How to Create QR Codes for Airbnb
Jonathan Palley
Apr 14, 2025
Airbnb guests often need the same information throughout their stay: Wi-Fi details, check-in instructions, house rules, appliance guides, local recommendations, and contact information. Instead of putting everything in a printed welcome book or answering the same questions repeatedly, hosts can use QR codes to give guests quick access to useful information.
A QR code placed in a welcome guide, near the entrance, or in a common area can send guests directly to a digital house guide, Wi-Fi information, local recommendations, or other resources. This makes information easier to access while keeping the property organized.
Dynamic QR codes add another layer of flexibility. If you need to update your guest guide, change a recommendation, or replace the information on a linked page, you can update the destination without creating and printing a new QR code.
This guide explains how to create QR codes for an Airbnb property and how hosts can use them to make the guest experience more convenient.
TL;DR
- QR codes give Airbnb guests quick access to important property information.
- Hosts can use them for Wi-Fi details, house rules, check-in instructions, local recommendations, and digital guides.
- Dynamic QR codes allow hosts to update the linked content without replacing the printed QR code.
- QR Codes Unlimited lets you create free QR codes for different types of content.
- Place QR codes in convenient locations where guests are likely to need the information.
- Add a short description or call-to-action so guests know what the QR code does.
- Test every QR code before placing it around the property and update the linked information when needed.
Why Should Airbnb Hosts Use QR Codes?
Give Guests Quick Access to Important Information
Guests don't always want to search through a long welcome booklet to find one piece of information. A QR code can provide a direct path to the information they need.
For example, a QR code could open a digital house guide containing Wi-Fi instructions, check-out details, appliance instructions, parking information, and house rules. This can make the information easier to find while reducing the amount of printed material guests need to handle.
Make Check-In Easier
A QR code can also support the check-in process by linking to digital instructions.
For example, a host could create a QR code that opens a page explaining where to find the property, how to access the building, where to park, or how to retrieve a key or access code.
For security, avoid putting sensitive access credentials directly into a publicly accessible QR code. Instead, use an appropriate secure method for sharing information that should only be available to the current guest.
Share Local Recommendations
Guests often want recommendations for restaurants, attractions, grocery stores, transportation, and things to do nearby.
A QR code can open a digital list of recommendations that hosts can organize by category. You could have separate sections for restaurants, family activities, sightseeing, shopping, and nearby essentials.
With a dynamic QR code, the recommendations can also be updated when a restaurant closes, a seasonal attraction changes its schedule, or a new local business becomes worth recommending.
Reduce Repetitive Questions
Hosts frequently answer questions about Wi-Fi, check-out times, parking, appliances, and nearby amenities. A well-organized digital guide can provide answers before guests need to contact the host.
QR codes don't replace communication with guests, but they can make routine information easier to access.
Keep Guest Information Up to Date
One advantage of dynamic QR codes is that the printed code can stay in place while the linked content changes.
For example, a host might update a digital guest guide with new restaurant recommendations or revised check-out instructions without needing to reprint the QR code.
What Can You Put Behind an Airbnb QR Code?
Wi-Fi Information
A QR code can direct guests to a page containing Wi-Fi instructions. This can be more convenient than making guests search through a welcome book.
If you display Wi-Fi credentials, consider the privacy and security implications and only provide information that is appropriate for your guests to access.
House Rules
Create a dedicated page with important property rules, such as quiet hours, smoking restrictions, pet policies, parking rules, or checkout requirements.
Check-In and Check-Out Instructions
A QR code can link to detailed instructions that guests can access from their phones. This can include general arrival information, checkout steps, parking guidance, and other useful details.
Appliance Instructions
Guests may not know how to operate every appliance in a property. A QR code can link to instructions for appliances such as washing machines, coffee makers, heating systems, or smart TVs.
Local Recommendations
Create a digital guide with restaurants, attractions, grocery stores, transportation options, and other places guests may find useful during their stay.
Emergency and Safety Information
A QR code can provide quick access to important safety information, including relevant emergency contacts, property-specific instructions, and the location of essential safety equipment.
Make sure critical emergency information is also available in a way that does not depend on an internet connection or a working phone.
How to Create a QR Code for Your Airbnb
Step 1: Choose a QR Code Generator
Start by choosing a QR code generator that supports the type of content you want to share. QR Codes Unlimited can be used to create QR codes for URLs and other supported content types.
For a digital Airbnb house guide, a URL QR code is usually a practical choice.
Step 2: Add Your Content
Enter the URL of your guest guide, information page, or other online resource.
Before generating the code, make sure the destination is accessible on a smartphone and contains the information guests actually need.
Step 3: Customize the QR Code
Customize the design to match the style of your Airbnb. Depending on the design options available, you can add colors, a logo, or a frame while keeping the QR code easy to scan.
Add a short CTA such as “Scan for Guest Guide”, “Scan for Wi-Fi Info”, or “Scan for Local Recommendations.”
Step 4: Generate and Download the QR Code
Generate the QR code and download it in a suitable format for printing or digital use.
If you are printing the code, make sure it has enough size, contrast, and clear space around it so guests can scan it easily.
Step 5: Test Before Displaying It
Scan the QR code with a smartphone before placing it in your property. Confirm that it opens the correct destination and that the content is easy to read on a mobile device.
It's also worth testing the code from the distance and angle at which guests will normally scan it.
Where Should You Place QR Codes in an Airbnb?
Welcome Guide
A QR code in the welcome guide can provide a digital version of your property information while keeping the printed guide less cluttered.
Entryway
A QR code near the entrance can provide access to check-in information, house instructions, or a digital guest guide.
Kitchen
A QR code in the kitchen could link to appliance instructions, recycling information, or recommendations for nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
Living Room
The living room is a convenient location for a general guest guide or local recommendations.
Bedroom or Guest Area
If guests frequently need specific information in the bedroom, such as instructions for a TV or heating system, a clearly labeled QR code can provide quick access.
Avoid covering the property with too many PDF QR codes. Each code should have a clear purpose so guests know what they are scanning.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes in an Airbnb
Keep each QR code focused on a specific purpose. A guest should know what they will get before scanning it.
Use a short description or CTA next to the code rather than displaying the QR code by itself. Make sure the linked page is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
If the information is likely to change, consider using a dynamic QR code. This can be useful for digital guest guides and local recommendations because you can update the destination without replacing the printed code.
Finally, review your QR codes regularly. A code that leads to outdated information can create more confusion rather than making the guest experience easier.
Conclusion
QR codes can give Airbnb guests a convenient way to access property information without searching through a long welcome book or contacting the host for every routine question. From digital house guides and Wi-Fi information to local recommendations and appliance instructions, QR codes can connect guests with useful resources in seconds.
Dynamic QR codes are particularly useful when the information may change. Hosts can update the linked content while keeping the same printed QR code in place.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create and customize QR codes for different parts of your guest experience. Choose the information your guests need most, give each code a clear purpose, and place it where it is easy to find and scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I use QR codes in my Airbnb?
You can use QR codes to give guests access to a digital house guide, Wi-Fi information, house rules, check-in instructions, appliance guides, local recommendations, and other useful resources.
2. Can I update an Airbnb QR code after printing it?
Yes, when you use a dynamic QR code. You can update the linked destination without needing to replace the printed QR code.
3. Where should I put QR codes in my Airbnb?
Useful locations include the welcome guide, entryway, kitchen, living room, or other areas where guests are likely to need specific information. Always label each QR code clearly.
4. Do guests need a special app to scan an Airbnb QR code?
Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes using the built-in camera. Guests can generally point their phone's camera at the code and follow the prompt that appears.
5. Can I create a free QR code for my Airbnb?
Yes. QR Codes Unlimited allows users to create QR codes for free. You can use them to share different types of information and resources with your Airbnb guests.
