enterprise-grade security and traceability.

5. Events, hospitality, and conferences

In event management, QR Codes with a password help control access at multiple stages, from internal planning to guest interactions.

Event professionals can use them to:

• Share Wi-Fi details privately with organizers and guests
• Distribute event agendas, vendor details, and budget plans securely
• Send invoices and marketing materials to vendors for printing
• Offer password-protected tickets through a self-service portal
  

By integrating these codes into event management tools, teams prevent unauthorized access while simplifying communication between organizers, vendors, and guests.

6. Manufacturing and supply chain

Manufacturers, logistics providers, and suppliers often handle confidential documentation and partner data. A password-protected QR Code helps maintain confidentiality while ensuring efficiency.

Organizations can use these codes to:

• Share product manuals, assembly guides, or certifications confidentially
• Provide controlled access to regulatory documents or warranty details
• Distribute supplier pricing or contract data while retaining version control

Because dynamic QR Codes can be updated without reprinting, partners always access the latest information, securely and reliably.

Start creating password-protected QR Codes with Uniqode

Once you’ve decided that password protection is the right fit for your QR Code use case, the next step is choosing a platform that can support it securely and at scale. That means reliable access controls, compliance with global security standards, and the ability to manage and update QR Codes without risking data exposure.

Uniqode meets leading security and compliance standards, including SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR, ISO 27001:2022, and HIPAA, with regular independent audits to help safeguard your data.

Start with a 14-day free trial and see how secure QR Code sharing works in practice.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I put a password on my QR Code?

You can add a password to your QR Code by enabling password protection and setting up a password on the Uniqode dashboard.

Here’s how you can put a password to your QR Code:

1. Go to Uniqode’s dashboard
2. Choose your QR Code campaign type
3. Set up the QR Code
4. Customize the QR Code
5. Add a password to your QR Code
6. Download or print the QR Code, which is now password-protected.

2. How do I make a private QR Code?

To make a private QR Code, you can add a password to the QR Code so that it is only accessible via the password.  You can add passwords to your QR Codes using Uniqode’s dashboard and share them with authorized people.

3. Can you encrypt a QR Code?

Yes, you can encrypt a QR Code with a password to secure the information behind it. In case of a breach, you can change the password using Uniqode dashboard.

4. Can I make a QR Code expire after a set time?

Yes. If you’re using a dynamic QR Code platform like Uniqode, you can easily set an expiration date or disable a QR Code whenever needed. This means your QR Code will stop redirecting to its content once the expiry time is reached, even if someone scans it later.

5. What’s the difference between encrypting and password-protecting a QR Code?

Password protection controls who can access the content. It adds an authentication layer; only users with the password can unlock the link or file.

Encryption, on the other hand, protects the data itself. The information behind the QR Code is converted into unreadable code and can only be decrypted with the right key.

Uniqode combines password protection with secure HTTPS encryption to ensure your data and your users’ credentials remain private and tamper-proof during every scan.

6. What should I do if my password-protected QR Code stops working?

If your password-protected QR Code isn’t opening or prompting for a password, it’s usually due to one of a few common issues:

• The linked file or destination has been moved, updated, or deleted
• The password was recently changed, making older access links invalid
• The QR Code has expired, if an expiry date was set

Here’s how to resolve it:

• Log in to your Uniqode dashboard
• Check the QR Code’s status, password settings, and destination URL
• If needed, reset the password or reactivate the QR Code
• Test it again by scanning on multiple devices

Dynamic QR Codes ensure that you can always edit, reactivate, or troubleshoot without having to recreate or reprint the code.

7. Can I use password protection with already printed QR codes?

Yes, but only if the printed QR Code is dynamic, not static. You can update the destination behind a dynamic QR Code to require a password. This lets you secure access without needing to reprint the code.

• 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